Adaptogens are a large group of herbs that might be described as the key to health. The word “adaptogen” refers to the nonspecific endocrine-regulating, immune-modulating effects of certain plants that increase a person’s ability to maintain optimal health and balance in the face of physical and emotional stress. Who doesn’t have some stress in their life? Stress is not all negative, but exploring how stress affects the body we understand why adaptogens are so effective at sustaining health and wellbeing regardless of the challenges faced.
Taking a holistic view on health and wellbeing, healing is not simply a rational, self-centred, logical model it is a journey, that increases communication between mind, body and spirit, enabling integration and whole-ness.
Stress, according to WHO definition is defined as “A state of worry or mental tension caused by a difficult situation.” Stress is a natural human response that prompts us to address challenges and threats in our lives. In summary, stress is any factor whether positive or negative that requires a response or change. In my understanding any ongoing stress either positive or negative (dis-stress) can lead to dis-ease or illness whether by aggravating an existing condition or through manifestation as a direct result of the ongoing stress. Unfortunately, there is no way to avoid all stresses in life, and in fact without them we would not grow.
The process of adapting to changing environmental and social conditions is our survival mechanism. Those with an ability to adapt not only survive but have a better chance of maintaining optimal health. However, if experiencing long-term stresses this can lead to our entire system losing the ability to adapt, leading to breakdown in bodily systems and subsequent illness. Simple analogy – if you continually stretch a rubber band at some point there is a point of no return to the original size, or it breaks prior to reaching that state.
Primarily, adaptogens act on and reduce the fight and flight response. They eliminate and decrease signs of severe and prolonged stress. In other words, they modify the alarm phase of the stress response and initiate feelings of manageability and resistance. The three phases of the protective action of adaptogens when under stressful conditions include:
1. Activation of the body’s systems
2. Protection from stress-induced damage
3. Regeneration and repair
Enter adaptogenic herbs:
As the name suggests, plants, especially adaptogens have had to adapt to coexisting with pathogens, harsh environments and herbivores which if they hadn’t adapted would not have survived. It is the process of adapting that has enabled them to evolve to respond effectively to specific environmental stimuli including nutrient or water deprivation, herbivore attack, pests and other environmental challenges. Drawing a parallel with stressors that we are subjected to includes air, water and food pollution as well as day-to-day life issues such as overwhelm, moving house, toxic job, illness or death of a loved one etc. It is our ability to adapt that builds the resilience and ultimate survival.
Adaptogens combat negative effects of stress to build resistance ultimately improving greater mental and physical endurance, overall health, wellbeing and vitality while mitigating the cost of any stressors to build inner balance and homeostasis. The key benefits of taking adaptogenic herbs include:
1. Increased energy and stamina
2. Improved ability to carry out demanding activities
3. Clearer mental ability
4. Enhanced ability to tolerate and recover from all types of stressors
5. Stronger immunity to viruses and bacteria.
Examples of Adaptogens
As with all herbs, adaptogens of which there are many, are no different in that they address multiple pathways in mind and body though various actions, such as anti-inflammatory, nervine, sedative, alterative, antibacterial, antimicrobial, anti-viral, digestive, cardio tonic and so on. A word of caution, just because something is natural does not mean it is safe. Always consult a professional if taking medication as herbs can interfere with absorption rate and dosages of your medication. Similarly, if you are pregnant or breast-feeding consult before self-prescribing. Below are some examples of adaptogens with their main actions, but not all actions are listed:
Silybum marianum – Milk thistle – Adaptogenic, hepatoprotective, chologue, bitter tonic, laxative. Milk thistle is well known as a prime liver remedy, protecting the liver from damage caused by pollution, drugs, chemicals and alcohol.
Panax ginseng – Korean Ginseng – Adrenal tonic, adaptogenic, hepatoprotective, addressing weakness in mind and body to increase energy and stamina.
Glycyrrhiza glabra – liquorice – Anti-inflammatory, adaptogenic, antiviral, restorative, improving resilience to stressors, enhances immunity and soothes irritation and inflammation in the throat, bronchial tubes as well as addressing chest infections.
Schisandra chinensis – Schisandra – Antioxidant, hepatoprotective, adaptogenic, immunostimulant, antiviral, addresses fatigue, promoting energy and vitality. Protective against free radical damage and supports liver detoxification.
Withania somnifera – commonly known as Ashwagandha – Adaptogenic, nutritive, anti-inflammatory, nervine, anxiolytic, addressing debility, muscle weakness and low body weight. Excellent when suffering from insomnia, or run down due to overwork, chronic illness or stress.
Perhaps not all the above listed herbs can be purchased over the counter. In the event that a particular herb is available be sure to buy from a reputable supplier for reasons that not all herbs are equal. In other words, some products have minimal amounts of the active constituents of the herbal content, are full of bulking agents and fillers that do more harm than good, or are not farmed ethically or sustainably, reducing supply while endangering the plant. Production of herb products is also important as conditions need to be clean, the method of extraction correct to ensure concentrated actions of the herb are at maximum percentage and exactly what is published on the pot, bottle or container.
Russian toxicologist, Dr Nicholai Lazarev coined the term “adaptogen” from his work during World War II that centred not only around pharmaceutical drugs, but also plants. His interest in plants continued after the war as he found that they could enhance well-being and performance without any negative side effects. It was his work that we can be grateful for as it has laid the foundation for understanding this amazing group of plants.
I leave you with these beautiful and wise words from Vivain Greene, R & B singer, song writer and pianist - “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass…. It is about learning to dance in the rain.”
References:
Adaptogens in Medical Herbalism – Donald R. Yance, CN, MH, RH (AHG)
https://www.herbalreality.com/health-lifestyle/stress-sleep/history-adap...
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