Adaptogens

What are they and how they benefit your health

I heard to term adaptogens for the first time a year or two ago. I didn't know what they were. However, I had a sense that they are quite powerful and beneficial.

I've known about the beneficial effects of herbs for some time now. However, it wasn't until this year that I took an interest in knowing how to use herbs as a part of my routine. It was when I found this book, Adaptogens in Medical Herbalism by Donald Yance CN MH RH(AHG), that I got serious about knowing more.

First, let's understand what these terms mean. These definitions come from the book. Adaptogens are the non-specific, endocrine regulating, immune-modulating effects of certain plants that increase a person’s ability to maintain optimal balance in the face of physical and emotional stress.

Herbal medicine utilizes botanicals as vital elements in treating chronic and acute illness. It is directed at addressing and removing the cause of suffering, enhancing a person’s constitution and vitality, and not merely alleviating symptoms.

Sounds great, right? Adaptogens in Medical Herbalism is a great reference book that will help you find the right adaptogens for numerous conditions. It goes into great detail about each specific adaptogen, detailing the benefits as well as discussing the research and references. If you want to know more about how to use adaptogens for optimizing health, get this book.

So let's dig into some of the gems I found in the book. Most of us are probably aware of green tea and that is healthy for us. However, did you know that green tea is anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic, antioxidant and promotes cardiovascular health? The author, Donald Yance, believes that we should all be taking small amounts of it everyday, assuming that you aren't highly sensitive to caffeine.

Here's another gem. Have you ever heard of ashwagandha? Did you know that it is a remedy for bronchitis, asthma, insomnia and other issues? Did you know that grapes (with the seeds) are great for the liver, particularly in early fall?

These are a few examples of what is covered in the book. Even if you never get the book, please remember what Donald Yance says is the most powerful medicine. Love is the most powerful medicine. The great thing about Love is that it is free. You don't need a supplement or surgery to get it.

Wishing you well!