No. 4

                                                 Adaptogen Herbs                                               

WHY TAKE ADAPTOGEN HERBS

Adaptogen herbs can be used long term to reduce the rate of aging, recovery from illness, and to minimize the effects of stress on the body. Depending upon body function, different adaptogens are recommended–

For added benefits when taking Adaptogen Herbs, alternate 1 month remedy with 1 month Adaptogens, etc. Layer your use for building and strengthening the whole body and regulating the immune system. This is particularly helpful for those with autoimmune illnesses.

Here is a list of commonly known Adaptogen Herbs–

Remember too. that herbs used in companion, are generally more effective than  when used singularly. Combine 2 to 4 herbs for a remedy, most specific to your individual purpose. Take 1/2 to 1 teaspoon 1-2 times per day, dissolved in any hot liquid which includes water, tea, juice, or coffee.  Your formula can be added to smoothies or light foods like apple sauce, but clear liquids are most effective for most.  You can use a capsule machine and prepare 00 capsules. For capsules take 3 to 6 pills per day with water, either 45 minutes before a meal or about 2 hours following a meal. To add herbs to a smoothie for example, use something like such as coconut water + greens + fruit or vegetables + ice. Sweetener is optional.

Adaptogen herbs can also lower cortisol.  Cortisol is known as the “death hormone”, it causes us to age faster.  Adaptogenic herbs are anti-aging because they reduce cortisol and modulate our immune systems. Effects of high cortisol commonly are;

Side effects of chronically elevated cortisol can include:

• Anxiety
• Auto-immune diseases
• Cancer
• Chronic Fatigue
• Common Cold
• Hormone Imbalance
• Irritable Bowel Disease
• Thyroid Conditions
• Weight Loss Resistance

Powerful Adaptogen herbs–  These are brief descriptions for each single adaptogen.  This is not a complete list, new adaptogens are being revealed more rapidly now so expect additions to this list over time. Adaptogen herbs are generally recognized as anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory plants which promote health through restoration of balance as total body tonics.  Each adaptogen may be specific to an individual health issue but overall, they still effect the whole body as a tonic. This balance restoration using an adaptogen herb is referred to as a modulator as opposed to as a remedy.  Remedies are used for “fixing” a problem specific, whereas Adaptogens can be used ongoing as a preventive or to preserve, strengthen, and build overall health.  If you find any of these of interest, do further research on the herb of interest for more specific information.  Most of these adaptogens will be detailed as an individual Post on the website with only a few exceptions of products we do not carry or have availability.

Siberian Ginseng      is not actual ginseng;  believed to modulate the immune system. Traditionally it has been used for the benefits of  increased longevity, vitality, cold & flu prevention, reduction of  harmful effects of mental & physical stress on the body, and to increase energy.  Siberian Ginseng is not true ginseng which is Panax root, but has many of the same qualities. Sometimes Panax can raise blood pressure. Siberian Ginseng is a good alternative if needed.

Panax Ginseng      Immune modulator which improves vitality, longevity, stamina, endurance, and overall health.  Whether Korean or Chinese, Red or White, all may benefit men as a testosterone balancing. Panax Ginseng is a total body tonic and for benefits, it is taken ongoing throughout life.

American Ginseng     Immune modulator which improves vitality, longevity, stamina, endurance, and overall health as a tonic for the whole body.  This form of ginseng is preferred by women and considered an estrogenic balancing tonic for the body.  May be beneficial for Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn’s, and various forms of irritable bowel diseases. It mixes well with Maca for hormonal balance.

Suma     again, sometimes called Brazilian Ginseng, but is not true ginseng;  improves the immune system and may have benefits for tumors, cancer, diabetes, sexual arousal for men and women, and sexual performance in men.

Angelica     a good adaptogen for systems of digestion, respiratory, circulatory, and nerves.  May benefit those with heartburn, gas, neuralgia (nerve pain), bone and joint pain, and loss of appetite from anorexia.

Dong Quai     an adaptogen particular to sexual function and libido

Rhodiola     this adaptogen is known to improve the skin and increase the production of serotonin which combats depression.  Rhodiola for depression is often compatible with Mucuna which is a modulator for dopamine.

Mucuna   improves sleep, promotes healthy dopamine for combating depression, improves attention span in both ADD and ADHD, an adaptogen which is restorative to all of those with a history of using all drugs of abuse. Generally complementary with Rhodiola. Strengthening, and tonifying to the nervous system.

Ashwagandha     a powerful adaptogen for the brain and dementia, it is used for TB, asthma & respiratory disorders, skin condition of white patchiness, liver disease,  fibromyalgia, memory, recall and hormonal imbalances in both men and women

Astragalus     known in China as “the world’s greatest immune tonic”, may improve immunity against the SARS virus and respiratory pandemics. Complementary with any Panax Ginseng and Fo-Ti.

