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Adaptogenic
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The Miracle of Herbs Written by Elena Marcus The most dramatic proof that herbs are an essential part of human health is the existence of adaptogens. Plants existed millions of years before any animal, or human for that matter. The oldest tree, or one of the oldest, Ginko Biloba, existed 250 million ago. Humans did not roam about vegetation stumbling upon plants which happened to be good for them, but the vegetation was there first, active in the making of the human physiology. The advantage of herbs over pharmaceuticals is that humans grew up with them – in a manner of speaking. This may explain why chemicals in plants, phytochemicals, are turning out to have so many effects on health. Phytochemicals fight free radicals, inflammations, infections with germs, fungi and viruses, hormonal imbalances and lipid, carbohydrate and protein metabolism. They were shown to fight Cancer, by preventing it or staving it in its various stages. The most dramatic proof that herbs are an essential part of human health is the existence of adaptogens. Adaptogens are herbs that actually modulate various aspects of metabolism, bringing them to normal – in other words, they prevent (are prophylactic) or cure pathological conditions. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, disease follows a state of imbalance between the life energies of yin and yang. The Western theory of disease that comes close to the evidence, is close in concept with TCM, as it emphasizes homeostasis. Any physical and psychosocial stress disrupts the state of equilibrium which is commanded by the part of the brain called hypothalamus. Hypothalamus regulates metabolism through hormones and nerves. A high stress or a moderate stress that is lengthy, causes serious disruption of homeostasis and consequently disease. No matter what the source of stress is, whether is contracting an infection, or having a quarrel with a spouse, or an intense physical exercise, or a period of financial insecurity, the organic manifestation is the same. The brain kicks in a series of cellular processes and hormone release which may cause constriction of blood vessels, insulin resistance, high Blood pressure and high blood Glucose level. Since the first two are not readily available, we will mention the Siberian Ginseng’s actions: Regulates the activity of Endocrine glands; reduces toxicity in the body and normalizes leukocyte count. Reduces psychological fatigue and accelerates recovery during rest; modulates the immune system.; improve heart tissue regeneration during a heart attack; increased resistance to changes n the ambient area, oxygen deprivation, and improvement of states such as Diabetes, Cancer, vascular diseases. Herb Preparation Infusions The plant part (usually roots, seeds or bark) is simmered at low temperature in non-metallic container from several minutes up to 30 minutes , depending on the hardness of the part of the plant used. The doze is one teaspoon of the powdered herb or one tablespoon of the cut part of the herb to one cup of water. Roots are simmered for the longer time, often half an hour or even more. For a 30-minute decoction, one should increase the water quantity by 30 percent. Made from powdered teas, capsules are four times stronger than teas, writes Rector Page. However, she points out, the water infusions offer a flushing action that helps removes waste from the body. Tincture Syrup:. According to Rector Page, the treatment should start with higher quantities and continue with lesser and lesser amounts. However, there are maintenance herbs such as those offering nutrient-rich and antioxidant support (nettles, alfaalfa, ginger, kelp, ROSEMARY, dandelion, spirulina, barley grass, chlorella, parsley root, rose hips, red rasberry, plantain, billberry, white pine bark, grapeseed, wild cherry); and those to be used in chronic toxic conditions due to nutrition, smoking or environmental pollutants (Burdock root, white sage, chlorella, barley grass, SARSAPARILLA root, milk thistle, dandelion, Panax ginseng, Tea/" title="Green Tea">Green Tea, red clover blossoms). Some herbs stimulate digestion, and have been used as spices for millenia (fennel, cumin, cardamon, thyme ginger, cayenne and garlic); some herbs are so-called deobstruent, that is they eliminate obstructions and congestions from various organs (cascara sagrada, wild yam, gentian, garlic, Wormwood, lungwort. Among herbs that strengthen organs and improve vitality are: motherworth and hawthorn berries for the heart; scullap and valerian for the nerves; Agrimony and Wormwood for the stomach; dandelion, Oregon grape root, barberry, astragalus, schizandra, for liver; alfaalfa, SASSAFRAS, yellowdock, spirulina, for the blood. The effect of herbs is milder and the treatment would be generally longer than that with pharmaceutical drugs, yet, writers often suggest that herbs should be rotated and breaks taken between courses. Higher quantity does not necessarily mean better health., Kloss emphasizes. Herbs should be used in recommended dozes and some should not be used continuously as they may contain chemicals which, if accumulated, may become toxic in the body