Adaptogens: Nature’s Miracle Anti stress and Fatigue Fighters
Adaptogenic herbs are health supplements believed to improve the body’s ability to resist environmental stressors. Many of these herbs have been used for centuries in Indian Ayurvedic medicine for their tonic qualities. In other words, an adaptogen was traditionally thought to normalize or balance the body’s energetic responses. In the 21st century, many adherents of adaptogens claim that these herbs promote health of the adrenal glands, which in turn regulate immune response, emotions, and bodily reactions to stress. While none of these herbs have been evaluated by the FDA, because of their general health claims, some classic adaptogens have scientific support for their effect on the adrenals. Always discuss any herbal supplements you take with your physician.
By tonifying and rejuvenating the entire adrenal system, they promote the healthy regulation of cortisol, the stress hormone. They’re called adaptogens because of their unique ability to adapt their function according to your body’s specific needs.
Not only do they help us to cope with stress and the hassles of everyday living, but they are also powerful antioxidants. There is a vast amount of information available on this ingredient, but it is relatively new in the Western hemisphere, since the Russians, during the Cold War period, did major research on this ingredient.
It is non- toxic and is not habit forming, while it exerts a normalizing influence on the body, possessing a wide range of therapeutic benefits which cause no disturbance to the normal functioning of the body.
Adaptogens are natural nutrients and are made from three types of plants – Rhodiola rosea, Eleutherococcus, and Schizandra chinensis.
Explaining the effects of the adaptogens is difficult, since they will influence each individual differently. If you are mentally exhausted or physically fatigued the adaptogens will help you feel more energetic, vitalized, and full of zest for life, but they are not regular stimulants.
Should you be stressed-out, or emotionally tired, and not coping with life well, the adaptogens will help you relax and make life easier to cope with, yet they are not tranquilizers and will not have a drug-like effect on the body.
The antioxidants contained in the adaptogens help the body fight free radicals which are released during the oxidation process of metabolism in the body, which can cause a variety of problems such as cell degeneration, cancer, aging and many other diseases. To ensure that the vital nutrients and their potency are retained while being extracted from the plant material, a unique extraction method is used.
Due to the fact that adaptogens do not have the effect of reversing a health problem and bringing about its opposite, many practitioners and patients prefer them for long-term use. In fact, because they act on body systems rather than symptoms, they typically require extended use to bring about optimal results.
Popular adaptogens are: ginseng (panax ginseng), Ashwagandha, Fo-Ti root (Polygonum multiflorum), and Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) – the latter of which is also popular for treating sick pets.
Disclaimer: This article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.
Adaptogens (dot) Org What Are Adaptogens, LiveStrong Adaptogenic Herbs, Frank M. Painter
