GATHERING POWER The word adaptogen was coined by the brilliant Soviet scientist II Brekhman - a doctor who as far back as the forties was studying the connection between stress and immune functions. He used the word to describe a very special group of plants such as Fo-ti, astragalus, the Ayurvedic plant combination tirphala, and Siberian ginseng. When taken over a long period of time these adaptogens have the ability to strengthen adaptation energy. Dr Hans Selye - who first defined stress in relation to human health - describes adaptation energy as the energy we have to sustain an effort or deal with pressure without causing damage to the mind or body. All adaptogens support and increase adaptation energy. They act as tonics to the system. But not all tonics are adaptogens. These are pretty remarkable characteristics. But there is even something more remarkable about the adaptogenic herbs. They bring balance to our various organs and systems. For instance if your blood pressure is too high and you take ginseng for several weeks, an adaptogen will lower it. Yet taken by someone whose blood pressure is too low, the same plant will raise blood pressure. Adaptogens are strengtheners, normalizers, power builders. That is why they play such an important role in any stress-related condition. This ability to push and pull in whatever direction needed is something that only exists in natural remedies. No drug has it. In any stress-related condition - whether it be depression, exhaustion or anxiety - you almost always have a depletion of life energy - what the Chinese call qi. The adaptogens help you restore it. Without reestablishing your basic vitality, every other measure you take will only have a stopgap effect.

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To be classified as an adaptogen a plant needs to do three things: Help normalize bodily functions even when you are unwell Raise overall, nonspecific, resistance to disease and degeneration - what is called cell-mediated immunity · Be safe - completely harmless - even when taken for long periods

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The classic definition of a herb is a non-woody plant which dies down to its roots each winter. This definition is far too limiting. It was probably made up by 19th Century European botanists who had never seen the rainforest in which, of course there is no winter to die back in. Neither had they ever heard of woody trees and shrubs such as hawthorn and ginko and elder which are some of the best selling herbs on the market these days. I define a herb as a medicinal plant. It can come from any climate and be a leaf, a bark, a flower or a root. It can be home-grown or wild, a weed, a spice, a plant which is used for its healing or culinary or beautifying properties. Once you discover the power of herbs it is easy to become so enthusiastic about them you go overboard trying to use them for everything. It is not wise to take lots of different plants all at the same time. Or you might start to think that since a small amount of something is good for you, taking twice or three times that amount will be even better. It isn’t. If you want safe and sane herbal help here are a few guidelines to follow: Herbs occasionally interact with conventional drugs. Be sure to tell your doctor that you intend to try a herbal remedy. If you want to use herbs to treat a serious medical condition, find yourself a good medical herbalist to work with. Don’t do it yourself. Take no more than recommended dosages of a herb or combination. If you notice any adverse reaction, stop right away. Use only the very best herbs whether they be fresh, dried, teas, tinctures, extracts, or capsules. Give plants enough time to work. Many herbs, such as St John’s Wort and Wild Yam, are slow to build beneficial effects on the body. Look to six weeks for results.   Herbs This Week Archives

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