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ADAPTOGENIC HERBS CAN DO FOR YOU

List of Adaptogens, and What These

Adaptogenic Herbs Can Do For You
 5 COMMENTS

Adaptogen is a name for herbal remedies that have been used for hundreds and
some mes thousands of years. The term adaptogen was originally coined by Russian
scien st Dr. Nikolai Lazarev in 1947, during the Soviet search for natural and safe remedies
to increase the resistance to biological stress.
When our ancestors were sick they turned to plants for healing, using knowledge passed
down from genera on to genera on, and this more modern search found many of the
exact same herbs, subjec ng them to scien fic analysis and tes ng.

Take a look at this list of adaptogens and see if any might work for what ails you. Let us
know if you’ve tried any of these.

Amla / Amalika / Indian Gooseberry – Amla has been used in tradi onal Indian Ayurvedic
medicine for thousands of years, and scien fic studies confirm its many health benefits.
Very high in vitamin C and other an oxidants, and has been studied in regards to the
treatment and preven on of cancer and has been show effec ve against diabetes and high
cholesterol. Learn more about amla. Where to find it.

Ashwagandha – Ashwagandha has many similar benefits to ginseng. It is a powerful

an oxidant that is beneficial to the cardiovascular, nervous, endocrine and immune
systems. It has also been shown to be effec ve against depression. People in the
Himalayas have used Ashwagandha to enhance their resistence to oxygen depriva on.
Studies have shown that taking this adaptogen can increase oxygen consump on to
improve physical endurance. Learn more. Where to find it.

Astragalus – Astragalus has an bacterial and an -inflammatory proper es, and is

some mes used directly for wound care. It might also have an viral proper es, and has
been used to strengthen the immune system. It has been used in tradi onal Chinese
medicine for thousands of years. Learn more. Where to get it.

Bacopa -Bacopa is also known as brahmi or water hyssop. Several studies show that
Bacopa has the ability to regulate cor sol levels during stress, and further, to improve
cogni ve performance in those facing chronic stress. You can read more about Bacopa
studies in this ar cle. Where to find it.

Bilberry – Bilberry can be used for urinary tract problems. It can also be used for the
respiratory, reproduc ve and endocrine systems. Both the leaves and fruit are used. The
berries are high in an oxidant and can be used for eye disorders. Learn more. Where to get
it.

Cordyceps – This adaptogen is a medicinal mushroom that has been used for centuries to
enhance immune func on. When animals received a cordycepin supplement, it reduced
depression symptomss and lowered their stress markers. The animals also showed higher
levels of the growth factor BDNF (brain-derived neurotropic factor) a er taking the
supplement. Where to find it.
Dang Shen – Also known as codonopsis, dang shen is one of an adaptogenic herbs said to
strengthen your ability to defend against high levels of stress, anxiety, trauma and fa gue.
It has also been studied as a reducer of colon inflamma on and has a long tradi on in
Chinese medicine. Where to find it.

Elderberry – Elderberry is high in an oxidants and Vitamin C. Studies show it can reduce
fevers and support the immune system. Learn more. Where to find it.

Eleuthero – Eleuthero is used to help reduce the body’s stress response. It also
strengthens the immune system and increases endurance and stamina. It is also some mes
called Siberian Ginseng. Learn more about eleuthero. Where to find it.

Ginseng – Ginseng is the most common adaptogen. It is a root that has a long list of
poten al benefits. It can be an -cancer, an -fa gue, an -inflammatory, and helpful in both
cancer and diabetes treatments. There are many different forms of ginseng. The most
common is form is Panax or Asian. Learn more. Where to find it.

Guduchi – Used tradi onally for thousands of years in Ayurveda in India for its detoxifying,
rejuvena ng, immune-boos ng proper es. It has been studied for cold and flu preven on,
immune support, skin disorders, arthri s, liver disorders, gout, and even to mi gate the
nega ve effects of chemotherapy. Where to find it.

He Shou Wu – This herb used in tradi onal Chinese medicine has neuroprotec ve
proper es, and is used to treat the liver, kidneys and blood, improve energy, and has been
said to even reverse gray hair. Learn more. Where to find it.

LEARN MORE: 12 Fermented Foods to Add to Your Diet

Holy Basil / Tulsi – Holy basis is an -inflammatory and an microbial and one of the mildest
adaptogens. It has been used for 3000 years to treat circulatory, immune, and nervous
systems. It has also been used in cancer treatments with success. Holy basil also helps with
memory and concentra on. Studies show that it helps the body maintain stabalize the
stress hormone cor sol. Learn more. Where to find it.

