The human body is constantly working towards homeostasis, an inner harmony that translates into perfect health. Factors such as temperature, dehydration, hunger, and stress all cause imbalance. Adaptogens work to normalize the whole body by supporting the endocrine system. Composed of a network of glands, the endocrine system maintains equilibrium by releasing hormones. Hormones act as messengers, traveling through the bloodstream and signaling target cells when it is necessary to act.
Stress and Harmony
Stress is a natural part of life, and the body is designed to respond to it. However, when tension and turmoil become overwhelming, the whole body suffers. It is not stress, but the body's inability to cope with stress that disrupts homeostasis. The immune system weakens, nerves falter, stomach problems develop. D.M Kannur says in the January-June 2008 Pharmacognosy Reviews article "Screening of Antistress Properties of Herbal Extracts and Adaptogenic Agents - A Review" that, "Stress and stress-related disorders are a significant cause of disease in modern man, contributing perhaps to 75% of all illnesses."
On a cellular level stress inhibits the production of energy. Normally cells create energy out of glucose. But stress causes unwanted protein build-up, which blocks movement in and out of cell walls. At first this causes lower energy levels - which lead to fatigue, depression, anxiety, and irritability. Eventually, however, organs can no longer function properly, followed by the demise of entire systems. Left unresolved, health deteriorates, and eventually disease sets in.
The Healing Power of Adaptogens
The term adaptogen was first used by the Russian scientist, Professor N.V. Lazarev in 1947. Lazarev, and his student, Dr. Israel Brekhman, spent years studying the impacts of adaptogens on the human body. In the latter half of the 20th century a series of clinical studies were conducted by the Russians. They found overwhelming evidence to support the belief that adaptogens help the body cope with all levels of stress. They looked at athletic performance, the extreme physical demand of mountain climbing, and the productivity of every day civil workers. In all cases they concluded the positive effect of adaptogens.
Adaptogens increase the body's ability to handle disruption. By toning the endocrine system they allow the body to restore itself to a harmonic state, when it otherwise wouldn't be able to. For example, adaptogen herbs often restore the operations of the adrenal glands. In situations of extreme stress, the adrenal glands release the hormone adrenaline, which gives the body a surge of energy to deal with whatever force triggered the reaction. This is a natural coping mechanism that the human body has developed over millennia. Modern man, however, often internalizes this energy. With no outlet, it is left in the body, leading to fatigue, and over the long term, chronic illness.
Adaptogen Herbs
Some of the most powerful adaptogen herbs are Siberian Ginseng, Borage, Licorice, and Bladderwrack.
- Siberian Ginseng, also known as eleuthero, tones the adrenal glands. The roots of this eastern plant are used when facing heavy physical or mental demands.
- Borage also supports adrenal function. The dried leaves are made into a tea to be drunk over a long period of time.
- Dried licorice root contains glycosides which act as natural steroids in the body, stimulating the adrenal system.
- Bladderwrack, also known as Kelp, regulates the thyroid glands.
Sources:
Hoffmann, David, The Complete Illustrated Holistic Herbal: A Safe and Practical Guide to Making and Using Herbal Remedies (Element Books Limited, 1996).
Brenna Coleman - Brenna is a freelance writer focusing on natural health and beauty. She has written hundreds of articles, helping readers find ways to ...
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