Adaptogen

I am a big fan of adaptogens, I recommend them to my patients as often as I recommend multi-vitamins! I personally take them to increase my energy and help me cope with stress.

This a short description about the most commonly used in supplements:

• Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus):

It is promoted as athletic-performance enhancer, it may possess mild to moderate benefits in promoting recovery following intense exercise, perhaps due in part to an enhanced delivery of oxygen to recovering muscles.

The active component in it are called ginsenosides, which is responsible is calming down the cortisol stimulating hormone: ACTH.

It is considered as safe, no known drug interactions, contraindications, or toxicity associated with it.

• Schizandra (Schisandra chinensis)

It has been used traditionally to promote energy and alleviate exhaustion and immune-system disturbances caused by stress. It is also used to promote mental and sexual function. Lignans are a main constituent of schisandra and probably responsible for the herb’s effects on stimulating the immune system, increasing the body’s ability to cope with stress, and inducing a calming effect. It is considered as safe. It may induce uterine muscle contractions and therefore contraindicated during pregnancy.

• Rhodiola Rosea:

There are many types of Rhodiola, only Rhodiola Rosea has shown significant adaptogenic propreties.

Rhodiola has been used for centuries to promote longevity and increase the body’s resistance to physical and mental stresses. In one study, rhodiola rosea extract was effective in reducing or removing symptoms of depression in 65 percent of the patients studied. In another study, 26 out of 35 men suffering from weak erections reported improvements in sexual function. In another study, it has shown to improve short-term emory, concentration , speed of audiovisual perception as well as alleviate mental fatigue.

Overall, rhodiola rosea extract appears to be valuable as an adaptogen. It is thought to be quite safe. There are no known contraindications or interactions with other drugs or herbs.

I recommended a a blend of adaptogens with different actions to get all the benefits to counteract stress, assist the adrenal galands and support the immune system.

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