Good Day To All!  I thought today, I would carry on with a topic of alternative medicine and blog about medicines called Adaptogenic Herbs, which are plants that can help our bodies adjust and adapt to life’s stressors.  These are medicines to help aid in giving energy, which in turn reduces stress, mental anguish increase energy and overall health.

Some people feel too nervous or ashamed of having to admit we need help sometimes, and unfortunately as of late, we have seen how this can have very sad and devastating outcomes for those with mental illness and for those they leave behind. Something sooooo urgent and sooo unpredictable as mental illness truly needs to be spoken about openly and allow us as a human race to heal.  We need to educate and create awareness to help our loved ones and neighbors to have the opportunity to heal and to be able to feel that it is ok to be overwhelmed, depressed, saddened, scared, anxious and know there are avenues that can help before some make a decision that there is no turning back from.

Not all people with mental illness are going to commit suicide, but that unfortunately sometimes seems to be a stigma that surrounds mental illness and keeps someone from speaking out or asking for help.  Mental illness does not mean death, it means you have an illness that needs to be managed to be able to give you a better quality of life.  I suffer from very painful vestibular migraines, which need to be managed for my quality of life, it is an illness and it can disrupt my whole life if not managed.  I have many friends with respiratory illnesses and heart ailments and they need to be managed to give themselves a quality of life.  Illnesses in general can alllllll be very debilitating and are alllllll important to heal from if possible, and if not, to be able to find avenues to manage them  so it can become something you can live with without the illness consuming your life.

Mental illness, depression, anxiety,  need to be spoken of in the same context as heart disease or asthma and cancer.  Mental illness needs to be a phrase we can use freely and the phrase be respected, because it is an important spectrum of illnesses that desperately deserves our attention and healing. 

I have stated many times before that both western and alternative medicine can be a power house if used together.  To be able to help a person to get to the stage of managing any illness with either a more powerful medication at first to get pain or symptoms under control, then by using alternative medicines throughout as well, to stabilize the body and give it nutrients, minerals and vitamins that one is deprived of, which is a major reason why the body and or mind was crying out in the first place.  These pains and symptoms are warning signs, that we have gotten past the points of defficiency and is our body’s way of alerting us to repair the damages.

We sometimes do not give alternative medicines the respect it deserves.  Plants and natural remedies from oils and animals, is where medicine has been derived.  Look at cannabis that is now only coming to the fore front of medicinal clinical trials on its astonishing possible uses to help increase patient’s quality of life, and which has always been known as a member of the adaptogenic family.  We can truly see from the news how potent these natural substances can be, look at the opiod addictions.   Where did opiod prescription medication come from???…plants… a compound found naturally in the opium poppy plant.   Mother Nature needs our utmost respect, and here I guess is where I will begin about Adaptogenic Medicine.

Adaptogens are a wonderful alternative to allow yourself the tools needed to start you on the path to a better life.  No matter where you are in the spectrum of mental illness, or any illness which is draining your energy or altering your daily activities, a little help from a natural, nontoxic medicine, can initiate the response to move forward for another hour, morning, afternoon, day, week, month and before you know it, your lifetime.  All medicines must be reviewed with your naturopath, homeopathic doctor, western doctor or pharmacist to insure there are no possible interactions with anything else you may be taking including vitamins, prescriptions, over the counter medications.  Noooooo prescription medication should ever, ever be stopped immediately, adjusted or substituted unless on the advise of your naturopath, homeopathic doctor and or western “family” doctor.  Alternative sources of medicines and adaptogens can interfere with current medicines or even cause allergies, noooo different then prescription medications.

Okay, now that that is all said, lets learn about these alternative mood, stress, mental health, energy helping adaptogens.  Adaptogens in general must be considered non toxic, be non specific, meaning they are for overall wellness and not for a specific targeted illness, and to show improving changes in a patients physiology….help them feel better mentally.  Alternative medicine sometimes gets a bad rap because there have not been many large clinical trials over an extended period of time.  Most clinical trials on alternative medicines are small in number because it is very difficult to find a pharmaceutical company who will fund a trial on something so little in price with nooo beneficial, massive increase to their bottom line, but that does not make the herbs any less effective.  Just cost efficient and natural.

