Adaptogens

Chapter 6. Health Benefits of Adaptogens

When compiling research on the health benefits of adaptogens, the amount of data is almost overwhelming. This is due to the large number of studies and the fact that adaptogens have such a broad influence on the entire body.

Many of the adaptogens that are commonly used today have a history of use that goes back hundreds and thousands of years. Over that time, a vast amount of experience has been gained that has gone toward understanding their therapeutic applications.

Adaptogens can greatly increase the effectiveness of some modern drugs, including antibiotics, anxiolytics (anxiety relief), antidepressants, and hypoglycemic (blood sugar lowering) agents. They also can reduce, and in some cases eliminate, the side effects of some drugs. They have a proven record of being safe, efficacious, and quite versatile in their treatment of many conditions.

All adaptogens have antistress qualities that provide stabilizing effects on the neuroendocrine system, especially the HPA axis. All adaptogens help to modulate and enhance the immune system. All adaptogens provide antioxidant nutrients.

This chapter mentions highlights from both research and tradition. The listed benefits and uses of adaptogens are based on all available information, including modern scientific research, records of their use in traditional medical systems, ethnobotany, and clinical observations made by practitioners. The disorders have been arranged alphabetically to assist readers in locating the conditions that most interest them.

BRAIN FUNCTION

The brain is part of the nervous system, along with the spinal cord, nerves, and sensory organs. The nervous system responds to chronic stress in multiple ways. Some people may develop stress headaches, and others suffer from insomnia, anxiety, or depression. Over long periods of time, cortisol can cause neuro-inflammation and elevated cortisol levels have been linked to increased risk of migraines, depression, and Alzheimer’s disease. Research indicates that high cortisol levels also promote degeneration and death of nerve cells along with decreased memory function.

Adaptogens for Improved Brain Function

Adaptogens have multiple effects on nervous system and brain health. They normalize neurotransmitter levels in the brain, inhibit cortisol-induced neuro-inflammation, and upregulate neuropeptide Y (NPY). High levels of NPY are found in the amygdala and hypothalamus areas of the brain that are essential for regulation of emotions and our response to stress. Increased NPY reduces anxiety and inhibits sympathetic activity, which slows the heart, reduces blood pressure and decreases cortisol production by the adrenal glands. Furthermore, adaptogens have the ability to increase both the amount of mental exercise a person can carry out as well as the quality of that work.

The following adaptogens enhance brain function and mental clarity: American ginseng, ashwagandha, Asian ginseng, eleuthero, holy basil, rhaponticum, rhodiola, and schisandra.

The following adaptogens are neuroprotective: ashwagandha, Asian ginseng, holy basil and rhaponticum.

The following adaptogens support the central nervous system: Asian ginseng, rhaponticum, schisandra, and shilajit are stimulating; and ashwagandha, cordyceps, jiaogulan, and schisandra are calming.

Adaptogen Notes

• Rhaponticum and schisandra enhance reading comprehension, aptitude, and speed.

• Rhodiola enhances a person’s ability for memorization and prolonged concentration. Regular use can lead to improvements in learning and memory retention.

• Schisandra has an unusual dual effect on the nervous system. It enhances focus, work performance, and mental clarity. At the same time, it is calming and helps relieve mild anxiety. Holy basil, in addition to being a probable adaptogen, is also a nootropic, anxiolytic, and antidepressant

[Sample from Monograph section]

ELEUTHERO

Botanical Name: Eleutherococcus senticosus (synonym: Acanthopanax senticosus)

Family: Araliaceae

Common Names: Ci wu jia (Chinese), wu jia shen (Chinese), Siberian ginseng, ezoukogi (Japanese)

Taste/Energy: Sweet, slightly bitter, slightly warm

Parts Used: Root and stem bark

Location/Cultivation: Eleuthero grows throughout Siberia, northern China, Korea, and northern Japan.

Safety Rating: ***

Properties: Mild, non-stimulating adaptogen, antioxidant, hypocholesterolemic, immune amphoteric.

Constituents: The active constituents are believed to be a group of compounds known as eleutherosides A to G.

History/Ethnobotany

The historical use of eleuthero in Chinese medicine is more than a bit confusing. It, along with several other plants, is known as wu jia (five leaves). Included in this group is what is now called ci wu jia (E. senticosis) and wu jia pi (several species of Acanthopanax, especially A. gracistylis, as well as a totally unrelated plant, Periploca sepium). All of these plants are used for treating with “wind/damp” conditions. Wind conditions are spasmodic, erratic or involve numbness, while dampness correlates to swelling and edema.

