Adaptogens: Miracle Herbs? Part 2

Adaptogens: Natures Most Powerful Substances

When it comes to health and wellness, adaptogens are among nature’s most  powerful substances.  Adaptogens are a small and special category of herbs that enable us to cope with stress of all types while increasing our energy, strength and stamina.

These unique plants are known to survive and even thrive in the coldest, harshest, and most stressful conditions on earth. And when consumed, scientists have discovered that adaptogenic herbs pass on their amazing ability to adapt to stress to both humans and animals.(1)

Today, there is only a small group of plants that are classified as true adaptogens. What makes them different from other plant foods, and even from most superfoods, is that they contain a wide range of multifaceted compounds that are nutritionally superior to the typical vitamins, minerals, and other substances found in most healing herbs.

From Ancient Chinese Healers to Viking Warriors and Siberian Hunters

Adaptogens have actually been used for thousands of years  in both traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurvedic traditions. Folk healers and peoples from Russia, Japan, Korea, and Europe have also long been known to use adaptogenic herbs to create healing tonics and medicines. (2)

•  Various Asian cultures have used adaptogens in one form or another for centuries to both heal and prevent diseases, to improve mental acuity, and to promote physical strength and stamina.(2)  They valued adaptogens for their powerful anti-stress, anti-inflammatory, andi-depression and anti-aging characteristics. (2)
• Viking warriors and Siberian hunters used adaptogens to help them survive under the most stressful conditions imaginable.  The Vikings used adaptogens to increase their energy and endurance before going into fierce battles or embarking on long, difficult journeys by sea or land. 
• Siberian hunters used adaptogens for all-day energy and stamina before going on dangerous hunts in extremely harsh conditions. These hunters found they had the energy to hunt all day long without anything to eat except the red berries of a particular adaptogen herb. (3)

Today, modern science has discovered that adaptogen herbs contain substances that support the immune system, protect against stress, inflammation, and fatigue, reduce anxiety and depression, and even slow down aging. (2)

Re-Discovery of Adaptogens in Modern Times

Even though used by ancient peoples for thousands of years, adaptogens went through a phase of rediscovery during the Cold War. This happened when Soviet scientists in the mid-twentieth century began to conduct studies trying to find natural substances or “tonics”  that could enhance mental and physical performance of their athletes, astronauts and elite military units.(3)

Over the span of several decades, thousands of research studies were conducted by over 1,200 Russian scientists who verified that adaptogens do indeed increase  human performance. (2,3)  This ground-breaking research was kept top-secret because the USSR didn’t want the rest of the world to find out about these discoveries which gave the Soviet Union an advantage over other countries on the world stage. 

The Soviets gave adaptogens to their Olympic athletes, astronauts, political officers, scientists, doctors, military, and even to World Champion chess players because of their amazing ability to reduce stress and strengthen immunity coupled with incredible physical and mental performance-boosting properties. (3)  Many Soviet accomplishments during the Cold War have been at least partially credited to their use of adaptogen herbs.

The 7 powerful adaptogens

Today, the use of adaptogens have come full circle. Backed by evidence of their use for thousands of years and by thousands of scientific studies that have shed light on their power and potency, we now know that adaptogens are “the real deal”.  With all the fantastic benefits that adaptogens offer,  adaptogens truly belong in your daily wellness plan to improve your physical and mental health.

Below is a very brief summary of a few of the benefits specific adaptogen provide.

Eleuthero

Protects your health from the dangers of stress and balances your body 

The use of eleuthero dates back two thousand years to when it was used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TMC) and Ayurvedic healing traditions to prevent respiratory tract infections, colds, and the flu. It was also commonly used to increase energy, strength and vitality. (3) 

Because this herb was studied for decades by Soviet scientists during the Cold War, there  are more published scientific studies on eleuthero than on any other herb in the world. (3) 

These studies show that eleuthero has therapeutic value and  provides various physical and mental health benefits, which include:  protecting your body from all types of stressors, , improving memory and cognition, increasing  physical performance and boosting immunity. 

Scientific studies have also shown that eleuthero heightens  mental performance in people suffering from fatigue.  The herb is especially helpful in protecting the body’s systems against stress resulting from excessive workload, high levels of exercise, muscle loss, heat, cold, and even radiation. (3)

Rhodiola

For mental health, clear-thinking, physical performance, and cardiovascular protection

Rhodiola is another herb that has undergone extensive clinical trials. It has been put through scientific testing in both animals and humans, and it has been shown to improve both mental health and physical performance. 

This adaptogen is known to have the potential to protect the brain, and it has also shown promise for overcoming depression. (9)

In the past decades, rhodiola was widely used by Russian athletes and cosmonauts to increase energy and stamina. (3,10)  The herb is  also cardioprotective, having the ability to normalize the heart rate immediately after intense exercise.  

