What is an adaptogenic herb?

"The so-called "adaptogen" plants are known to help the body adapt to daily stress.

both on the psychological and physiological aspects and to regain energy."

The history of the term "adaptogen"

the modern history of adaptogens began in the late 1940s in Russia. The former USSR then asked the Soviet Academy of Sciences to develop a product that would increase the performance of its elite (athletes, army officers, chess players, etc.) while respecting strict health guidelines.

In 1947, an eminent Russian researcher by the name of Lazarev formulated the concept of “adaptogen” to describe a substance which increases, in a general and non-specific way, the resistance of the organism to the various stresses which affect it. Adaptogenic plants, such as rhodiola, ginseng and eleutherococcus, act on many organs and physiological functions.

In the 1960s research by the team of Dr. Israel Brekhman defined adaptogens as:

Non-toxic at normal therapeutic doses.

Producing a non-specific state of the body's resistance to physical, emotional and environmental stress.

Possessing a normalizing (amphoteric) effect on the body, and able to help restore physiological function impaired by chronic stress.

Traditional use

It goes back millennia with traditional Chinese medicine where the notion of "adaptogen" has been present for thousands of years under the concept of "higher tonics" the "qi", which regulate the various functions and increase energy, promoting overall health without treating specific diseases. We can notably mention the adaptogenic mushroom, reishi, used in China for millennia and called "the you of mushrooms".

The same with Ayurvedic medicine in India and the term "rasayana" which means "the path to the essence of life". Ashwagandha and tulsi, 2 of the main herbs in Ayurvedic medicine have been considered as adaptogens and used traditionally for millennia.

In general, in traditional medicine, adaptogenic plants are associated with longevity.

The benefits of adaptogens

Each adaptogenic plant has its specificity (which we detail on each product page of the store), but we can say that all of these are known to increase resistance to stress and regain energy.

They are more likely to act on the whole body than on a specific part of the body.

Some will improve energy metabolism, others will act more on the brain or through the adrenal glands.

Many studies have confirmed the adaptogenic properties of these plants.

You will find some of them at the end of the pages.

In what forms?

It is possible to consume adaptogenic plants in several forms, powders, capsules, extracts.

There are many adaptogen powders on the market whose qualities vary, often not very fresh unfortunately and therefore less effective.

We have opted for the manufacture of hydroalcoholic extracts. Indeed this form offers many advantages, in terms of conveniences because they are easy to take on a daily basis, in terms of conservation and finally absorption of the active ingredients. A double hydroalcoholic extraction process that allows a better concentration of active ingredients for optimal absorption!

For further

on this fascinating subject we advise you:

- the book Adaptogens by Paula GRAINER

- The video of Christophe Bernard from Althéa Provence: https://www.altheaprovence.com/plantes-adaptogenes/