ADAPTOGENS
by Robert Bidleman
Adaptogens are substances, "foods" which bring the body to a heightened state
of resistance to disease through physiological and emotional health. The term has come to refer
more to the nutritive herbs. It was Dr. Hans Selye who coined the term "Adaptations Energy"
and stated that it was this energy which when depleted due to stressful situations, became the
limiting factor in performance and resistance to disease. Although a Russian scientist, Lazarev
first used the term "adaptogen" and showed the connection between stress and immune functions,
it was Selye who defined the work and formulated his General Adaptive Syndrome, winning a Nobel
Prize in the process.
General Adaptive Syndrome
Alarm Reaction
This is the first stage, "response to stress" and
begins the degenerative process. The body's
response to stress is first seen here through the
sympathetic nervous system.
Resistance Phase
If the stress continues, the second phase will set in.
In this stage the body's adaptive energies are sufficient
to maintain normalization.
Exhaustion Phase
If the stress is permitted to continue the "Adaptive Energy"
is depleted and the ability to adapt as well as resist disease
is lost and cells and tissues begin to break down which
result in organ dysfunction and disease.
While this process can occur over long periods of time, it is also possible to degrade one's health in a short time also.
The class of plants known as "Adaptogens" are usually categorized due to several qualities:
The plant must raise the non-specific resistance to disease.
The plant must be capable of normalizing bodily functions even in disease states.
The plant must be non-toxic and harmless to any organ of the body.
The plant should be safe for ingestion for long periods as a nutritive (for prevention).
A Partial List of Known Adaptogens
Please excuse the 'missing links'
we're working as fast as we can
Asian Ginseng (Ren Shen)
American Ginseng
Siberian Ginseng
Schizandra Berries (Wu Wei Zi)
Astragalus (Huang Chi)
Ashwaganda
Reishi Mushroom (Ling Zhi)
Poria Cocos
Gotu Kola
Holy Basil
Angelica Sinensis (Dong Quai)
Polygonum Multiflorum (Ho Shou Wu)
Suma
Lycii Berries (Gou Qi Zi)
Codonopsitis (Dang Shen)
Royal Jelly
Eucommia (Du Zhong)
[NOTE:]There are many substances which fall loosely within the guidelines for an adaptogen.
Only the major known plants and substances are listed here. For example, the "Maitake" mushroom
has been termed an adaptogen and falls within the nutritive category but is not listed here due to the
fact that no research has shown it to qualify for all the categories.
Herbal Hall
Herb Sources