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Since I published the first edition of my book Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina and Stress Relief in 2007 (the expanded and updated second edition published in 2019), the world has changed, and people’s health needs along with it.
Stress is now one of the primary conditions people seek to address because not only does this impact their quality of life, it undermines their physical and emotional health. Over the last decade as the benefits of adaptogens for stress-related conditions became more widely recognized due to increased research, demand for adaptogens really took off.
Traditionally, herbal formulas are created for the specific individual, but for most commercially available formulas that isn’t possible. What does work well is to offer adaptogenic formulas for different kinds of stress in a range of people.
Adaptogens are Herbs that Enhance the Hypothalamic/Pituitary/Adrenal (HPA) axis and SAS (Sympathoadrenal System) function, thus helping to Re-regulate and Normalize Endocrine, Nervous & Immune functions.* They can be stimulating, calming, nourishing, heating or cooling, and moistening or drying, so it’s essential to look beyond just the label that says “adaptogens.” Which one or ones are most appropriate depends on the person taking it – age, gender, health status, etc. These herbs are usually used in formulas along with nervines, nootropics and restorative tonics, which is why skillful formulation is necessary.
Historically in herbal traditions, strengthening tonic herbs have been used as restorative agents to improve immune response, energy, relieve fatigue and enhance overall health. In TCM they are known as Kidney yang tonics, and in Ayurveda as Rasayana’s. While some of these herbs also fit the definition of an adaptogen, many do not.
There are only eight or nine herbs that are proven adaptogens and have adequate research to confirm this. These include Ashwagandha, Asian and American Ginseng, Schisandra, Rhodiola, Cordyceps, Shilijit, Rhaponticum, and Eleuthero. Other herbs that have some, but less conclusive research, I call “probable adaptogens.” Those include Holy Basil, Shatavari, Rou Cong Rong/Cistanche, Suo Yang/Cynomorium, and Morinda/Ba Ji Tian.
There are another dozen or so “possible adaptogens” that have relatively little evidence and may or may not turn out to be adaptogens. Some of these include the Chinese herb Dang Shen (Codonopsis), Manchurian Aralia, Prince Seng, Reishi, Maca, Jiaogulan, Horny Goat Weed and Guduchi. Other herbs often mistakenly labeled as adaptogens are what I call restorative tonics, such as Amla, Goji Berry, Astragalus, and Processed Rehmannia. This last group of herbs are effective and useful herbs, but they do not meet the definition of an adaptogen.
Calm Adapt™ - is appropriate for high-strung, type-A people who cannot relax. It is also useful for what in Chinese medicine is known as disturbed shen; this includes conditions such as difficulty sleeping, anxiety, stress, minor headaches or muscle tension, and irritability.
It contains calming adaptogens Ashwagandha root, Reishi mushroom, and Schisandra berry as well as nervines, Linden flower and Oat milky seed.
Daily Adapt™ - promotes energy and helps relieve stress. It is a balanced adaptogenic formula that is energizing without being overstimulating for most people. This is appropriate for daily use to combat our stressful lives. Since adaptogens enhance HPA axis and SAS function they also address elevated cortisol levels.
It contains well-researched adaptogens Eleuthero, Schisandra, Rhodiola and American Ginseng, nervine fresh Oat and nootropic Gotu Kola.
Energy Adapt™ - provides support for people who feel a lack of energy or mental clarity.
It contains stimulating adaptogens Red Ginseng, Rhodiola and Holy Basil that support the endocrine and nervous systems, as well as immune, cardiovascular and digestive function. Nootropics Gotu Kola and Rosemary support cerebral circulation and promote memory, focus and concentration. Mimosa tree bark (Albizia julibrissin) is a profound mood elevator that creates a feeling of happiness and lifts spirits. Maca is a nutritive tonic and possible adaptogen, it enhances the effects of the other herbs and when combined with the stimulating adaptogens Red Ginseng and Rhodiola, provides support for male and female sexual vitality.
Fit Adapt™ - is appropriate for athletes and people who have physically demanding jobs to increase energy, enhance focus and concentration, and to help in recovery.
It incorporates adaptogens known for promoting physical endurance and performance: Reishi, Eleuthero, Schisandra, Ashwagandha and Cordyceps. To these, we add the nervine herb Hawthorn, a cardiac trophorestorative (food for the heart and circulatory system). Alterative Sarsaparilla is added to enhance elimination of metabolic wastes and Turmeric for musculoskeletal and liver support. Ashwagandha, Hawthorn and Turmeric support the natural inflammatory response system, helping to prevent muscle wear due to oxidative stress.
Immune Adapt™ - supports healthy immune function. Based on traditional Chinese Fu Zheng Pei Ben therapy, this formula restores vital energy and balance to the body so that it is better equipped to deal with stress and challenges to the immune system.
It is a blend of immune amphoterics to help normalize immune function, including Schisandra, Eleuthero, Red and Black Reishi mushrooms, Reishi mycelium, Licorice, Astragalus and the restorative tonic Codonopsis. The tonic herb Bai-Zhu Atractylodes is added to support stomach and spleen, relieve dampness, and promote healthy immune system activity.
Men's Adapt™ - supports healthy sexual function and libido for men of all ages, as well as endocrine, immune and nervous system functions.
The formula combines the well-researched adaptogens Ashwagandha and Red Ginseng. Both herbs are adaptogens that normalize endocrine, nervous system and immune functions and have reputations for strengthening reproductive function especially in tired, overworked, and stressed-out men.* Chinese kidney yang tonics Cynomorium/Suo Yang and Epimedium/Horny Goat Weed are added to help stimulate libido and increase sexual function. Maca is a restorative tonic that supports healthy male sexual function.
Women's Adapt™ - combines adaptogenic herbs with nutritive tonics, is specifically for women who are tired, fatigued, and yin deficient (dryness, brain fog, hormonal challenges). It also enhances healthy sexual function and libido.
This formula contains energizing adaptogens Shatavari and Red Ginseng that rejuvenate and support female libido as well as endocrine, immune and nervous system function. Multiple human clinical trials clearly show that Red Ginseng is not just a “men’s herb”. It improves libido in post-menopausal women and reduces menopausal symptoms and supports heart health as well. Processed Rehmannia is a restorative yin and blood tonic used along with Ginseng and Shatavari to alleviate vaginal dryness. Fragrant Rose petal has nervine activity and helps heal the emotional heart. The uplifting nervine Damiana has a long history of use for promoting both female and male libido, as well as improving mood and mental function
This blog is intended as an informational guide. The remedies, approaches and techniques described herein are meant to supplement, not be a substitute for, professional medical care or treatment. They should not be used to treat a serious ailment without prior consultation with a qualified health care professional.
