People knew about the unique properties of adaptogen plants hundreds of years ago. Today, medicines and cosmetics are created on their basis. What is their peculiarity, explains Chinese medicine specialist John Tsagaris.
There are more than a thousand species of medicinal plants in the world, but only about 14 of them belong to the category of adaptogens. These are Rhodiola rosea, ginseng, eleutherococcus, aralia, astragalus, centaury, lemongrass, sea buckthorn, ginger and some others.
Why are they called adaptogens? On the one hand, they themselves adapt to the needs of a person at the moment, on the other hand, they help the body adapt to environmental conditions and make it easier to endure physical activity. Adaptogens are not toxic to humans in any doses, they can be used by anyone and everyone, regardless of age. But consultation with a specialist is required.
All adaptogens have a non-specific effect – they affect the entire body, adjusting to its individual needs at the moment. For example, the same plant can tone and help relax. The ability of adaptogens to bring the body into a balanced state is amazing.
Ginseng has a whitening effect and stimulates collagen production.
People knew about the healing properties of these herbs thousands of years ago. Adaptogens have been used in Chinese medicine and Ayurveda for centuries. In the West, they became interested only at the end of the 1960th century. In the XNUMXs, the abilities of adaptogens began to be actively studied by Soviet scientists. They explained the uniqueness of these plants from a scientific point of view and began to use them in sports medicine, as well as for the training of military and astronauts.
Extracts of these plants increase endurance, performance and immunity of a person. Where did they get such abilities?
Adaptogens themselves survive in the most difficult natural conditions – in arid steppes, high mountains or areas with extremely cold winters. They share their ability to adapt to any adversity with us.
Adaptogens in dermatology
The skin is a living independent organ with its own functions, capabilities and potential. At different times, her needs are different, and the care product must meet them. In this sense, the possibilities of adaptogens are difficult to overestimate. They give the skin what it needs.
In small doses, adaptogens contribute to the inhibition of nervous processes and general relaxation.
Ginseng has a fantastic whitening effect, stimulates collagen production and provides antioxidant protection. Astragalus prevents skin aging at the DNA level. Goji berries increase skin immunity. They have antioxidant properties and protect against aggressive external environment. That is why in recent years extracts of adaptogens can be increasingly found in the formulas of cosmetics.
To strengthen immunity
Adaptogens have a strong tonic effect and can independently, without the help of drugs, prevent the development of many diseases. This is in line with the trendy holistic approach to health. Today, everyone understands that the disease is easier to prevent than to cure.
Impact on the nervous system
Adaptogens help to cope with stress, overcome insomnia and depression. In small doses, adaptogens contribute to the inhibition of nervous processes and general relaxation, medium doses moderately stimulate the nervous system and increase overall tone, and large doses maximize the mobilization of the body’s capabilities. Please note that it makes no sense to take adaptogens two or three times a day. A single morning dose most harmoniously fits into the human biorhythm.
About the expert: John Tzagaris is a celebrity dermatologist, a specialist in traditional Chinese medicine, the author of a unique anti-age technique – facial acupuncture, which is considered the best alternative to Botox.