What is an Adaptogen?

Adaptogen is a buzz word right now. 

Most people might have a vague idea about what they are "They help stress right? "is the usual response I get.  You would be somewhat right if you said that but did you know there is a clear definition of  what constitutes an adaptogen? 

The modern history of the class of adaptogens dates back to the the 1940s in the former Union of Soviet Socialist Republics ( USSR). A group of scientists were tasked with finding natural herbs to help enhance the stamina and endurance of athletes, military and of chess players!  

Throughout the 1950s over 4000 herbs, which had traditional roots from Ayurveda, TCM and other traditional medicine paradigms were tested and from these only 12 herbs were classified as adaptogens. All of the herbs fulfilled these characteristics which were defined by the scientist Nikolai Lazarev.

• An adaptogen is non toxic to the recipient in normal therapeutic doses

• An adaptogen produces a non specific state of resistance to stress - this allows the body to more effectively resist a wide range of stressors including physiological, biological or chemical insults

• An adaptogen has a normalising influence on physiology irrespective of the direction of change from the physiological norms caused by the stressor.

So in layman's terms adaptogens will not be a answer to all of your ills but in essense they may:

• Modulate the way that our body reacts to stress.

• Many scientists think that adaptogens help to train or immunise the bodies neuroendocrine response to stressors, thereby helping you to return to baseline calm more readily. This is important as a system that is in high alert for extended periods eventually reaches the exhaustion phase ( not fun)

• Modulate immune system function, upregulating where needed and down regulating if immune function is inappropriate. This may also support healthy inflammatory processes.

• Support the healthy functioning of the nervous system thereby support healthy mood and cognition

• Help to support a healthy circadian rhythm which may be upset by stress and our modern lives.

Now I must stress here that you can guzzle adaptogens till the cows come home but you wont get benefits if you don't do all the other basic stuff. I’m talking having a good diet, putting aside time for adequate sleep, having good relationships and taking care of your spiritual needs. Even though they are usually touted as a cure all, no herb takes the place of a healthy diet and lifestyle.

Below is a wee list of 12 of my favourite adaptogens. This includes herbs which are both adaptogens, probable and potential adaptogens. As is the magick of herbs, they may be adaptogens but also have additional actions which give them an affinity for other systems and tissues.