or they may disrupt the metabolic balance which is meant to correct. A Different Perspective Diagnosis from a naturopathic perspective and in terms of use of herbs in particular, is different than that of allopathic medicine. In allopathic medicine, high Blood pressure is high Blood pressure, and it is treated with a high Blood pressure drug that either thins the blood or dilate the blood vessels, in consideration of interaction with other drugs taken or current conditions of the patient. In naturopathic medicine, the focus is the totality of the symptoms and not necessarily diseases, and the treatment includes diet and mental conditioning as well, as it is recognized that states of mind may cause diseases. For example, a person who has high Blood pressure, may have to some extend sore throat, red face and red eyes, Gallstones, dry skin, inflammations, burning hands and feet, infections, tendency to prefer cold drinks and foods. According to Humbard Santillo in his book Natural Healing with Herbs, who borrows concepts from Chinese Traditional Medicines and translates them into Western terms, in this case, the hypertension is only one symptom of an array of symptoms that tell the story of a person who is under stress, whose diet of excess meats and salt is highly acidic, and who has accumulated an excess of toxins in the body. Such a person should be treated with a diet of raw vegetables and fruits in order to alkalinize the blood and provide antioxidants, vitamins and phytochemicals, and in addition, anti-inflammatory herbs with a bitter taste. Bitter herbs aid in detoxification of the liver. If one has ‘excess heat’ in the body, which is manifested by the symptoms described above, stimulant herbs and spices would not be appropriate as they will heat up the body even further. Such a person will not take licorice or excess salt for example, as these stimulate the adrenal glands and cause more heat. The one-target-symptom approach of Western medicine dooms that discipline to hit-and-miss treatments, so-called “risk management” based on statistics, and literally the killing of hundred of thousands of people from iatrogenic (treatment induced) causes. The Balancing Act Besides mental attitude, diet is the most important factor in health maintenance, and herbs and spices may be considered part of it. In considering all the nutrients, anti-oxidants and the complete gamut of essential fatty acids needed, there is another aspect that one might want to consider: the balancing act. In TCM, an empirical science developed over thousands of years of attentive observation, organs are associated with tastes. In TCM excess salt endangers the heart, excess bitter endangers the lungs and the skin, excess pungent endangers the lungs and the muscles, excess sour endangers the spleen and stomach, and excess sweet endangers the kidneys and bones. Then, again, the sour taste will be counteracted by pungent, bitter by salty, sweet by sour, pungent by bitter and salty by sweet. Supporting References Anatoly Antoshechkin M.D., Ph.D., The Primary Adaptogens, 2001. Ceptima Publishing Co. Clearwater, Fl. Humberto Santillo B.S., M.H. Natural Healing with Herbs 1985, Hohm Press, Prescott Valley, Arizona. Daniel B. Mowrey, Ph.D. Herbal Tonic Therapies, 1993, Keats Publishing, New Canaan, CON. Linda Rector Page, N.D., Ph.D. How to be Your Own Herbal Pharmacist, 1997. Ze-lin Chen, M.D., Mei-Fang Chen, M.D. Chinese Herbal Medicine, 1999 Castle Books, Edison, N.J. ROSEMARY Gladstar, Herbal Healing for Women. Simon and Schuster, New York, 1993.
Short term stress is followed by reversal of the conditons, however, repeated or prolonged stressed may lead to pathological changes in organism.
The notion of adaptogenic plants came from Russia in 1940’s as they studies several plants and noticed that they had the capacity of returning the body to the state of homeostasis, or to prevent stress. This herbs are: Rodiola rosea, leuzea carthamoides (also Rhaponticum carthamoides), Eleutheroccocus senticosus (Siberian Ginseng), and Schizandra chinensis.
Schizandra chinensis, an herb used for centuries by the Chinese was studied scientifically firstly by the Russians. The Russian researchers discovered the substance called schizandrin, a lignan, and other substances similar with it. Schizandra was found to improve the central nervous system. Given prophylactically, schizandra prevented arteriosclerosis in animals and provided Immunity as well. Schizandra increases antioxidant activity.
While the herbs treatments require some patience, as they don’t give immediate results as drugs do, however they are incomparably safer.
According to Kloss, half to one ounce of leaves or flowers are infused for 10 to 20 minutes in a pint of boiled water which is poured over the plant in a non-metallic container. The liquid should be drunk cool or warm sweetened with Honey if needed. One two three cups are usually the norm, taken in small dozes throughout the day.
Cold Infusions
According to Linda Rector Page, N.D., Ph.D., in her book How to Be Your Own Herbal Pharmacist, a cold infusion can also be made by steeping herbs, especially powdered, in water for one hour or more.
Decoction
As with infusion, one to three cups daily are recommended throughout the day.