Many trials have been completed, published and peer reviewed since Adaptogens were give their name in 1947 by a Russian scientist who classified these herbs for helping a person adapt to stressors.  He concluded these herbs help the body normalize physiological functions. Which mean they either stimulate, help produce energy, or calm overproduced stress hormones to return to a stabilized, balanced state physiologically known as achieving…homeostasis.  Adaptogens help boost immune efficiency, can help with weight control by stabilizing fasting sugars, help increase mental stamina and cognitive functions, have anti-aging properties by slowing and or blocking aging hormone production, help balance mood and increase overall mental health.  These medicines have been used for centuries in Chinese, Japanese, European and Ayurvedic cultures.

Adaptogens are best known for supporting immune health and the health and well being of your adrenal glands to help you better manage hormonal responses to fatigue, anxiety, cognitive decline, physical stress, general stress and helping the body to recoup from daily exercise, allowing the muscles and hormones to return to a calmer state more efficiently.

Best 5 Known Adaptogens

 Rhodiola Rosea (Arctic Root) Arctic root is a calming adaptogen.  It helps the body repair from damages caused by fatigue and anxiety.  It increases endorphin production to produce a more relaxed, anti-anxious mood.  Arctic root must be taken for 1-2 weeks before Physiological changes may be noticed. It has to reach a saturation point in your body (refer to a recent blog “Stop The Circle of Anger” to understand saturation points) in order to start feeling an increase in feeling more calm and relaxed.  Saturation points can be different for different people, so some may find Arctic Root reacts faster where others may need the 2 week period before seeing an improvement in overall health. Make noooo mistake, once saturation is achieved, Arctic Root is definitely at the top of the calming adaptogenic family. Doses 100mg -300mg range for general to moderate anxiety and from 300-600mg for more severe anxiety.  Too strong of a dose has been reported to increase insomnia and irritability so you will need to find your sweet spot, but the approximate doses should be a good benchmark.

Ashwangandha (Indian Ginseng) Another calming adaptogen.  In a double blind study, patients taking a standardized product of ashwangandha, reported significant reductions in cortisol, with notable changes in decreasing anxiety, reported more stabilized blood pressure compared to those taking the placebo, resulted in lowered fasting blood glucose and decreased cholesterol levels.  Others have reported an increase in cognitive ability and a reduction in insomnia.  It has been used for centuries by women in Africa to decrease menstral symptoms due to being rich in iron, and has also been used by African women and naturopaths as a uterine tonic for the stress from miscarriages.

A usual recommended dosage has been approximated around 125mg to 250mg a day.

With strengthing, rejuvenating qualities calming the nervous system ashwangandha has earned it’s staus as an adaptogenic remedy used by those suffering from Dementia/Alzhiemer’s, Arthritis, Cancers, Depression, Stress, Autoimmune diseases and Diabetes (controlled glycemic levels).  DO NOT TAKE ASHWANGANDA with tranquilizers or other physocotropic medications without consulting a physican, it could make you much more drowsier then wanted.

NOTE most all ginsengs can have adverse effects due to their energy inducing qualities which could increase circulation increasing side effects in those with headaches, migraines, high blood pressure and increase bleeding in those with injuries taking blood thinners.  Otherwise considered extremely safe.

 Panax Ginseng (Chinese or Korean Ginseng) Considered the most potent in the ginseng family to increase calmness.  It has ability to improve cognitive functions, increase memory, used widely among students during exam times, and has antioxidant properties.  Studies from 2003 concluded Panax Ginseng reduced ulcers in rats, stabilized adrenals during stress-induced trials, reduced creatine enzymes (a marker given in blood tests that shows damage-severe damage to tissue, muscles, heart, and kidney, linked to cancer), blocked cortisone production during stress trials, and stabilized blood sugars.  Conclusions were that results in test subjects showed a significant reduction in stress and should be used as an alternative for those with stress disorders. Can and is used for depression, anxiety, cognition, chronic and general fatigue, circulation ailments, boosting the immune system, ulcers, and adrenal function repair.  Usually a dose of 100mg twice a day is efficient enough to achieve results.

