What are adaptogens?

Stress can be defined as an injury or threat to our physical and mental well being, loss or a perception of loss, or challenge that we fear which is partly or totally beyond our control. Stress reactions could be labeled as bad when the body over reacts to demands made on it, the heart beats faster, breathing rate increases, sweating is more, muscles become tense, and various chemical reactions take place in the brain. A large proportion of all illness (perhaps 70-80%) is believed to occur because of stress - because the level is too high, and/or too long-term. High-stress modern living is probably the main factor causing chronic disease.

Caffeine and sugar are being extensively used to counter stress. The problem is they don’t actually work. Sugar and caffeine do offer a quick lift, but the crash is never far behind. Fortunately Nature has an answer to this challenge - a unique class of herbal products called "Adaptogens". Adaptogens have the most broad-spectrum healing properties of any herbal medicines, but their unique value is that they specifically relieve stress.

Adaptogens are a unique group of herbal ingredients used to improve the health of your adrenal system, the system that’s in charge of managing your body’s hormonal response to stress. They help strengthen the body’s response to stress and enhance its ability to cope with anxiety and fight fatigue – slowly and gently, without jolts or crashes. They’re called Adaptogens because of their unique ability to “adapt” their function according to your body’s specific needs. Though the effects may initially be subtle and take time to make themselves felt, they’re real and undeniable.

2. Why are more and more people resorting to them?

Adaptogens are a natural ally in dealing with persistent stress and fatigue because they work with regulating important hormones. Adaptogens offer several other health benefits, including…

• A boost for the immune system
• Support for managing a healthy weight
• Increased physical endurance and mental focus
• Encouraging a balanced mood

All these benefits can come from something as simple as adding adaptogens into your regular diet. Consuming Adaptogenic herbs is one of the best ways of their intake. This elite class of herbs imparts strength, energy, stamina, endurance, and they improve mental clarity. In many parts of the non-Western world Adaptogens are used extensively in high-risk, fast-reflex occupations, from athletes to miners to deep sea divers. Adaptogens have been used in Chinese and Indian Ayurvedic medicine for centuries, to boost energy and resilience in the face of stress.

Adaptogens work a bit like a thermostat. Adaptogens can calm you down and boost your energy at the same time without over stimulating. They can normalize body imbalances. By supporting adrenal function, they counteract the adverse effects of stress. They enable the body’s cells to access more energy; help cells eliminate toxic byproducts of the metabolic process and help the body to utilize oxygen more efficiently.

3. Which are the most effective adaptogens and why?

There are a number of naturally adaptogenic herbs that come with their benefits. They can be taken in capsulated supplement form, brewed in teas, or simply cut up and used to spice up a meal. Here are some effective adaptogenic herbs and their traditional uses.

Ashwagandha root: Calming adaptogen, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antispasmodic, astringent, sedative (mild), thyroid stimulant. This herb is one of the most prominent Rasayana (rejuvenative) remedies of Ayurveda. It is one of the few calming adaptogens and has traditionally been used for anxiety, bad dreams, mild OCD, insomnia, and nervous exhaustion. It is one of the natural herbs that reduces inflammation helpful to aid the pain of arthritis.

Eleuthero root: Adaptogen, anti-cholesteremic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory. It is indicated for the "average" individual who is overstressed, undernourished but overfed, doesn't get enough sleep or exercise, has dark circles under his or her eyes, a quivering tongue, and contracting/dilating pupils. Taken regularly it enhances immune function, reduces cortisol levels and inflammatory response and promotes cognitive and physical performance.

Licorice rhizome: Adaptogen, antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, antidiuretic, antioxidant, gastroprotective. Licorice is a versatile and commonly used herb in Traditional Chinese medication, Unani, and European herbal traditions. It is an immune amphoteric and can be useful for autoimmune disorders (Lupus, Scleroderma, Crohn's disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis) as well as immune deficiency conditions (cancer, HIV).

Asian Ginseng root: Stimulating adaptogen, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-asthmatic, cardiotonic, CNS stimulant. Ginseng, especially Red Ginseng, is the most stimulating of the adaptogens. Traditionally it is used in Chinese medicine for older men with deficient kidney function, impotence, fatigue, low back pain. It is a useful part of a protocol for depression and exhaustion.

Tulsi: Adaptogen, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immune amphoteric. Tulsi also known as Holy Basil has been part of the Hindu religion for thousands of years and is known in India as one of the most revered and powerful herbal remedies. It has been traditionally used as a remedy to aid bronchitis and for stomach upsets. It is an antioxidant and is also neuro-protective, and is known to protect you against the effects of radiation. It is also known to aid menopause symptoms and may help ADHD. Its antioxidant properties support heart health and normal lipid profiles. It’s also a powerful weapon against stress and infections.

Rhodiola root: Stimulating adaptogen, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidepressant, cardioprotective. Rhodiola has a long history of use in Scandinavia, Eastern Europe, and Russia as a rejuvenative tonic. Rhodiola has been an official medicine in the Soviet Union, as a mild CNS stimulant, memory enhancer, cardiotonic, and immune tonic. In human studies, this root has been shown to be effective for treating mild depression, neurological imbalances, impaired cognitive function, erectile dysfunction and infertility in women.

4. What is the right way to take them on a regular basis? Any side effects?

Most of the above Adaptogens can be taken as a tea/ concoction. The standard method of preparing the concoction is to take ½ teaspoon of dried powdered herb/ root and decoct in approximately 200 ml of water for 10-15 minutes. Allow it to stand for an hour. You could consume 15-20 ml of the concoction BD/TID or as indicated.

Adaptogens as any other herbal remedy are also available in pharmaceutical packings as capsules, powders or tablets. But it is always better to consume them in their natural form. Alternatively Ayurvedic/ Unani doctors/ practitioners also prescribe Adaptogens as cure for some ailments.

Most Adaptogens if taken in dilute moderate servings are safe and effective. Women are more sensitive to the effect of Eleuthero root than men and patients with hypertension should avoid using this herb on a continual basis. Overuse of Ginseng in people can cause insomnia, anxiety, increased blood pressure, and irritabilityAvoid using Rhodiola in anxious, manic, or bipolar patients. Avoid taking it in the evening as it may cause insomnia in sensitive people.