Capsules
Extract
Four to eight times stronger than capsule powdered herbs, extracts can be held under the tongue and thus they can bypass the digestive system. Rector Page recommends holding the extract under the tongue 3-4 times a day, especially during the first week of an acute condition to stimulate the body self-healing abilities quickly. Use alcohol (natural gain alcohol), wine, apple cider vinegar or vegetable glycerine. Alcohol and water mixture releases the highest number of plant compounds without changing their composition. An 80 to 100 proof alcohol such as vodka (40-50%) and water is used by many herbalists.
Directions
Pour about 1 pint of vodka over 4 ounces of dried chopped herb or 8 ounces of dry herb into a canning jar, close tightly and place in a warm place. Shake the jar twice a day for two to three weeks. Pour the liquid into a bowl and strain the slur through several layers of cheesecloth as well. Strain this liquid until it is clear. Preserve the extract into a dark glass bottle. According to Rector Page,it can maintain its potency for several years. If alcohol is not desired, the extract can be placed in warm water for 5 minutes to evaporate most of the alcohol.
To improve Circulation, energy and digestion, Rector Page suggests an infusion of herbs made with madeira, cognac or brandy. Put herbs in three-quarter-full bottle of the drink, place the mixture in a dark, cool place for one or two weeks. Strain and take small amounts as needed.
For nerve and brain tonics, Rector Page suggests steeping the herbs for one week in either red or white wine.
A typical Tincture is made with a solvent that has 25 percent alcohol and 75 percent water. It is ten to five times less potent than the fluid extract. If vodka is used, about half water and half vodka would be used.
Put three-quarter pound of raw or brown sugar in 2 cups of herb Tea and boil until the desired consistency is attained. Another method is to cook the sugar first and ad the herbal extract of Tincture. The ratio of extract to syrup is 1:3.
Syrups may not be the best therapeutics choice, on account of so much cooking and amount of sweetener required, however they are customarily used for digestive disturbances, mucus discharges, coughs and sore throats.
Among nerve tonics, herbalist and author Daniel B. Mowrey, Ph.D. lists valerian, Hops, passion flower, ginko biloba, Chamomile, and Siberian Ginseng. ).
Even long-term, maintenance and preventive herbs are not recommended to be taken forever and uninterruptedly.
Cold conditions, on the other hand, are characterized by sluggishness, cold extremities, body Aches, Diarrhea, digestive disturbances, Bloating, darkness under eyes, low body temperature. This condition is treated with stimulating herbs that have an aromatic, acrid or sweet flavor.
A diet excessive in raw and cold foods may lead to stomachache. So is a diet of excess pungent foods. In TCM these two condition are different diseases with the same major symptom that have to be treated differently. As a non-herbalist, Santillo writes, when trying to match the condition with an herb, list first the body organs which are involved and take if from there. Look at the herbs that are specific for that body organ and then see which one is more appropriate, considering all the symptoms and all the conditions which traditionally and from current studies, have been treated by that herb.
By the action of herbs and their properties, help select the appropriate remedy. It is wise to check out an herb data base (In Herbalist.com this is found under the Health Center) and read the properties and actions of an herb before engaging in a treatment. From reading the herb monograph one may verify contraindications and verify the side effects. Unless a combination of herbs is prepared by an herbalist, it is wiser to take one herb at a time to observe its effect and for allergies.
Some modern health consumers believe a serious disease ‘is beyond herbs,’ yet, many experienced practitioners contend they have used herbs successfully against diseases which were beyond pharmaceuticals. Master herbalist and author Jethro Kloss is one of them. “I do not believe that there is a disease to which human flesh is heir but that somewhere there is growing a weed or an herb or plant that will cure it,” he writes.
Adaptogenic
Did you know…?
Overview:
In today’s world, our society constantly is demanding our time and energy. We have endless responsibilities that control our lives such as, our work, home, our children, extra family activities outside the home, our bills and the list goes on.
All these responsibilities cause our bodies stress and in the end result we suffer symptoms such as, lack of Sleep, poor diet, chemical toxins in the environment or mental assaults--the body's ability to maintain homeostasis can be compromised, and illness can result.
Adaptogenic herbs have traditionally helped prevent the imbalances that can result from stress and have therefore prevented or minimized disease.
History:
An adaptogenic substance is one that demonstrates a nonspecific improvement of the body's ability to oppose stress. The term was first introduced in 1947 by Russian scientist N.V. Lazarev to describe the unique action of a material claimed to increase nonspecific resistance of an organism to an adverse influence.
