Herbal Medicine - adaptogens and tonics

Question 1

What are adaptogens?

Answer 1

Natural substances that increase resistance to stressors (physical, biological, emotional, environmental) primarily via the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.

Question 2

What are tonics?

Answer 2

Herbs that improve tone, vigor, and body function, restoring energy and enhancing vitality.

Question 3

What is the difference between adaptogens and tonics?

Answer 3

Adaptogens conserve energy and enhance the stress response, while tonics restore energy and improve overall function.

Question 4

What are some common uses for adaptogens and tonics?

Answer 4

Chronic stress, exhaustion, anxiety, chronic illness, post-viral syndrome, compromised immunity, and autoimmunity.

Question 5

What part of Ashwagandha is used for medicinal purposes?

Answer 5

The root.

Question 6

What are the key constituents of Ashwagandha?

Answer 6

Steroid compounds known as withanolides.

Question 7

What are the primary actions of Ashwagandha?

Answer 7

Adaptogen, tonic, nervine (GABA agonist), mild sedative, anti-inflammatory, immune modulator, anti-anaemic.

Question 8

What conditions is Ashwagandha effective for?

Answer 8

Impotence, infertility, convalescence, anemia, arthritis, insomnia, post-viral syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).

Question 9

What is the recommended intake of Ashwagandha?

Answer 9

3–6 g/day dried root (decoction) or 1 tsp powder 1–3 times weekly in warm nut milk, especially before bed.

Question 10

What part of Korean Ginseng is used for medicinal purposes?

Answer 10

The root.

Question 11

What are the key constituents of Korean Ginseng?

Answer 11

Ginsenosides.

Question 12

What are the primary actions of Korean Ginseng?

Answer 12

Adaptogenic, tonic, very stimulating, immune modulating, cardiotonic, male tonic, competition enhancing.

Question 13

What conditions is Korean Ginseng effective for?

Answer 13

Debility, stress, impotence, low immunity, fatigue, male infertility, convalescence, and increased physical/mental performance.

Question 14

What is the recommended intake of Korean Ginseng?

Answer 14

1-2 g/day of root, or as per label.

Question 15

What safety considerations are there for Korean Ginseng?

Answer 15

Avoid long-term use due to stimulating effects, avoid during acute infections, anxiety, with caffeine, warfarin, and MAOIs.

Question 16

What part of Siberian Ginseng is used for medicinal purposes?

Answer 16

The root.

Question 17

What are the key constituents of Siberian Ginseng?

Answer 17

Eleutherosides.

Question 18

What are the primary actions of Siberian Ginseng?

Answer 18

Adaptogen, immune modulator, supports T & B lymphocytes, T-helper cells, and NK cells.

Question 19

What conditions is Siberian Ginseng effective for?

Answer 19

General debility, physical stress, fatigue, convalescence, mild depression, chronic immune deficiency, physical/mental performance, cancer patients during treatment.

Question 20

What is the recommended intake of Siberian Ginseng?

Answer 20

2–3 g/day dried root (decocted), or as per label.

Question 21

What safety considerations are there for Siberian Ginseng?

Answer 21

Avoid during acute infections and with digoxin.