Holy Basil (Mint Family) is commonly used as a calming adaptogen to decrease inflammation and pain.  Highly used for headaches, migraines, depression, anxiety, stress-panic attacks, stomach ailments, respiratory illness such as; asthma and bronchitis, and used to decrease fevers.  In Middle Eastern countries, it is used as an antidote to scorpion and snakebites. Doses for inflammation, pain and anxiety range from 300mg – 500mg with meals, and is not recommended for long term use.  Those taking Holy Bail are advised to be cautious with medicines like aspirin, Plavix, Coumadin and other blood thinning prescriptions, it may cause more thinning of the blood, but this is not verified.

Eleutherococcus Senticosus (Siberian Ginseng) Siberian Ginseng is an energy endurance booster.  Those with high stress lifestyles/jobs and shift workers, will find Siberian Ginseng a natural energy booster with no drowsy, crashing side effects for later. Siberian Ginseng is a proven immune stimulant used for thousands of years to help ward off infections during times of increased physical, daily and emotional stress.  A study in Russia is using the herb in Cancer patients to use during treatments of chemotherapy and radiation to help decrease side effects of energy loss and help the bone marrow to restore itself at a faster rate.  Most patients reported a better quality of life especially related to mood, as chemotherapy is very energy draining.  It is also being used as a liver detoxer, to rid the body of toxins during chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Dosages for cancer patients would have to be discussed with attending physicans.  Also used for regular detoxing of the liver which helps the liver to recover from any damage and start to produce enzymes and hormones more beneficially.  Those with any form of arthritis should not take Siberian Ginseng it could aggravate the condition and those with high blood pressure should avoid Siberian Ginseng due to its stimulating properties.  Regular daily dosing is approximately 250mg-400mg per day.

Other Adaptogens in the Family

 GABA Used to calm the nervous system and reduce anxiety and help the body return to its natural hemostatis.

Cannabis CBD (without THC) Medicinally used to decease anxiety and promote overall relaxation of mind and body.

 Tumeric  Used widely to boost the immune system and response to flu’s and common colds.  Also known for being an anti-inflammatory.

 Rosemary Great stress reducer that can is used in all types cooking recipes.  For centuries has been used for heart, liver health and digestion.

Gotu Kola Used to reduce swelling, is a powerful antioxidant and also used for circulation.

Aloe Vera Good for the support of adrenal health and increase immune strength.

Cordyceps Many athletes use this adaptogen to enhance physical performance and stamina.  Used for liver and kidney health and reduces fatigue and dizziness.

Maca Stimulates mental performance, cognitive abilities, increase mood and physical stamina.

Moringa Oleifera Used for enery and adrenal health

Shatavari Used in all stages of women’s health to decrease discomfort of menstral pains, help to reduce effects of menopause, supports immune system, used for anxiety and stress prevention.  Known as the Queen of Adaptogens for Women.

Adaptogens help reduce stress responses, supports immune health and increase energy and overall well being.  Keep in mind any adaptogen used to calm, will increase effects from any medications already taking for calming effects, and those adaptogens that stimulate energy, will increase heart rate and circulation, so precautions are needed when taking heart medications, blood thinners or any prescription to induce energy.  Once again please consult a certified naturopath, homeopathic doctor or your family doctor.  Don’t take “Nahhhh you don’t need that” as an answer.  It usually means, “I have no idea about that.” Encourage an open discussion with your health advisors.

Taking Adaptogens can help increase your overall health, decreasing the probability of other illnesses that are linked to stress such as:

Asthma

Cardiovascular Illness

Cancers

Depression

Diabetes

Headaches

Migraines

Hypertension

IBS

PMS

Arthritis

Colitis

Ulcers

Adaptogens help to alter your mood in a positive, calm way, giving energy which in turn snowballs through your day.  Increasing the want to exercise, eat right, socialize and enjoy life. Stop fighting the demon in the corner of your mind who is spurring you to think “you can’t do things” or that “you can’t overcome these overwhelming feelings.”  I tell you…. YOU CAN.  There is help.  There is help through therapists, doctors, naturopaths, homeopathic doctors, counselors, and alternative medicines to give your body and immune system the boost it may need physically and or mentally.  It’s worth taking the opportunity to give yourself a better quality of life. 

 Happy Healing!!!