vitality through adaptation
ADAPTOGENESIS
Functional Wellness
&
Botanical Formulas
Jiaogulan (Gynostemma pentaphyllum)
This adaptogen was discovered to have several of its triterpenoid saponins to be identical to Asian ginseng.
Properties: adaptogen, immune tonic, antioxidant, liver protective, nervous system support, normalizes blood pressure and supports stamina and endurance.
Herb/Drug Interactions: Use with caution with blood-thinning medications, tranquilizers or sedatives.
Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus)
Known in Chinese medicine as huang qi, which means "yellow leader" because it is revered as the "leader" of tonic herbs.
Properties: adaptogen, antioxidant, immune and heart tonic.
Herb/Drug Interactions: Complementary to chemotherapy and radiation. Use cautiously with immunosuppressive medications.
Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea)
This high elevation plant has a long history of use in Siberia, Tibet and Scandinavia and is one the most researched adaptogens.
Properties: adaptogen, antidepressant, immune stimulant, promotes physical strength and stamina, heart protective, supports healthy serotonin levels.
Herb/Drug Interactions: None known
Cautionary statement: Avoid use with conditions of bipolar, manic or paranoid.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
In Ayurvedic medicine, it is believed that this herb gives the user the strength and stamina of a stallion and is used for prolonging life, enhancing vigor and sexual stamina and keeping the mind sharp.
Properties: adaptogen, antioxidant, calms the nervous system, anti-inflammatory and normalizes blood sugar.
Herb/Drug Interactions: Can increase the effect of barbiturates
Cautionary statement: Use with caution or avoid if you have sensitivities to nightshades or have excess iron. Avoid with hyperthyroidism and pregnancy.
Schisandra Berry (Schisandra chinensis)
This berry is acknowledged as containing all five flavors (bitter, sweet, salty, sour and pungent) in Chinese medicine and therefore benefits all five yin organs: the heart, liver, kidneys. spleen and lungs.
Properties: adaptogen, antioxidant, liver protectant, calms nervous system, immune tonic, enhances reflexes, work performance and mental activity.
Herb/Drug Interactions: Can enhance effects of barbiturates.
Cautionary statement: According to Chinese medicine, it should not be taken when there is an accute viral or bacterial infection such as colds, flus and pneumonia.
Holy Basil/Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum)
This sacred Hindi herb is known in Ayurvedic herbalism as a rasayana or an herb which nourishes perfect health and promotes a long life. For close to three thousand years it is regarded as India's most powerful herb.
Properties: adaptogen, antibacterial, antidepressant, antioxidant, antiviral, protects against damaging affects of ionizing radiation.
Herb/Drug Interactions: May enhance CYP-450 activity therefore speeding up elimination of some medications.
Cautionary statement: Avoid if pregnant or attempting to become pregnant.
Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor)
This stunning velvety mushroom has been brewed as a tea for thousands of years by the Chinese and contains a variety of nutrients. It was regarded as qi or vital essence/energy enhancer.
Properties: immune modulator, supports chemotherapy patients, supports a healthy gut microbiome, antiviral, antibacterial, regulates blood sugar, possibly anti-cancer/anti-tumor.
Herb/Drug Interactions: Consult with a physician before taking with immunosuppressive drugs.
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)
This mushroom has undergone extensive research and has a long history of use in China. It's Chinese name Ling Zhi translates as "spirit plant" and it is used to nourish the shen or "spirit" in Chinese medicine.
Properties: adaptogen, lowers cholesterol, antioxidant, heart tonic, immune modulator, anti-inflammatory, antiviral.
Herb/Drug Interactions: Consult a physician or use cautiously with blood-thinning medications.
Red Belted Polypore (Fomitopsis pinicola)
This fungus was widely used in traditional European medicine as an anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial. It also has a history of use among the Blackfoot of Alberta, the Cree of Eastern Canada and the Dene.
Properties: antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, immune stimulating, anti-tumor, antihistamine and antioxidant.
Hawthorn Berry and Leaf (Crataegus monogyna)
Hawthorn is heart medicine. In Chinese medicine the heart stores the shen or "spirit" and when this is disturbed conditions of anxiety, insomnia, palpitations and irritability occur.
Properties: nutritive restorative for the heart and circulatory system, nervine (calming to nervous system)
Herb/Drug Interactions: Use with caution with beta-blockers.
Jujube date (Zhiziphus jujuba)
This nutrient dense fruit has a medicinal history that goes back thousands of years.
Properties: spleen tonic, antioxidant, anti-tumor, lowers blood pressure, high amino acid profile.
Cautionary statement: Jujube contain fructose so use with caution if highly sugar sensitive.
Asian Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
Licorice has long been used in Chinese herbal formulas to harmonize the formula.
Properties: adaptogen, antiviral, antioxidant, antitumor, immune modulator, liver protectant, anti-inflammatory.
Herb/Drug Interactions: Studies have shown licorice to increase the effects of steroids as well as lower their toxicity. Avoid use with potassium-depleting diuretics, digoxin or MAOI antidepressants.
Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum)
True cinnamon or Ceylon cinnamon is native to Sri Lanka and contains many health-promoting compounds.
Properties: antioxidant, nutrient dense, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antifungal, supports heart health, protects brain function.
Cautionary statement: Use in moderation if pregnant, have liver disease or diabetes.
Please note that Herb/Drug Interaction and Cautionary Statements are not intended to be all inclusive.
*The statements on this page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.