Adaptogens
Facts
List of adaptogens
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Facts
- Adaptogen is a word coined by a Russian scientist Dr. Nicolai Lazarev to mean a remedy that helps the body cope with all kinds of stresses such as trauma, sleeplessness, injury, depression, psychological stress, environmental stress, radiation and infection.
- The body's way of helping itself relax and cope in times of stress or other stimuli is to produce the hormones adrenaline (also called epinephrine) which triggers a "flight or fight" response and noradrenaline (also called norepinephrine) which is important in maintaining wakefulness and alertness.
- When noradrenaline levels are low, depression would cripped in along with fatigue.
- Dopamine, a precursor to adrenaline and noradrenaline plays an important role in normal body movements and gives the feeling of pleasure.
- Consuming sugar, tea, coffee, chocolate, alcohol or smoking a cigarette can also trigger the release of dopamine which converts to adrenaline and noradrenaline. However, no matter what, it is better to go for healthier and less-damaging alternatives.
- The most effective adaptogen for anyone is most likely to have a change in lifestyle :
- keep stress levels low
- stay cheerful
- eat right
- maintain healthy blood sugar levels
- get enough sleep
- exercise faithfully
List of adaptogens
- AMERCIAN GINSENG
Also known as panax quinquefolius. Ginsenosides are the beneficial substances found in ginseng (check label). This popular tonic increases energy, builds resistance against stress, reduces anxiety, improves immunity, increase stamina during exercise and vitality. It is believed to control blood sugar levels and so can help people with diabetes mellitus. Ginseng must be taken regularly over a period of weeks or months before results would show.
May promote estrogenic activity in women. For use in pregnant or nursing women and young children, please consult a healthcare professional before consuming.
- KOREAN/ASIAN GINSENG
Also known as panax ginseng. Ginsenosides are the beneficial substances found in ginseng (check label). This ginseng increases energy, builds resistance against stress, reduces anxiety, improves immunity, increase stamina during exercise and vitality.
May promote estrogenic activity in women. May raise blood pressure levels in some people, cause insomnia, nosebleed, headaches, diarrhea, tremors, breast pain and irritability. For use in pregnant or nursing women and young children, please consult a healthcare professional before consuming.
- ASHWAGANDHA (or Ashwaganda)
Also known as withania somnifera. It is an ayurvedic herb that has also been called "Indian ginseng". The name ashwaganda means "smells like a horse". It raises energy levels, enhances immunity, helps the body cope with stress, increase libido, reduce the stress hormone cortisol and even stabilises cholesterol levels.
May cause drowsiness, breast tenderness and menstrual problems. Can cause miscarriage in pregnant women. For use in pregnant or nursing women and young children, please consult a healthcare professional before consuming.
- SIBERIAN GINSENG
Also known as eleutherococcus senticosus. Eleutheros (eleutherosides) are the beneficial substances found in this ginseng (check label). It relieves fatigue, fights off infection, promotes endurance and resistance to stress.
Dosage : 100 mg to 200 mg with more than .08% eleutherosides. To be taken for 2 to 3 months then followed by a 2-week break.
- NONI
Also known as morinda citrifolia. This is a fruit with constituents that can help restore the body's internal organs to function normally. It also benefits the endocrine system, which comprises of the adrenal and thyroid glands. Repairs damaged cells as well.
Noni contains the amino acids, phenylalanine and tyrosine. Phenylalanine is a precursor to tyrosine which leads to the conversion of neurotransmitters dopamine, noradrenaline, thyroxine (hormone produced by the thyroid gland) and melanin (pigment).
Ms. Isabelle Navarre-Brown wrote in 76 Ways to Use Noni Fruit Juice (Direct Source, 2001) that noni helps the body cope with stressful situations such as exams, presentations, speeches, beginning of school and surgery.
See Recommended dosing. More about noni.
- RHODIOLA ROSEA
Also known as Russian rhodiola, golden root and arctic root. Rosavin and salidroside are the beneficial substances found in rhodiolia rosea. This herb stablises adrenal hormones. It boosts immunity, improves concentration and stress resistance, increase physical performance and mood.
- LICORICE
Also known as glycyrrhiza glabra. This herb helps to balance the levels of stress hormone cortisol. Also used topically for herpes, eczema and psoriasis.
Licorice extract is found to boost the skin's natural steroid hormones to counteract inflammation and irritation.
Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is one form used for indigestion and heartburn.
For pregnant women and people with heart disease, liver disease, hypertension, kidney disease, please consult a healthcare professional before cosuming.
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