Adaptogens are important, plus understood & properly applied may be of real value for well being.

The term adaptogen was first defined by Lazarev, a Russian pharmacologist, in 1947. He defined "adaptogens" as agents which help an organism to counteract any adverse effects of a physical, chemical or biological stressor by generating nonspecific resistance.

"Adaptogens give the body a tuneup," says Daniel B. Mowrey, Ph.D., author of Herbal Tonic Therapies. "They help the cells produce energy and use it more efficiently. But adaptogens don't overpower the cells as drugs often do--their effects are subtle. Over time, adaptogenic herbs are very beneficial to health."

1. Ashwagandha:

"It strengthens the whole body," says Paul Hoffman, M.D., an ayurvedic practitioner in Boulder Creek, Calif. "It treats fatigue, weakness, debility, and problems of old age."

Helps combat the effects of stress

Fatigue

Lack of energy

Difficulty concentrating

Protects the immune system

Improves learning, memory, and reaction time

Helps reduce brain-cell degeneration

Stabilizes blood sugar

Helps lower cholesterol

Offers anti-inflammatory benefits

Enhances sexual potency for both men and women

Reduces anxiety and depression without causing drowsiness

2. Reishi:

Called the “mushroom of immortality,” Chinese medicine considers reishi mushrooms (Ganoderma lucidum) a qi (life force) tonic and longevity promoter. “It can help in the treatment of fatigue, respiratory complaints, cancer, heart disease and liver ailments,” says San Francisco Chinese medicine practitioner Efrem Korngold.

BENEFITS Improves immune function * has antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-viral, and anticarcinogenic properties * reduces cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar. - Pregnant and nursing women should not take it.

3. Rhodiola:

“Rhodiola is one of the best adaptogens for mind and memory problems,” says Christopher Hobbs, L.Ac., A.H.G., a clinical herbalist in Davis, Calif., . “I prescribe it for people who complain of fuzzy memory. They’ve reported good results.”

BENEFITS Increases energy and stamina * enhances alertness, concentration, and memory * reduces effects from stress * lowers blood pressure * normalizes heart function * protects the liver.

Rhodiola reduces stress, too, According to a comprehensive review in HerbalGram, the journal of the American Botanical Council, the herb lessens the release of stress-related hormones and increases levels of feel-good compounds called endorphins.