Adaptogens: Ginseng, Rhodiola, Shisandra

Transcription

1 Adaptogens: Ginseng, Rhodiola, Shisandra

2 Introducing the Adaptogens Certain types of herbal medicines are known as Adaptogens To be considered an adaptogen, an herb must be Non-toxic Have a normalizing influence on the body (modulation, not stimulation) Provide a nonspecific response increases the body s resistance to stress

3 What is stress? Physical or emotional strain caused by a response to pressure from the outside world Common causes of stress Work Relationships Finances Stress is perception what is stressful for one person is enjoyable for another Some consequences of stress Impairs digestion and metabolism Weakens the immune system Interferes with sleep So stress can be defined as anything that poses a challenge or threat to your well-being It s that feeling of being overwhelmed by more than you can handle

4 What happens to a body under stress? A body under stress releases hormones, especially cortisol Fight or flight response Having increased levels of cortisol all the time is a big problem Increases inflammation the root cause of almost every chronic disease Weakens the immune system making you more susceptible to every germ around Interferes with proper digestion, depriving you of nutrients from your food Interferes with sleep, meaning tissue repair and other vital functions are reduced

5 A Few Signs Your Stress Levels Are High Fatigue and weakness Difficulty concentrating, disorganized and forgetful Digestion issues: constipation, diarrhea, gas Low libido Constantly ill catch every cold that comes around Appetite changes, irritability, allergic reactions, aches and pains, muscle spasms and more

6 How do adaptogenshelp reduce stress? The adaptogenicherbs have a balancing effect on the body Technical name restoring homeostasis Help get hormone levels back into a normal range Act directly by reducing cortisol secretion Act indirectly by increasing levels of substances which reduce stress hormone levels Strengthening the immune system by increasing red and white blood cell levels

7 Well known Adaptogens Healers in every area of the world have found adaptogenicplants which became important in their local systems of traditional medicine Today we will look at three well-known adaptogens Ginseng from North America Rhodiola from Russia Ashwagandha from India

8 Ginseng (American) Panax quinquefolius(white root ginseng) Not to be confused with eleuthero(once known as Siberian ginseng) or Panaxginseng, which is from China and Korea (red root ginseng) Native to eastern United States Traditionally used to increase physical and mental vigor relieve depression stimulate digestion 95% of all ginseng produced in the United States now comes from Wisconsin

9 The Benefits of American Ginseng Ginseng helps with blood sugar control helped prevent increase in blood sugar levels in diabetic patients when taken with their meal Cold and Flu prevention In clinical trials, people taking American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) for 4 months had fewer colds than those not using a supplement, and those that did get sick recovered faster and had fewer, less intense symptoms Improves memory Enhances focus and attention in children with ADHD (preliminary research) Prevent oxidation of LDL cholesterol associated with heart disease

10 Rhodiola Rhodiola rosea Native to Siberia, also grows in the mountains of northwest China Traditionally used to Increase energy Increase the libido Improve athletic endurance and stamina The beneficial part of rhodiolais the root, and it is sometimes called goldenroot

11 The Benefits of Rhodiola Boosts energy during physical exertion (great for athletes!) Increases mental performance and concentration (great for college students!) Relieves the symptoms of anxiety Alleviates mild to moderate depression Improves physical fitness and reduces mental fatigue (ideal for people with stressful occupations!) Rhodiolahas also been shown to help regulate menstrual cycles and may help increase fertility Rhodiolais VERY well known for its ability to increase libido

12 Ashwagandha Withania somnifera Native to India Has been used in traditional medicine there for over 3,000 years Considered a rejuvenating, life-extending herb Traditionally used to rebuild sexual vitality Also recommended to Reduce inflammation Enhance immunity Relieve anxiety Key compounds: withanolides

13 Ashwagandha Research Decreased stress and improved semen quality in infertile men 14% pregnancy rate in partners after treatment Reverses physical changes associated with stress (increased corticosterone levels, gastric ulcer, and glucose intolerance) Was as effective as prescription drugs (lorazepamand imipramine) in experimental models of anxiety and depression

14 How Should I use Adaptogens? Adaptogenscan be taken individually or combined as a formula Take daily How Much? Ginseng: generally 200 mg of an extract standardized to 7-8% ginsenosides(key compound in ginseng) Rhodiola: mg standardized to rosavins can also be used as an oral spray Ashwagandha: mg standardized to withanolides