Holy Basil     considered to be an adaptogen for longevity and a wide spectrum of tonic benefits

Gotu Kola     benefits the brain, eyes, and hearing

Ginkgo Biloba     benefits the brain, memory, recall, circulatory system as a blood thinner, eyes, and hearing

Fo-Ti Root     an adaptogen particular to preventing graying of hair, acts like ginseng without raising blood pressure, complementary with Ashwagandha, Holy Basil, and Astragalus

Royal Jelly     beneficial for PMS, skin, pancreatitis, asthma, kidney disorders, anti-aging, stimulates hair growth, and immune modulating.

Ginger Root     widely used adaptogen with many benefits for the circulatory system, weight loss, brain, heart, blood, and gastrointestinal difficulties

Green Tea     excellent overall plant for cleansing, depression, weight loss, and supporting the entire body, source of L-theanine which combats depression and mood. Complementary with Rhodiola and Mucuna for depression and mood disorders. Helps to modulate metabolism when consumed 1 hour following a meal.

Rosemary     an adaptogen which is highly beneficial as an anti-cancer, anti-viral, anti-bacterial

Turmeric     one of the best adaptogen herbs for inflammation, arthritis, digestive disorders, RA, MS, and the brain

Grape Skin & Grape Seed     benefits the heart, cardiovascular system, powerful antioxidants for anti-aging, venous insufficiency, edema, anti-cancer

Reishi, Shiitake, Maitake Medicinal Mushrooms     medicinal adaptogenic mushrooms known for anti-cancer beta glucans and polysaccharides,  which support a healthy immune system

ALL Medicinal Mushrooms  although Reishi, Shiitake, and Maitake are most well known, there are a multitude of medicinal mushrooms that are adaptogens and particular to all types of functions and organs. Others include (and there are others);  agaricus blazei, polyporus, white button, lion’s mane, phellinus, tremella, chaga, poria, cordyceps and more. These mushrooms can protect the body against radiation and side effects/damage from chemotherapy and should be used in tandem to any treatment

Cat’s Claw     anti-cancer, benefits for autoimmune illness, particular bowel diseases, overall tonic adaptogen

Schisandra Berry     another anti-cancer adaptogen, believed to extend lifespan, improve resistance to illness, increase stamina and vitality

Codonopsis     anti-cancer, protects from effects of radiation, balancing for immune weakness, immune deficiency such as HIV, shortness of breath, diabetes, irregular heartbeat

Jiaogulan     great adaptogen for energy without caffeine, known as “5 leaf ginseng”  which is 4 x stronger than Panax Ginseng

Noni     an adaptogen with vast uses for the digestive system & colic, convulsions, liver disorders, malaria, enlarged spleen, anti-cancer, bone & joint problems, kidney disorders, gastric ulcers, high blood pressure, AIDS, depression, drug addiction

Dang shen     vascular system, and anti-stroke

Maca     sexual function for men and women, causes sperm to swim faster and improves fertility in both sexes, reduces hot flashes and is a corrective for ED. Maca is an adaptogen herb which is the replacement for the women’s hormone replacement drug HRT.

Guduchi     particular adaptogen for those with gout, burning sensation, kidney disease, memory, grasping ability, rejuvenating

Cordyceps     prostate enlargement, irregular heartbeat, ringing in the ears, opium addiction, kidney disorders, respiratory cough and bronchitis, dizziness, unwanted weight loss, improves liver function with hepatitis B, impotency, ED, loss of libido in men and women

Shatavari     asparagus family, impotency and loss of sexual function, libido in men and women, PMS, regulates ovulation, eyes, muscle, restores vigor and vitality

Lion’s Mane Mushroom  this remarkable adaptogen is particular for the brain, MS, fibromyalgia, nerve disorders, neuropathy, ADD, ADHD, alcohol and drug recovery, dementia, Alzheimer’s prevention, depression, mood, and drug damage.

Chaga mushroom     an adaptogen specific as an anti-cancer for the lungs and stomach, known as the “mushroom of immortality”, wide range of benefits including for gastritis, TB, bones, and ulcers. Most consider this herb along with Reishi to be a must for cancer remission follow-up.

Amla     antioxidant, anti-bacterial, known as the great rejuvenator adaptogen for digestive disorders

Agaricus Blazei    another adaptogenic medicinal mushroom, used for arteriosclerosis, liver disease, cancer, digestive disorders, osteoporosis, Crohn’s, Ulcerative Colitis, IBS, bloodstream disorders, effects of emotional stress on the body

Licorice Root     powerful adaptogen for the adrenal glands and prevention of damage to the body from stress.  This is an adaptogen that when used regularly must be limited to 2 months on and 2 months off recommended.  Commonly useful for GERD, reflux, gastritis, and canker sores. This herb can raise blood pressure and should be used in lesser amounts in any formula used by a person with high blood pressure.

Our products have not been evaluated by the US Food & Drug Administration and are not approved to diagnose, treat , cure or prevent disease. Information on this site is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or healthcare professional. You should consult with your physician prior to starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program or if you suspect you may have a health problem. We reserve the right to refuse or limit sales at our discretion. Our products are not intended for use by pregnant, nursing, or lactating women.