Adaptogen
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The word adaptogen, coined by Russian Scientist Dr. Nicolai Lazarev in 1947, refers to a natural herb product that increases the body's resistance to stresses such as trauma, anxiety and bodily fatigue. The guidelines Lazarev created for an herb to be considered an adaptogen are:
- It must cause only minimal disorders in the body's physiological functions;
- It must increase the body's resistance to adverse influences not by a specific action but by a wide range of physical, chemical, and biochemical factors;
- It must have an overall normalizing effect, improving all kinds of conditions and aggravating none.
It is claimed that adaptogenic herbs are unique from other substances in their ability to balance endocrine hormones and the immune system, and they help the body to maintain optimal homeostasis. <ref>Winston, David & Maimes, Steven. “ADAPTOGENS: Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief,” Healing Arts Press, 2007.</ref>
Most herbal adaptogens that have been identified are used in either Ayurveda or Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Adaptogens with a significant level of scientific research confirming their use include: American Ginseng, Ashwagandha, Asian Ginseng, Cordyceps, Dang Shen (Codonopsis pilosula), Eleuthero, Holy Basil, Guduchi, Jiaogulan, Licorice, Maca, Reishi, Rhaponticum, Rhodiola Rosea, Schisandra, Shilajit and Suma.
Possible adaptogens with less scientific research include: Amla, Astragalus, He Shou Wu, Lycium, Maca, Prince Seng and Shatavari.
[edit] Notes
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[edit] References
- Saleeby, J. P. "Wonder Herbs: A Guide to Three Adaptogens", Xlibris, 2006. (Three chapters on adaptogens Rhodiola rosea, Eleuthero & Jiaogulan.)
- Winston, David & Maimes, Steven. “ADAPTOGENS: Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief,” Healing Arts Press, 2007.
