You may have heard of adaptogens before. But do you really know how these plants work on the body?
Can These Plants Really Reduce Stress and Anxiety?
In the 1940s, a Russian scientist named Nikolai Lazarev was tasked with finding drugs to improve soldiers' resistance to fatigue.
At that time, Russia was in the middle of a war, soldiers often took amphetamines in order to improve their resistance to extremely difficult living conditions. That is why the Russian government was keen to find alternatives to these drugs to improve people's health.
This Russian researcher then made surprising discoveries about ancient plants from the Asian tradition. These are plants with invigorating properties, capable of strengthening the body's resistance to stress. Imagine being able to improve your endurance and reduce your stress simply by taking a natural supplement. This is what adaptogens can offer you.
In this article I invite you to discover the origin of these plants as well as their many benefits.
What is an adaptogenic plant?
Adaptogenic plants belong to the Chinese medical tradition. They are traditionally used in Chinese medicine to invigorate the body. These plants help strengthen physical and mental resilience. They help restore the balance of the body disturbed by environmental aggressions. They thus have both a balancing and regulating role.
The term "adaptogen" was invented by the Russian pharmacologist Nikolai Lazarev. He was then researching substances capable of improving the body's adaptation to stressful conditions without harming its balance. The Russian researcher then identified ancient plants with tonic properties: ginseng, eleutherococcus and astragalus.
How do adaptogenic plants work?
You may be wondering if these plants can really make a difference in your daily life. Well, let's see how they work in practice!
According to N. Lazareff's research, adaptogenic plants of Chinese origin induce a state of non-specific resistance in the body, while improving endurance.
They act through complex mechanisms to restore the balance disturbed by environmental aggressions, on a physical, mental and emotional level.
These plants thus offer a natural alternative to chemical treatments against stress. Thanks to their regulatory effect, they help to restore hormonal balance, by influencing various neurotransmitters involved in stress management, such as acetylcholine, serotonin, catecholamines (adrenaline, noradrenaline, dopamine), endorphins, histamine and GABA.
Plants such as rhodiola rosea, for example, help reduce levels of cortisol, the hormone associated with stress. Adaptogens play a key role in the first two phases of the general adaptation syndrome —alarm and resistance—by delaying the exhaustion phase due to prolonged exposure to stress. They are therefore a valuable support for preventing burnout.
What are the main adaptogenic plants?
Panax ginseng, the root of long life
Ginseng is one of the most renowned adaptogenic plants. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is considered a major plant, recognized for its virtues on energy and longevity. In Asia, it also enjoys a reputation as an aphrodisiac.
Ginseng's popularity in the West grew after experiments by mountaineers on expeditions to the Himalayas. They observed the incredible endurance of the inhabitants of a remote valley, able to withstand considerable workloads in extreme climatic conditions. The mountaineers discovered that these men and women regularly chewed ginseng roots throughout the day.
In the 1940s, research by Nikolai Lazarev validated the adaptogenic properties of ginseng, confirming its ability to improve resistance to stress and fatigue.
Siberian Ginseng, the Secret Plant of the Russians
Eleutherococcus is also known as Siberian ginseng. This plant has been used for thousands of years in traditional Asian medicine. Incidentally, it is particularly famous for its ability to survive the extreme climatic conditions of Siberia.
In the health field, it is best known for having been used by Russian athletes to improve their physical performance. Its properties were brought to light by Russian researcher Nikolai Lazarev after World War II.
As an "adaptogenic" plant, it strengthens the body's resistance to the various stresses it may encounter.
Schisandra chinensis, the Chinese berry with five flavors
Schisandra berries (or Schisandra chinensis), are also known as the "five-flavored berries" because of their unique combination of tastes (sour, sweet, salty, spicy, and bitter). They are fruits that come from a climbing plant native to China, Russia, and Mongolia. Used for centuries in Asian medicine, these berries are renowned for their adaptogenic properties.
Rhodiola rosea, the plant of Russian cosmonauts
Rhodiola rosea is a plant native to the Arctic regions. Used for thousands of years in Scandinavia and Siberia, it is known to increase physical resistance to effort. The Vikings used it to better withstand extremely difficult living conditions.
Rhodiola is also said to have been used by the Russian cosmonaut team led by Yuri Gagarin on the first space mission, to help them manage the stress and anxiety associated with life in orbit.
Classified among adaptogenic plants in Chinese medicine, it is used to combat anxiety, stress and depression.
Reishi, the mushroom of long life
Reishi is an adaptogenic mushroom of Chinese origin. In the very first Chinese herbalism treatise, it is listed among the most prestigious tonic herbs due to its exceptional properties. Due to its powerful effects, it was exclusively reserved for the emperor to prolong his longevity and preserve him from the effects of aging. As an adaptogen, reishi helps the body better cope with environmental stresses.
How are adaptogenic plants used?
These plants can be consumed in different ways. In general, it is advisable to refer to the dosage indicated on the supplements for safe use. Here are the main ways to consume these plants:
- Capsules : These herbs are commonly available in capsule form. Dosage varies by manufacturer, so it is important to follow the recommendations on the supplement label.
- Powder : They can also be consumed in dried powder form, usually mixed into water, a smoothie or dessert.
- Mother tinctures : These are hydroalcoholic solutions obtained from a mixture of plants and alcohol. They are consumed by diluting them in water or tea.
- Infusion : These plants can also be consumed fresh in the form of an infusion.
- With coffee . Adaptogenic herbal coffee is a very popular drink in the world of nutrition today. It allows you to benefit from the benefits of adaptogens while enjoying a good coffee.
Side effects and contraindications
These adaptogenic plants have been used for thousands of years in traditional Asian medicine, providing extensive insight into their use and effects.
They are non-toxic, meaning they do not present any danger or harmful side effects to the body, provided the recommended doses are respected.
The rare side effects observed mainly concern the digestive system, such as bloating, loss of appetite or nausea. Although these plants have few contraindications, it is advisable to consult your doctor before consuming them. As a precaution, they are not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women as well as young children.
Conclusion
In conclusion, adaptogenic plants represent a valuable natural solution to strengthen the body's resistance to stress and fatigue.
Used for thousands of years in Asian medical traditions, they have proven their effectiveness over time and are now being rediscovered for their benefits on physical and mental health.
Whether it's to improve endurance, balance stress hormones or prevent exhaustion, these plants offer an alternative to chemical drugs, while presenting little risk of side effects.
However, as with any supplement, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional before incorporating these plants into your daily routine, especially for pregnant or breastfeeding women and young children.
Samuel Tessier, September 2024
Sources and references:
The Stress of Life, 1956, Hans Selye
Ron Teeguarden, 1998, The Ancient Wisdom of the Chinese Tonic Herbs
David Winston, 2019, Adaptogens Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief