Adaptogenic herbs enhance your ability to cope with physical, mental and emotional stress. Stress stems from a variety of sources, including excessive work, difficult life situations or toxins in the environment. Chronic stress may result in anxiety, fatigue, reduced immunity and a host of other negative health conditions. In our fast-paced society, it can be difficult to eliminate the factors that cause stress, but adaptogens can help your body acclimate to life's challenges.
Siberian ginseng
The Siberian ginseng plant is native to northern China and eastern Russia, where it endures brutal weather conditions. Medicine is made from the root. According to Dr. William A. Mitchell, Jr., a naturopathic physician and author of "Plant Medicine in Practice," Siberian ginseng stimulates your adrenal glands, which enhances your capacity to perform work. It can be particularly helpful on long work days as a gentle "pick-me-up." Also, Siberian ginseng sensitizes your immune system, helping you to recover faster from illness.
Panax ginseng
Panax ginseng includes American and Asian ginseng. They are in a separate genus from Siberian ginseng, but, medicinally share similar traits. According to Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of "Herbal Medicine from the Heart of the Earth," Panax ginseng is helpful if you're exhausted on all levels, and if you experience low blood pressure and low blood sugar. It enhances your stamina and memory, helps with your blood sugar regulation and reduces your susceptibility to illness.
Ashwaganda
Ashwaganda root is used frequently in India to instill vigor and vitality. Consider this botanical if you're exhausted, agitated and under stress, according to Dr. Tilgner. It's also helpful if you're fatigued during the day and wide awake at night. Like the ginsengs, Ashwaganda modulates your immune system.
Licorice
Licorice root is sweet and nutritious. Don't confuse the plant licorice with the packaged candy, though. Licorice prolongs the half-life of cortisol--a hormone secreted by your adrenal glands during stressful situations. This reduces the effort that your adrenal glands must expend to supply cortisol to your body, according to Dr. Mitchell. Also, licorice is helpful if your cortisol levels are too low, states HerbWisdom.com, and it helps balances your body's stress reaction, whether you're in the early or later stages of chronic stress response.
Like People, Herbs are Unique
Adaptogenic herbs share the properties of assisting you in coping with your stress and boosting your energy. But each botanical also carries unique and distinct properties. A qualified herbalist or licensed naturopathic doctor can direct you to the herbal combination that's best suited to your individual needs.
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