Adaptogens and Tonics

Question 1

Adaptogens

Answer 1

Adaptogens increase resistance to physical, biological, emotional and environmental stressors. Effects are exerted via a range of mechanisms, mediated largely by the HPA axis.

Question 2

Tonics

Answer 2

Tonics refer to herbs that improve tone, vigour and body function.

• Adaptogens conserve energy, while tonics restore energy.
• A herb often has both properties.
• Adaptogens and tonics are used in a range of health scenarios including chronic stress, exhaustion, anxiety, chronic illness, post-viral syndrome, compromised immunity, autoimmunity

Question 3

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

Answer 3

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera):

• Parts used: Root.
• Energetics: Warm.
• Key constituents: Steroidal compounds ― with anolides.
• Actions and uses: Adaptogen, tonic, nervine (GABA agonist), mild sedative, anti-inflammatory, immune modulating, anti-anaemic (blood building); impotence, infertility (e.g. in males ― ↑ DHEA, serum LH and testosterone; improves semen and sperm quality), convalescence, anaemia, arthritis, insomnia (esp. those waking early with anxious thoughts), post-viral/CFS.
• Intake: 3–6 g / day dried root (decoction); 1 tsp powder 1‒3 x per week in warm nut milk before bed (especially before bed).

Question 4

Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng)

Answer 4

Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng):

• Parts used: Root.
• Energetics: Hot.
• Key constituents: Ginsenosides.

Intake: Decoct 1–2 g root / day, or as per label.

• Actions and uses: Adaptogenic (supports HPA axis), tonic, very stimulating (avoid at night!) immune modulating, cardiotonic, male tonic, cognition enhancing; debility, stress, impotence, low immunity (lung tonic), fatigue, male infertility, convalescence, to ↑ physical / mental performance, Type 2 diabetes (↑ insulin sensitivity).
• Safety: Avoid long-term use due to stimulating effect, avoid during acute infection, anxiety, and with caffeine, warfarin and MAOIs.

Question 5

Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus)

Answer 5

Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus):

• Parts used: Root.
• Energetics: Warm.
• Key constituents: Eleutherosides.
• Actions and uses: Adaptogen, immune modulating (↑ T and B Lymphocytes, T-helper cells and NK cells); general debility, physical stress, fatigue, convalescence, mild depression, chronic immune deficiency, to ↑ physical & mental performance, tonic for the elderly, cancer during chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
• Intake: 2–3 g / day dried root decocted. Products as per label.
• Safety: Avoid during acute stage of infection. Avoid with digoxin.