Modern Uses

Eleuthero is used in China to strengthen the qi and the Chinese spleen and kidneys. Symptoms of deficient spleen qi include fatigue, listlessness, lack of appetite, and abdominal bloating. Using this herb, along with digestive herbs and other stronger tonic herbs, helps to relieve these symptoms.

As an adaptogen, eleuthero is mild and can be used for men or women. It is most appropriate for younger people (15-40 years old) who have their vital force (jing) intact but are experiencing greater than normal stress. It is unlikely to cause overstimulation and can be taken over long periods of time.

Eleuthero also strengthens the immune system, and regular use will reduce the incidence of colds and other common infectious diseases. Cancer patients receiving chemotherapy and radiation therapy often develop bone marrow suppression and decreased white blood cell counts. In one clinical study, eleuthero was able to reverse these conditions in many patients (Kupin, et al, 1987).

Athletes can benefit from using eleuthero. It increases endurance and stamina, enhances mitochondrial activity, speeds recovery, and prevents immune-depletion from excessive training. It can be combined with cordyceps, rhodiola, or schisandra for enhancing athletic performance and for improving alertness and cognitive function when under severe stress or when working long hours. Physicians with long shifts who get little sleep, those with flex shift jobs, and students pulling “all nighters” will likely feel better, perform better, and recover more quickly when using these adaptogenic tonic herbs.

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Part One: Herbal Adaptogens

1 Herbal Medicine around the World

2 Adaptogens: An Overview

3 History of Adaptogens

4 Actions of Adaptogens

5 Adaptogens and the Stress Response

6 Health Benefits of Adaptogens

Part Two: Materia Medica

7 Monographs on Adaptogens

Well-Researched Adaptogens
American Ginseng • Ashwagandha • Asian Ginseng • Cordyceps • Eleuthero • Rhaponticum • Rhodiola • Schisandra • Shilajit

Probable Adaptogens
Cistanche • Cynomorium • Holy Basil • Morinda • Shatavari

Possible Adaptogens
Codonopsis • Guduchi • Horny Goat Weed • Jiaogulan • Licorice • Maca • Manchurian Aralia • Prince Seng • Reishi • Russian Devil’s Club • White Bryony

8 Nervines: Complementary Herbs for Adaptogens
Betony • Blue Vervain • Chamomile • Fresh Milky Oat • Hawthorn • Lemon Balm • Linden • Mimosa • Motherwort • Passionflower • Skullcap • St. John’s Wort

9 Nootropics: Complementary Herbs for Adaptogens
Bacopa • Bhringraj • Chinese Polygala • Ginkgo • Gotu Kola • Lavender • Rosemary • Shankhpushpi • White Peony

10 Restorative Tonics: Complementary Herbs for Adaptogens
Amla • Astragalus • Bee Pollen • Chyawanprash • Goji Berry • Nettle Seed • Processed Rehmannia • Saw Palmetto • Suma

Part Three: Herbal Adaptogens in Use

11 Clinical Use of Adaptogens

12 Adaptogenic Herbs in Combination

13 Adaptogens and Restorative Tonics as Food

14 Adaptogens for Animals Resources

Glossary

Bibliography

Index

David Winston, RH(AHG), is a clinical herbalist and ethnobotanist with 50 years of training in Chinese, Western/Eclectic, and Southeastern herbal traditions. He is a founding member of the American Herbalists Guild, the founder/director of the Herbal Therapeutics Research Library, and the dean of David Winston’s Center for Herbal Studies. He lives in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Steven Maimes has studied natural medicine for over 30 years. A researcher, freelance writer, and principal of SALAM Research, he lives in Rochester, New Hampshire.

“There has never been a time when more people at once have suffered from anxiety, sleep disorders, stress, and immune system dysfunction. Conventional medicine provides us only with tools that suppress at best, harm at worst. Yet there is another way, one that is both ancient and modern, a class of herbs called adaptogens. And who better to enlighten us on the history, benefits, and use of these herbs, trusted across cultures, than an herbalist’s herbalist, universally trusted for his knowledge of both botanical medicine history and use. In this book, David Winston provides us with a tool for resilience that we need now more than ever and that is readily accessible to all who want to welcome medicinal plants into their healing path.” Aviva Romm, MD, herbalist, author of Botanical Medicine for Women’s Health and The Adrenal Thyroid Revolution

