Adaptogens

What They Do?

Adaptogens are natural substances that help the body to combat particular stresses put upon it by stimulating the body's own self-regeneration process. They are plant substances that normalize body processes and improve overall health by supporting the body's systems (immune system). By balancing the secretions of cortisol and other hormones of the adrenal cortex, these multipurpose agents modify a wide range of positive responses, proving especially helpful in shielding the body from impacts of stress and increasing energy levels. Effective for a variety of conditions and suitable for all body types, adaptogens not only defuse the effects of emotional stress but also help the body recover from physical stress such as heavy manual labor, running long distances, lack of sleep, surgical recovery and high-altitude sickness.

History

The same as all herbs and phyto-plants, adaptogens have been around for centuries. They were considered the most prominent herb in ancient Chinese medicine and the highly respected Chinese herb masters called them the "King" or "Elite" herb and declared adaptogens as being the most effective for the human body in time of challenges.

The name adaptogens was titled in 1947 by Russian scientist Dr. N.V. Lazarev while he was performing extensive research on these rare natural plants. Because of their capability to help increase the body's natural resistance and adapt to adverse environmental conditions, he coined the term "adaptogens".

Based on Dr. Lazarev's initial findings, numerous Russian scientists, including acclaimed scientist Dr. Israel Brekhman, set out to study and prove that adaptogens are the only natural substances which help the body protect itself from stress. From that period, starting in the early 1950's, until present over 5,000 clinical studies have been successfully performed proving the effectiveness and efficacy of adaptogens for stress reduction.

Qualifications To Be An Adaptogen

Unlike allopathic drugs which carry with them the possibility of side effects, adaptogens must benefit the body without disturbing or doing it harm. Very few plants possess adaptogenic properties. It is estimated that only one in 4,000 plants qualify to be an adaptogen . To be considered a true adaptogen, a plant must conform to the following criteria:

• The plant must be nontoxic and totally harmless to the body. It must allow the continuing physiological function of the body.
• The action it exerts must increase the body's resistance to adverse influences.
• It must normalize body functions irrespective of existing pathological conditions