Ashwagandga, Ginseng, Schisanda Berries and reishi mushrooms are adaptogenic remedys.Adaptogens are meant to be taken as tonics over the long period of time for whole body benefits.  Adaptogens are often taken for three months to receive maximum benefits.  Most people can take them daily without side effects, but not everyone.  Consult a knowledgeable herbal professional about specific remedies.  If you experience any unusual symptoms while taking adaptogens, discontinue use and get consultation.

Consider that stress has been linked to a host of other disorders, including depression, heart attacks, hypertension and increased susceptibility to infection.  This is easy to imagine, so how hard is it to imagine that herbs can have an encompassing  tonic effects on the whole body.  Seems easy to me, try some self education.  Please)

Ashwagandha: Antioxidant All-star

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is called “Indian ginseng,” because its effects are similar to Panax ginseng. Animal studies showed ashwagandha improves stamina and reduced the damage caused by various stressors. It stimulates the immune system and has powerful antioxidant action. Antioxidants reduce risk of cancer and heart disease.  Studies show intriguing cancer preventive action.

Researchers also gave ashwagandha to diabetics with high cholesterol. A month later, cholesterol and blood sugar levels were significantly lower. Finally, the herb has some antidepressant action. Side effects are rare in recommended amounts, but large doses may cause stomach distress, diarrhea and vomiting. Pregnant and nursing women should not use it.

Eleuthero: Echoing Ginseng

Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus) is often called “Siberian ginseng,” but it’s not a ginseng. True ginseng grows as a ground cover. Eleuthero is a shrub that grows to more than 6 feet tall in China and Russia.

Eleuthero herb improves increase energy, stamina and immune function.  It also increases production of interleukin, important immune proteins and in addition eleuthero helps the heart function.

Scientists have documented eleuthero’s  strong antiviral action.  With the herb helps recoverer faster from cold and flu.Eleuthero is one of the top prescribe herbs for chronic stress and stress related conditions .

A study showed that it reduces LDL bad cholesterol, triglycerides (blood fats) and blood sugar, all risk factors for heart disease. It also helps prevent internal blood clots that trigger heart attacks. A animal study shows it helps normalize heart rhythm.

Some possible side effects are drowsiness, anxiety, irritability, headache and insomnia. Don’t take it if you’re pregnant, nursing, running a fever, or if you have high blood pressure.

Schisandra: Balance Your Body

Chinese medicine considers schisandra (Schisandra chinesis) to be a balancing herb, because it contains all five flavors: sweet, sour, salty, bitter and spicy. Animal studies showed that it improves memory. The herb also protects the liver from a variety of toxic agents, and is used to treat respiratory and digestive ailments. Schisandra causes infrequent side effects.

Reishi Mushroom: Immune Booster

Sometimes called “mushroom of immortality,”  reishi mushrooms (Ganoderma lucidum) a qi (life force) tonic and longevity promoter. “It can help in the treatment of fatigue, respiratory complaints, cancer, heart disease and liver ailments.

Research shows that reishi mushrooms enhance immune function. Studies showed that they have antibacterial, antiviral action and is also a potent antioxidant. Research showed the mushroom suppresses the growth of several cancers: breast, prostate, colon, nose, throat and leukemia. Another study showed that the mushroom can prevent the internal blood clots that trigger heart attacks.  The herb also reduces blood pressure cholesterol and blood sugar.

They reduce stress related hormones, enhances of immune function, good antioxidant action, physiological normalization and relieves fatigue.  Ashwagandha, an Indian plant, helps decrease damage caused by stress and reduces cholesterol and blood sugar levels.  Schisandra berries can improve memory and aid digestion.

Reishi may cause dizziness, stomach upset, skin irritation, diarrhea or constipation, and interfere with blood clotting. Pregnant and nursing women should not take it. Use reishi in consultation with  medicine practitioner.

Rhodiola: A Russian Restorative

Found in arctic areas of Europe and Asia, rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea) is a perennial succulent plant with a thick medicinal root. When cut, the root exudes a rose like fragrance, hence its Latin specific name, rosea, and one of its common names, rose root.

Several studies showed that rhodiola helped students perform better under academic pressure, Rhodiola is the best adaptogen for mind and memory problems and people who complain of fuzzy memory.

It reduces levels of stress  related hormones, and boosts levels of the body’s own feel-good compounds, endorphins also  it a powerful antioxidant.

Rhodiola helps strengthens the heart and cardiovascular system. Animal studies showed it lowered blood pressure and slowed heart rate, also normalizes heart rhythm and improves blood flow through the brain.