“Here is an herbal gem! Few people know and understand the properties and actions of herbs as well as David Winston. His expertise lies not only in how herbs were used historically but in the latest scientific research as well. Melding information from many traditions, David paints a complete picture of their use and effectiveness. This updated and expanded Adaptogens is a welcome addition for anyone looking to improve their health. This book will expand your understanding of adaptogen herbs, their history, and their relevance in today’s chronic-stress society.” Phyllis D. Light, MA, RH(AHG)

“Authoritative, indispensable Herbalism at its best. A welcome second edition that confirms the place of this exceptional book on every herbalist’s bookshelf.” David Hoffmann, BSc, FNIMH, Principle Scientist at Traditional Medicinals, author of Medical Herbalism

“David’s new edition of Adaptogens offers so much more than most of the herbal books available today. His wisdom, insights and experience shine through every page, guiding and inspiring the reader to find higher health and vitality and protect against the harmful effects of daily stress in a practical and clear style that is imminently accessible.” Christopher Hobbs, Ph.D., L.Ac., A.H.G., coauthor of Grow It and Heal It

"David Winston is one of the foremost clinical herbalists of our time. He is a beloved speaker at medical conferences due to his encyclopedic knowledge of plants and his mastery of teaching to a wide variety of audiences. He knows not only western herbs, he is adept in using herbal foundations of Traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medical systems, and weaves molecular, traditional, energetic wisdom together with finesse. These varied skill sets make David a treasure trove of herbal knowledge and his books display his deep understanding and practical experience, all on a base of human kindness." Jill Stansbury, ND

“I consider this book essential for clinical herbal practice. It is also excellent for all serious students and home herbalists. It reduces to gentle readability the problems inherent in the concept of the adaptogen, rescuing it from both faddism and skepticism, defining it against a backdrop of related and different concepts. It then provides an apothecary of adaptogens that is comprehensive, practical, and will instill confidence in the herbalist using these important plant medicines.” Matthew Wood, MS (Herbal Medicine), Registered Herbalist (AHG)

HERBALISM

“Who better to enlighten us on the history, benefits, and use of these herbs, trusted across cultures, than an herbalist’s herbalist, universally trusted for his knowledge of both botanical medicine history and use. David Winston provides us with a tool for resilience that we need now more than ever and that is readily accessible to all who want to welcome medicinal plants into their healing path.”
--Aviva Romm, MD, herbalist, author of Botanical Medicine for Women’s Health and The Adrenal Thyroid Revolution

“A welcome addition for anyone looking to improve their health. This book will expand your understanding of adaptogen herbs, their history, and their relevance in today’s chronic-stress society.”
--Phyllis D. Light, MA, RH(AHG)

Every day our bodies strive to adapt and stay balanced, energized, and healthy, yet chronic stress and the resulting elevation of stress hormones have been shown to cause not only fatigue and weight gain but also many degenerative diseases. In this updated and expanded edition clinical herbalist David Winston and researcher Steven Maimes provide a comprehensive look at adaptogens: nontoxic herbs such as ginseng, eleuthero, and ashwagandha that help the body “adapt” to the many influences it encounters and manage the stresses it experiences. Adaptogens also increase stamina and energy, boost cognitive function, restore the immune system, and counter the effects of aging.

Beginning with a history of the use of adaptogens, including in Ayurveda, Chinese medicine, and Russian medicine, the book examines how these herbal remedies work and why they are so effective. The extensive Materia Medica includes monographs on 25 adaptogens as well as complementary nervines, restorative tonics, and nootropic herbs, such as fresh milky oat, astragalus, St. John’s wort, and ginkgo. Each monograph presents the latest scientific research and details the origin, traditional and clinical uses, actions, properties, preparation, and dosage for each herb. The book also includes guidance on adaptogenic remedies for our animal companions.

Aimed not only at herbalists but also those interested in natural health, this guide to adaptogens will allow you to safely and effectively use these herbal remedies to enhance your health and improve your chances of living a longer, healthier, and well-balanced life.

David Winston, RH(AHG), is a clinical herbalist and ethnobotanist with 50 years of training in Chinese, Western/Eclectic, and Southeastern herbal traditions. He is a founding member of the American Herbalists Guild, the founder/director of the Herbal Therapeutics Research Library, and the dean of David Winston’s Center for Herbal Studies. He also holds an honorary doctor of science degree from the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM). He lives in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

Steven Maimes has studied natural medicine for over 30 years. A researcher, freelance writer, and principal of SALAM Research, he lives in Rochester, New Hampshire.