In our fast-paced, stress-ridden modern lives, many seek natural remedies to help us cope with the demands of daily living. Enter adaptogens – a class of herbs and plants used for centuries in traditional medicine systems worldwide promote overall well-being and reslience.
The term “adaptogen” was coined in 1947 by Russian scientist Nikolai Lazarev. It refers to substances that help the body to adapt to stressors. It normalize body functions by strengthening the immune system. The benefits of adaptogens are believed to work by helping the body adapt to various forms of stress. The stress can be in various forms: anxiety, fatigue, trauma or even infection These natural compounds are thought to regulate the body’s stress response system which is responsible for releasing hormones like cortisol in times of stres.
Adaptogens go back long before Lazarev; the concept originated in traditional Indian Ayurvedic medicine and traditional Chinese medicine. Lazarev’s initial research took off under fellow Russian pharmacologist Israel Brekhman. Dr. Brekhman,, the “Father of Adaptogens,” focused on Panax Ginseng and especially Siberian ginseng. He believed that there are three qualities that plants must have to be an adaptogen:
- It is non-toxic when taken in normal doses
- It helps your body cope with stress
- It allows your body to return to balance (homeostasis)
How Adaptogens Herbs Work
Adaptogens work by regulating the release of stress hormones like cortisol and supporting adrenal function. This allows the body to respond to both mental and physical stressors. Some different types of plants and herbs considered adaptogens include:
- Panax ginseng (Asian ginseng)
- Eleutherococcus senticosus (Siberian ginseng)
- Rhodiola rosea (golden root, roseroot)
- Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera, Indian ginseng)
- Astragalus membranaceus (huang qi)
- Cordyceps mushrooms
- Ocimum tenuiflorum (Holy basil)
- Glycyrrhiza glabra ( Licrorice root)
- Schisandra chinensis (Schisandra berries)
Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus), also known as eleuthero, is different from American (Panax quinquoefolius) or Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng). Some studies have found that the active ingredient in Siberian ginseng, eleutherosides, can help to reduce the severity and length of colds when taking early on when symptoms first appear. Other studies have shown that healthy people who took Siberian ginseng for a period of time had more T-cells in their system. Our lymphocytes (part of our white blood cell system which is part of our body’s defense system) includes both T-cells and B-cells. B-cells make proteins called antibodies to fight pathogens. There are two different types of T-cells: One type destroys harmful pathogens while the other T-cell send signals to help control one’s immune response system.
Siberian ginseng is a shrub native to Russia that grows 3 to 10 feet high. Also known as “Devil’s Bush,” the supplement is made from the root and then made available as liquid extracts, solid extract, powders, capsules, tablets and as dried or cut root for tea. The common dosage is 100- 200 mg standardized extract. Typical duration of taking an adaptogen is approximately 8 to 12 weeks.
Monitoring Siberian Ginseng
Siberian ginseng, like most adaptogens, is not monitored by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) as it is marketed as a supplement instead of a drug. In particular, it has been reported that Siberian ginseng may interact with certain medications like immunosuppressants, diabetes drugs, anticoagulants and sedatives. One does not give Siberian ginseng to children, nor pregnant women. Because the intent of Siberian ginseng, as is with any other adaptogen, is to return the body to homeostasis, one does not continue to take the adaptogen once the goal of homeostasis has been achieved.
In our quest for natural remedies and well-being, adaptogens offer a natural and time-honored approach to promoting resilence, balance and overall vitality. By embracing these ancient remedies and integrating them into our modern lives, we can tap into nature’s wisdom and support our bodies innate ability to adapt and thrive in the face of life’s challenges.
All of above is for information only, and is not to be taken as medical advice. Please see your medical doctor for formal advice.
Barry Schustermann
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