Theme Image

Adaptogens & Nutrient Rich Herbs

The common feature of the herbs in this category is that they all have non-specific, broad health benefits. They increase the body's inherent life force, increase stamina and endurance and improve the quality of physical well being. The nourishing herbs, alfalfa, kelp and bladderwrack are taken primarily for their rich nutrient content.

The remaining herbs are all adaptogens. Adaptogens work primarily by affecting the Hypothalamus, Pituitary and Adrenal gland activity (HPA) and the Sympathoadrenal System (SAS). Thus, adaptogens modulate our response to stress (physical, environmental, or emotional) and help regulate the interconnected endocrine, immune, and nervous systems.

Plants classified as adaptogens must meet the following criteria:

  • Raise non-specific resistance to disease (cell mediated)
  • Be capable of balancing body functions even in a diseased state
  • Be non-toxic and safe for long term use, causing no harm to body systems
  • Help to increase resistance and build stamina and vitality

In a healthy, unstressed condition, the "switch-on" and "switch-off" mechanisms of these systems are in dynamic balance. Adaptogens may thus be seen as agents that reduce reaction to various stressors, which subsequently helps to restore and maintain normal balance.

Filter by Alphabet:
Displaying 1 - 20 of 33