In 1958, I.I. Brekhman, a Russian holistic medical doctor, and his colleague I.V. Dardymov, established the following definition of an adaptogen: It "must be innocuous and cause minimal disorders in the physiological functions of an organism, it must have a nonspecific action, and it usually has a normalizing action irrespective of the direction of the pathological state."
How It Works:
Many herbs have these properties. Adaptogen's help the body cope with stress. Adaptogens recharge the adrenal glands, which are the body's nominal mechanism for responding to stress and emotional changes.
Plants with Adaptogenic Properties:
Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) is considered a chi tonic--more specifically a tonic for the yang chi--in traditional Chinese medicine. This ginseng is usually given to people who display yang deficiency--weakness in muscles, voice and constitution, for example--and is generally best avoided by those who are well muscled and large with a tendency to bursts of anger.
AMERICAN GINSENG (Panax quinquefolius), although in the same genus as Asian ginseng, is considered a yin tonic rather than a yang tonic. As such, AMERICAN GINSENG is indicated for a hotter, more aggressive constitution. It contains many of the same ginsenosides as the Asian ginsengs and has similar effects on the body.
Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus), as can be seen by its Latin name, is not actually a ginseng, but it has been called one because of its similar properties. It is found in Russia, Asia, northern China, Japan and Korea and, in fact, Russian researchers consider it to be even more effective than Asian ginseng.
Suma (Pfaffia paniculata) is a relatively new addition to Western herbal medicine. Influenced by the popularity of ginseng, people often refer to suma as Brazilian ginseng. Preliminary chemical analysis indicates suma contains vitamins A, E, B1 and B2; 19 amino acids including lysine, histidine, arginine and glycine; and small amounts of calcium, iron, potassium and sodium.
Ashwaganda (Withania somnifera) is often called Indian ginseng, seemingly to group it with the ginsengs because of its similar actions. Though unrelated to other ginsengs, it appears to share their many properties and actions. Considered a tonic, an alterative, an astringent, a nervine and a sedative, ashwaganda has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for more than 2,500 years. Recent studies show ashwaganda to be immuno-modulating and to aid in cases of anxiety and other psychological complaints.
Astragalus (Astragalus spp.) is one of the more famous tonic herbs from China. In traditional Chinese medicine it is said to tonify the blood and spleen and aid the defensive chi. Thus, astragalus is often added to formulations used to treat weak patients. Similarly, it is used in combination with other herbs to enhance recovery following an illness or prolonged stress and to boost vitality. Astragalus is said to protect and enhance the functioning of distressed organs.
Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra and G. uralensis) rich in both saponins and flavonoids, it is anti-inflammatory because the saponins have a structure similar to that of corticosteroids. Licorice root also promotes or enhances immune system functioning and has a stimulating effect on the adrenal cortex. Licorice can inhibit the breakdown of adrenal hormone by the liver, thereby increasing corticosteroid levels in Circulation while inhibiting cortisol's ability to promote thymus atrophy.
Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis, also called wuweizi by the Chinese) is commonly used as a general tonic and to promote liver health. It can be used as an adaptogenic tonic to counter the effects of stress and fatigue.
Jiaogulan (Gynostemma pentaphyllum), a member of the gourd family that grows in southern China, Korea, Japan and India, is also relatively new to the list of adaptogens. According to recent studies, jiaogulan contains nearly four times as many saponins as Panax ginseng does.These saponins, known as gypenosides, are similar to the ginsenosides and panaxosides found in Asian ginseng. Preliminary studies also suggest jiaogulan may have even more powerful regulatory effects on a number of body systems than does Asian ginseng. In addition, jiaogulan has demonstrated antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity and a beneficial effect on Blood pressure regulation; it also has been shown to bolster the immune system, improve fat metabolism, moderate cholesterol levels, and enhance strength and physical endurance.
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), shiitake (Lentinus edodes) and maitake (Grifola frondosa) mushrooms may not be adaptogens in the classic sense, but each has adaptogenic, antitumor and immune-potentiating properties. Reishi and shiitake traditionally have been used as tonics, while reishi has been called the elixir of immortality.
These traditional herbs, many established by hundreds or thousands of years of use, are now beginning to prove themselves useful for the people suffering from stress.
Other Adaptogenic include:
- Ayurvedic Herbs:
Amla.
Ashwagandha
Guduchi
Holy Basil
Licorice
Shatavari
Shilajit
Chinese Herbs:
Asian Ginseng
Astragalus
Codonopsis
Cordyceps
Eleuthero
He Shou Wu
Jiaogulan
Lycium
Prince Seng
Reishi
Schisandra
Western Herbs:
AMERICAN GINSENG
Rhaponticum
Rhodiola
