Spoiler: they increase the body’s defenses against all kinds of harmful influences.
Therapist, doctor of integral, functional and anti-aging medicine, actively practicing and consulting not only in Russia, but also in the USA and European countries. The author of the bestselling book series “Waltz of Hormones”.
Adaptogens, unambiguously, are not a panacea, but excellent assistants, and sometimes substitutes for the chemical “masterpieces” of the pharmaceutical industry. Nutraceuticals, they are also dietary supplements, namely adaptogens belong to them, and were previously known as herbal medicine. Those same herbs-ants for health, youth and beauty, helping the body to deal with stress, the culprit of many troubles, and adapt the body to living conditions and the environment. That is why they are called that way.
Adaptogens enhance the protective functions of the body, improve the functioning of the nervous, endocrine, immune and cardiovascular systems, tone up, increase endurance and libido. As a functional integrative medicine doctor, I use these drugs in my work every day and every time I am convinced of their effectiveness over and over again.
The positive effect of adaptogens is not “grandmother’s tales”, their effect on the body has been studied for many decades, and the results are described in more than 1500 clinical and pharmacological studies. Each of the components in adaptogens has its own functions and unique properties. Adaptogens can be included in the diet in different forms: fresh or dried, added to food, or taken as preparations. And if you take them in powder or liquid form, you can try mixing and even making custom cocktails.
The most potent adaptogens.
Peruvian poppy… Adaptogen, antioxidant, antiaginger, increases energy, libido, harmonizes the endocrine system in both men and women. Contains more than 10% protein, about 20 amino acids, a lot of calcium, vitamin C, iron, zinc, iodine, selenium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, substances that stimulate blood flow in the genitals, from which there is an increase in the potency of men and the libido of women. It also prevents breast cancer, as an additional therapy, reduces prolactin, strengthens bones and cartilage. In my practice, I supplement the Peruvian maca with GZTZHT and prescribe to women and men of fertile age (with the exception of lactating and pregnant women) and menopause.
Rhodiola rosea great for chronic stress, but it is better to use it in the first half of the day: it is very invigorating. Improves digestion, stabilizes metabolism, has an antihistamine effect, a stimulating effect on the central nervous system and a general strengthening effect on the entire body. In addition to leveling stress, Rhodiola is good in the complex treatment of menstrual irregularities, and I also love it in prescribing women in menopause.
ashwagandha balances thyroid and adrenal hormones, helps to cope with stress and balance cortisol levels by maintaining the connection between the brain and adrenal glands, prevents cardiovascular diseases, increases hemoglobin, removes bad cholesterol, strengthens joints and bone tissue, relieves inflammation, activates brain activity and improves mood.
Mumiyeh helps to increase libido and balance sex hormones, promotes the production of natural collagen, is an excellent anti-inflammatory, detoxifying agent, helps the regeneration of cellular tissues and is an excellent immunomodulator.
Reishi healing mushroom, it is also called the “mushroom of immortality” – the most powerful antitumor adaptogen. It contains not only active antitumor polysaccharides, but also the so-called terpenoids, which increase resistance to stress, potentiate the action of superoxide dismutase – a substance that plays an important role in the antioxidant protection of almost all cells, preventing the accumulation of free radicals. Reishi helps in recovery after antibacterial and antiviral therapy, binds and removes allergens like an adsorbent, fights chronic fatigue syndrome, hypertension and high cholesterol, and helps to cope with stress.
Asian ginseng enhances metabolic processes, has an antiemetic effect. Its active substances include saponins, peptides, polysaccharides, essential oils, vitamins of group B, C, PP, folic and pantothenic acid, macro- and microelements. Ginseng root is used for the preparation of medicinal teas, tinctures, infusions, extracts. I use ginseng to reduce cortisol and prolactin, reduce stressors, and it is very effective in the treatment of adrenal fatigue syndrome.
Another unique drug is curcumin… Not to be confused with the spice turmeric, which contains curcumin. Curcumin has anti-inflammatory effects, reduces cravings for sweets and fatty foods, lowers the level of bad cholesterol (LDL) in the blood and normalizes blood composition. It is an effective anti-cancer agent, and curcumin is also a powerful natural antibiotic, regulates bowel function, helps in the treatment of acute and chronic inflammatory diseases such as bacterial, viral, fungal, rheumatic and others.
Berberine – a super powerful supplement that heals the body at the intracellular, molecular level. It is able to normalize blood sugar levels, help to lose weight, strengthen blood vessels and the heart. There have been many studies on its positive health effects, for example, in PCOS, consuming this supplement can solve the problem. A daily intake of 500 mg three times a day for three months will help steadily reduce blood sugar, markers of insulin resistance, total cholesterol and testosterone. In addition, for women suffering from this disease and deciding on artificial insemination, taking berberine helps to carry a child with the least loss to the health of both.
Schisandra, or Schisandra chinensis, improves liver and adrenal function, physical and mental performance, protects against oxidative stress, increases cell energy, raising the level of nitric oxide in the body, promotes detoxification and treatment of chronic hepatitis. Taking into account the fact that the condition of the liver is visually reflected in the condition of the skin, eyes and hair, schizandra also has a beneficial effect on appearance, has a stabilizing effect on the whole body.
And finally, I want to warn you all the same: do not treat adaptogens as something harmless. Despite their natural origin, these are still medications and should not be taken without a doctor’s indication or prescription. Only a doctor will determine your need for certain adaptogens, identify possible contraindications and recommend how to take them correctly. Choose the right “helpers” for your health together with a specialist!