How difficult is it for
us to achieve a work-life balance? How much more difficult is it to achieve a
life-energy balance? And does it not seem that there are never enough hours in
the day to achieve any balance at all? You’re not alone. Your days may seem
that way, but in truth the balance is always there, always available and always
achievable. That doesn’t mean it isn’t difficult, but a few ancient herbal
formulas will certainly help you achieve the balance you never thought
possible. Skip your daily sugar boost, coffee or red bull because in the
long-term they will always let you down. Adaptogenic herbs will give you
sustained energy and vitality while allowing your mind to think freely, calmly
and without excessive stimulation.
Adaptogenic herbs demonstrate
a nonspecific enhancement of the body’s ability to resist a stressor. Modern
herbalists say adaptogenic herbs are plants with properties that exert a
normalizing influence on the body, neither habit-forming, over-stimulating nor
inhibiting normal body function, but rather exerting a generalized tonifying
effect. They increase your resistance overall against physical, chemical and
biological stressors.
Herbal formulas found in
Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurvedic medicine restore a healthy stress
response typically using traditionally prepared as formulas. However, each herb
can be taken on its own in the appropriate dosage depending on your specific
requirements. For the exact dosages, please consult with a master herbalist or
natural health practitioner well-versed in herbal formulas to increase energy
and vitality. Here are the ten best adaptogenic herbs:
1. RHODIOLA
Rhodiola rosea (Golden
Root, Roseroot, Aaron’s Rod) is effective for improving mood and alleviating
depression. Its effects are potentially mediated by changes in serotonin and
dopamine levels.
Used for centuries in
Asia and Scandinavia, Rhodiola is still relatively new to the Western market,
but its popularity is growing, in large part because of what an incredibly
versatile — and relatively inexpensive.
2. MACA
Maca (Lepidium meyenii)
is an annual plant native to the high Andes of Peru and Bolivia. It has been
harvested and used by humans in the Andean Mountains for centuries.
Darker colored maca
roots (red, purple, black) contain significant amounts of natural iodine, a
10-gram serving of dried maca generally containing 52 micrograms of iodine.
It is highly beneficial
for reducing fatigue, enhancing energy and endurance, as well as being a
superlatively effective adaptagen for everyday living. Maca contains 55
phytochemicals that are known to have vitality-enhancing effects in the body,
in addition to being incredibly mineral dense and nutritious.
Maca has the ability to
heighten libido and improve semen quality. Its favorable effects on mood, may
decrease anxiety and improve sexual desire. The effects of Maca are due to the
root’s unique nutritional profile, which provides optimum levels of nutrients utilized
by the body’s endocrine system. It may even alleviate medication-induced sexual
dysfunction caused by pharmaceutical antidepressants.
3. ASHWAGANDHA
Ashwangandha (Withania
somnifera) is one of the premier restorative herbs in Ayurvedic medicine. It is
known to help stabilize mood and support optimal physical and emotional well-being. It is also known to improve memory
and focus and endurance. It is believed to reduce the effects of stress on the body. The berries and
leaves of ashwangandhaare locally applied to tumors, tubercular glands,
carbuncles, and ulcers.
5. CORDYCEPS
Considered the “ginseng
of mushrooms”, Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis) are known to have a truly awesome
effect on endurance and stamina. Research has shown that Cordyceps are highly
effective in treating respiratory ailments, enhancing aerobic performance,
increasing sex drive, strengthening the immune system, as well as having
anti-stress properties. Researchers have also noted that a polysaccharide
isolated from Cordyceps has a hypoglycemic effect and may be beneficial for
people with insulin resistance.
6. PANAX GINSENG (ASIAN GINSENG)
Panax ginseng roots are
taken orally as adaptogens, aphrodisiacs, nourishing stimulants. It is perhaps
one of the most studied medicinal herbs in the world — and might be one of the
most widely used. It is a proven anti-inflammatory, can regulate blood sugar
and can even inhibit some characteristics associated with cancer.
It’s used most commonly
to promote a sense of well-being and endurance, as an anti-depressant, for memory and calmness, for energy (it’s one of the ingredients
in most energy drinks).
7. HOLY BASIL
Holy Basil (Ocimum
tenuiflorum) has been found in many studies to be equivalent to many modern
painkillers. It is also know to protect from radiation poisoning. Within the
tradition of Ayurvedic medicine, it is used to alleviate stress, headaches, colds, digestive problems
and inflammation. Recent studies have also shown that it’s also a
powerful antioxidant and may even be able to reduce blood glucose levels and
cholesterol.
8. ASTRAGALUS
Astragalus has a history
of use as a herbal medicine and is used in traditional Chinese medicine. Either
alone or in combination with other herbs, has potential benefits for the immune
system, heart, and liver, and as an adjunctive therapy for cancer.
Found to help restore
compromised immune response due to excessive stress and toxicity from the
environment. Cited as being extra beneficial for those with chronic immune
deficiencies, it is recommended above Echinacea for its ability to provide
deeper assistance to those who’ve consumed large quantities of antibiotics and
have become susceptible to infections. Astragalus is consumed through capsules,
tinctures, or in a tea. For best results, it is used for several weeks to
several months at a time.
9. HE SHOU WU
He Shou Wu (Fallopia
multiflora) is also known as polygonum multiflorum, and is predominantly
referred to as such in Pubmed. It is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine as a
tonic to slow down the aging process. It is a restorative herb, calming to the
nervous system, and has also been shown to promote hair growth, alleviate insomnia, and may aid
with learning and memory.
10. REISHI MUSHROOM
Traditional Chinese
medicine uses reishi to “calm the spirit.” Reishi, (literally
“supernatural” mushrooms) have been used for more than 2,000 years, making them
perhaps the oldest mushroom to be used medicinally. They can be helpful to
reduce anxiety, alleviate insomnia, combat fatigue, and lower blood pressure.
In today’s modern age,
with unparalleled stress and toxicity, it is more important than ever to
fortify and protect one’s body from potential harm. While diet, exercise, and
rest are key components in maintaining excellent health, the use of vitality
enhancing herbs is indispensable. Their ability to increase energy, immune
response, mental clarity, libido, and over-all homeostasis of the body make
them a truly worthwhile investment of time and money. They are safe and easy to
use, without side-effects and contraindications like pharmaceutical drugs. In
light of their value, they are an obvious choice for anyone wanting to go a
step beyond go health and on to higher vitality.
John Summerly is nutritionist,
herbologist, and homeopathic practitioner. He is a leader in the natural health
community and consults athletes, executives and most of all parents of children
on the benefits of complementary therapies for health and prevention.
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