What is an Adaptogen? 

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There is an elite group of herbs called Adaptogens. Although they have been used for a long time, however the modern name" Adaptogens  " was coined  by Russian scientist Nikolai V. Lazarev  in the late 1940s to describe substances that increase the body's nonspecific resistance to stress.

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According to Winston and Maimes (2007), the modern history of these incredible herbs began when former Soviet Union started looking for The Perfect Performance tonic  (p.32-33)”.

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Much of the early research into Adaptogens in the 1950s was done by Lazarev's colleague Brekhman who studied Asian Ginseng,  the classic Chinese herb for longevity.

 

Together, they created a team of more than 1200 biologists, scientists and physicians to conduct their research.

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Some of the unique plants that they researched lived through the Ice Age by adapting to and thriving in the most severe living conditions on Earth. Because of this Brekhman believed that they might possess qualities that could help our bodies adapt to the stresses of modern life. 

 

They investigated 4000 plants and identified 12 herbs as Adaptogens. The majority of the research was done on Eleuthero ( Siberian Ginseng ), Rhodiola, Rhaponticum and Schisandra Berries.

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Research into Adaptogenic herbs continued by Russian till 1980 however Germany, Armenia, Cez, Scandinavia, China & India also conducted their own research most of which has not translated into English.

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Modern Perspectives

According to Winston and Maimes (2007), there are many different perspectives on Adaptogens; 

Russian scientists say that Adaptogens increase the resistance within the body to a wide range of stressors and normalise functions. 

Ayurvedic practitioners consider them as Rejuvenating herbs while Traditional Chinese Medicine regards them as superior Tonic Herbs. 

Western researchers & scientists look at how Adaptogens regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis & sympathoadrenal system.

Clinical herbalists use Adaptogens to " re-regulate " the neuroendocrine and immune systems to enhance healing and prevent stress-induced disease. (p.21)”.

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Considering the overwhelming amount of research and data on Adaptogens they have known for their tonic benefits hence been used in multiple areas in health & wellness.

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Modern Applications

Adaptogens been used traditionaly to help body adapt to stress and support normal function. There are so many books written on this subject . some of the typical applications of herbal adaptogens are Adrenal fatigue, Anxiety, Depression, Arthritis, Brain function, Respiratory, Digestion, Eyesight, Immune System, Liver, Sleep issues, Urinary system and athletic- performance.

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Sports nutrition is an essential player in athletic- performance. In recent years Adaptogens have become very popular among some athletes. According to Canadian Academy of Sports Nutrition, athletes can benefit from adaptogens as they face many stressors such as intense training, time changes, fatigue, and pre-competition anxiety.

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Adaptogenic Herbal Teas

We use these amazing group of herbs in our blends very frequently. Some of the popular adaptogenic blends are JOY, VITALITY, ADRENAL HERBAL SUPPORT, PRIME for HIM, PRIME for HER, IMMUNE 10, and LIFE RIVERS

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References

Winston, D., & Maimes, S. (2007). Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina and Stress Relief. Vermont, USA: Healing Arts Press. 

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