What Are Adaptogens?by Aimee Amodio | More from this Blogger 22 Apr 2009 03:09 PM I was at a holistic health expo this weekend and visited a booth offering "adaptogen sprays". I'd never heard of adaptogens before, and grabbed a brochure. Adaptogens are plants and/or herbs that supposedly have the ability to increase the body's resistance to fatigue and stress. Although certain adaptogens have been in use since ancient times (many were and still are popular in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine), modern investigation into adaptogens did not begin until the 1940s. In 1947, an adaptogen was defined as an agent that helps the body counter physical, chemical, and/or biological stress. Adaptogens help boost the body's resistance to various stresses, allowing the body to "adapt" to the stressful situation. Later studies came up with a more formal definition in the late 1960s: an adaptogen is a nontoxic agent that has a normalizing influence on physiology. Adaptogens produce a defense response in the body when faced with stress. They may tone down some physical responses and boost or increase others, as the situation warrants. According to studies, adaptogens don't block or cancel out the stress response. Some stress reactions -- especially the release of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol -- are necessary under short-term stress. However, long-term stress can be damaging to the immune system and lead to illness and fatigue. Adaptogens can help moderate the body's stress responses. Some adaptogens you may have heard of include:
Many of these plants grow under harsh conditions -- leading some to believe that the plants are stronger for living in such an extreme environment. What about antioxidants? Aren't those good for you? All adaptogens contain antioxidants -- substances that help clear dangerous free radicals out of the body -- but all antioxidants are not adaptogens. It seems to be safe to include both adaptogens and antioxidants in your diet. If you'd like to learn more about adaptogens, check out Adaptogens.org for a look at the history of adaptogens, plant profiles, information about clinical studies, and more. Learn more about Aimee Amodio  Aimee is a fiction writer... dog lover... music lover... Relevanthealth tags User Comments Samual (11722) 23 Apr 2009 06:57 AMGinseng is supposedly an aid to increase the libido as well, you can buy ginseng tablets as an alternative to caffeine tablets too. Community Tags adaptogens, ginseng, herbal remedies, stress Discuss this article
|
Health categories |
