Ayurveda’s adaptogenic herbs

Adaptogens are Ayurvedic herbs known to increase the body’s immunity and resistance to stress. As the name suggests, the adaptogens are herbs which help the body to adapt to stressful situations of all kinds by boosting the hormonal and immune system to balance the general body reaction towards physical, psychological, emotional and environmental stress.

Adaptogens have this unique ability to balance the endocrine hormones in the body which are the most affected during stressful conditions experienced by the body. During any and every stressful situation the body responds by secreting hormones which bring about protective reactions from the body.

In a peculiar stressful situation, this is what happens in the body – there is quick and intense nervous stimulation; the rate of respiration, blood sugar and heart beat increase, as do the contractions which become forceful. The secretion of digestive juices reduces and the adrenal glands increase their hormone production. So one can imagine the state our body is in when we subject it or ourselves to prolonged stress and tension.

The amount of energy the body spends while in a state of tension and anxiety is tremendous and the situation often culminates into some or the other illness. However, it is not always possible to manage stress, especially if it is emotional or work related. This is where adaptogens come into play. These herbs help us to prevent the various imbalances caused in the body due to stress and thus play a major role in averting illness or reducing its intensity.

There are a large number of herbs in Ayurveda which act as adaptogens and exert a normalising effect on the body in the most non-specific manner.

Here’s what all the adaptogenic herbs can do for us –

•    They normalise the body functions without over-stimulating it or inhibiting it.
•    They are great body toners from within the system, as they enhance the anti-oxidant activity.
•    They help the body cope with stress in a better manner.
•    They act as adrenal gland re-chargers.
•    They protect the liver and detoxify it.
•    They improve the immune system and increase the energy and stamina of the body.
•    They boost the blood sugar metabolism.
•    They are also effective in enhancing the general well being of the body, as they are great for muscle strength, concentration, sleep and the mood in general.

Some of the best Adaptogenic herbs are listed below –

•    Asian ginseng – this is by far the best and the most famous of all Adaptogenic herbs due to its wide spectrum effects. It not only enhances a person’s ability to deal with stress, but it also enhances performance, ability, and mental function. It is great to build muscle strength and is known to work wonders for those with voice weakness as well as liver dysfunction, stomach ailments and spleen disorders too. It acts as an anti-depressant and anti-diabetic herb. What’s more studies have also revealed its effectiveness in fighting cancer and delaying the process of cell degeneration.
•    Holy Basil – this wonderful Indian herb is very popular for its wellness effects. It has great healing properties and is an immune builder. It fights well against asthma, bronchitis and common respiratory tract problems in addition to cough and cold. It also enhances the digestive function and relieves the body of stress and tension.
•    American Ginseng – more or less similar to its Asian counterpart this herb is recommended for those with a hotter body constitution and those who are more aggressive in nature.
•    Amla – this is great for the nerves as well as the stomach. It also helps to cure ulcers, bowel dysfunction and is extremely helpful for asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory ailments. A rich source of Vit C amla is also known to be effective as a general well being tonic.
•    Suma – this herb is rich in Vit A, E, B1, B2, amino acids like –lysine, histidine, glycine; calcium, iron, sodium and potassium. It is a great stress buster and immuno-builder. It has anti-inflammatory properties and is an analgesic in nature. It is great to treat bronchitis, cholesterol, anemia, fatigue, diabetes, reduces tumour growth and regulates hormones and blood sugar.
•    Turmeric – this is a powerful antioxidant and cholesterol inhibitor. It has DNA protection properties and also is an excellent anti-inflammatory herb. It is also an antibiotic and antibacterial.
•    Ashwagandha – it is a wonderful tonic for the body and shares a lot in common with the Asian ginseng. It has many astringent like properties and also works well as a nervine and sedative. It helps relieve the body from stress, anxiety and tension, both physical as well as psychological.
•    Licorice – this herb is helpful with spleen ailments, inflammations in the body, immune system, adrenal glands and liver. It can heal peptic ulcers and is known to be beneficial for HIV patients.

There are many other herbs which qualify as adaptogens as the basic function of adaptogens is a wide spectrum one. However, the regular use of even a few of these will surely bring about a positive change in our lives, which is much required in today’s time of stress and pressures.