Jiaogulan – This has a popular name of “the immortality herb”. Also known as gynostemma,
it’s a Chinese plant in the cucumber family that has been used for several thousand years.
The leaves are used to make tea. Studies show that this herb has many of the same
benefits as Ginseng. It has been shown to lower LDL cholesterol, stabilizes blood sugar and
improves immunity. To learn more, read this ar cle. Where to find it.
Licorice root – Licorice root can affect blood pressure and should be used only under the
supervision of a doctor. It has been shown to increase energy and endurance in addi on to
boos ng the immune system. It is used for stress reduc on. Licorice root protects the
thymus gland (which produces T cells for the immune system) from being damaged by
cor sol, the hormone that is elevated due to stress. Where to get it.

Lycium / Wol erry / Goji Berry – Lycium contains an oxidant and an -inflammatory
carotenoids, flavonoids. It supports healthy vision and healthy bowel flora. It is also said to
support the liver, kidney and can strengthen weak muscles and ligaments. Lycium
polysaccharides support the immune system and have been shown to enhance the effects
of chemotherapy and radia on. Learn more here. Where to get it.

Maca – Maca is known as “Peruvian ginseng,” although it is nothing like ginseng. It is a root
that reportedly increases strength, stamina and libido. Where to find it.

Reishi – Reishi mushrooms are the most well known medicinal mushrooms. They can help
in the treatment of fa gue, respiratory complaints, cancer, heart disease and liver ailments.
They are also regarded as general immunity boosters. Learn more. Where to find it.

Rhodiola – Rhodiola is used for a wide range of issues, including like most adaptogens,
strengthening the immune system. Is is also used to restore balance in blood sugar and
helps with fer lity. It boosts alertness, lessens fa gue, and combats depression. Learn
more about rhodiola. Where to find it.

Schisandra – Schisandra is also called wuweizi by the Chinese. It is most commonly used as
a tonic. Schisandra protects the liver from toxins and is used for respiratory problems. It
can also improve memory. Learn more. Find it here.

Shatavari – This herb is considered the queen of herbs. It’s used as a tonic primarily by
women. It is believed to increase fer lity. You can read more about the symptoms it is
used to treat here. Where to find it.

Suma – Suma can be purchased in a capsule form or as a dried herb powder. People o en
refer to suma as Brazilian ginseng. It is commonly used to boost energy. It is used to
prevent fa gue and boost immunity. You can read more about Suma in this ar cle. Where
to find it.

You may no ce a common theme among these herbal adaptogens, and there’s a good
reason for it.
To be classified as an adaptogen, a plant must meet three criteria. 1.) be nontoxic and
generally safe 2.) have broad benefits that improve overall immune system strength and not
just for one organ or system and 3.) provide balance within the body.

You can read more about adaptogens in these ar cles:

Ancient Healers: Adaptogens

6 Top Herbal Adaptogens

7 Adaptogen Herbs

We love these two books on adaptogens, available at Amazon.

Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief This terrific paperback book is
both very accessible to the lay reader, but also extremely comprehensive in both how many
adaptogens it covers and how they can be used individually or in combina on.

Adaptogens in Medical Herbalism: Elite Herbs and Natural Compounds for Mastering
Stress, Aging, and Chronic Disease This thick, hardback book is literally a textbook!
Although it is not an easy read, it is the most comprehensive book on adaptogens we have
ever seen.
All links to Amazon are affiliate links.

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 FILED UNDER: NUTRITION

COMMENTS
 Ma hews Mpofu says
November 14, 2017 at 9:51 am

Great work and as a prac oner in herbal medicines and am very keen in
expanding my knowledge and skills in the professional so that I can con nue in
helping the communi es. Almost 70 % of our popula on rely on tradi onal
medicines and herbs form part of the system. Therefore, it is very encouraging and
inspiring to learn what you are doing now. I would be very apprecia ve if you share
the resources and we get involved in your programs. Please con nue doing
wonderful work and calling to assist the disadvantaged communi es.

Reply

Guest says
December 18, 2017 at 4:49 am

Great ar cle! Thank you so much.

Reply

Melinda says
January 2, 2018 at 10:39 am

I enjoyed reading this ar cle. However my ques on is if was to start using these in
place of all of the medica ons I am on would I need to speak with my health care
provider about stopping all of the prescrip on medica ons I am on first . Also how
long will have to be using these before I see any affects it has in helping me.

Reply

Jawaharmam says
July 2, 2018 at 1:12 am
 Very great and informa ve ar cle .

Reply

Lesley Chapman says

June 13, 2020 at 3:10 pm

Excellent informa on. A beginner in the study

Thank you for sharing knowledge is power

Reply

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