Rhodiola extract possesses a high nutritive value, and in animal studies it has  been shown to prolong life. (3)

Ashwagandha

The premier anti-aging and rejuvenating herb used in Ayurvedic medicine

As one of the most revered plants in India, ashwagandha  is used primarily as an anti-aging herb, to calm the mind and body, and for promoting sleep. (12, 13)

This adaptogenic herb has been used for at least a thousand years in Ayurvedic healing traditions.  Today, it has been proven to be as potent as two common prescription medications formulated for slowing down aging and extending lifespan. 

As one of the elite herbs in Ayurvedic medicine, ashwagandha has also been known to promote physical and mental health by increasing your resistance to diseases and environmental stressors. 

In traditional Indian medicine, it has been used to treat illnesses such as:  asthma, bronchitis, psoriasis, and dementia. (14)

Rhaponticum

Reverses Low T,  balances hormones, and fights fatigue

As a powerful anti-aging adaptogen, rhaponticum has been known to be especially useful when it comes to delaying the signs and symptoms of getting older. 

It may help to reverse low testosterone,  balance hormones, and reduce the effects of mental or physical fatigue by revitalizing the blood and organs. Rhaponticum nourishes the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal-thyroid axis (HPAT), the endocrine hub,  and it improves recovery from illness. (3,16)

When used during periods of intense muscular activity, rhaponticum supports proper energy metabolism, maintains stable blood sugar levels, increases the blood supply to the muscles and brain, and shortens the recovery period after prolonged muscular exercises. (17) 

This adaptogen is beneficial for athletes since it may help provide lean muscle mass and improve strength, stamina, and endurance. (18) Researchers found that rhaponticum may also help protect the brain after a stroke, and it may also help protect the cardiovascular system by reducing your risk for heart attacks. (19,20)

Schisandra

Provides all-day long energy and stamina

Schisandra (also spelled schizandra) has been known for centuries as a potent herb that can help fight against fatigue. 

For generations, Siberian hunters have chewed its seeds or made tea from its dried  berries to give them extra energy for long journeys. The herb is so powerful that local hunters can hunt for an entire day without food by simply eating schizandra berries and seeds. (21,22,23)

Scientists have discovered that schisandra acts  much like a stimulant. It works on the central nervous system and gives both mind and body a boost without the jitters that you would typically get from coffee or other stimulants. 

The Swedish Herbal Institute of  Research & Development has reported schizandra's ability to increase physical working capacity and its ability to provide a stress-protective effect against a broad spectrum of harmful factors including heat, burns, cold and frostbite. 

These same researchers also found out that, in healthy people, schisandra increases endurance, accuracy of movement, and mental performance. (25)

Panax Ginseng

5000 years of use for its extensive healing and restorative powers 

Panax Ginseng is highly prized throughout Asia. With more than 500 scientific papers published on it worldwide, ginseng has been used as a traditional medicine in Asia for more than five thousand years! (3)  

In China, Ginseng is classified as one of the most highly prized herbs because of its capability to nourish and revitalize both mind and body.  According to traditional healers, ginseng was said to "support the five visceral organs, calm the nerves, tranquilize the mind, stop convulsions, and support the lungs, spleen, and  stomach. 

Ginseng has been used for generations to treat various ailments, including pneumonia or bronchitis (especially with a dry cough), chronic fatigue (especially when accompanied by anxiety), asthma, chronic stress, depression, and autoimmune diseases of the lungs or GI tract. (3)  Ginseng is also known to work best when taken together with other adaptogens.

Shilajit

For energy, strength, recovery, endurance, nervous system balance and strong immunity

The word shilajit in Sanskrit means "destroyer of weakness." 

According to traditional Indian Ayurvedic medicine, there is hardly any disease that cannot be controlled or cured with shilajit. 

Shilajit is considered a prized yogavahi (a substance that is capable of penetrating the deepest tissues of the body). (3) In traditional Indian medicine, shilajit is widely used to help slow down the aging process and prolong life. It is also used to improve general health by providing the body's cells and tissues with protection and support. (3) 

In the twentieth century,  shilajit was used by the Soviets to improve the health of their elite military personnel, cosmonauts, and athletes.(3,29)  More recent scientific studies  have shown shilajit's  true potency as an adaptogen. 

Today, modern medicine has proven shilajit's ability to increase testosterone in males, to help overcome altitude sickness, improve heart health, and aid in fighting against obesity. (35,36,37,38)

Extensive research by Russian scientists who studied adaptogens for four decades showed that when adaptogens are combined together, they are more effective than each adaptogen alone.  For this reason, it is recommended you combine several adaptogens  to get the most benefits from them.

Some of the amazing benefits of the Adaptogen herbs in Peak Male and EmpowHer

Eleuthero: Outstanding Stress Protection

• Protects your body from the dangers of stress
• Boosts mental acuity and physical endurance
• Helps you recover quickly from acute stress  
• Enables longer workouts and quicker recovery
• Stimulates muscle growth and supports vital organs  
• Improves learning and memory

Rhodiola: Great for the Mind and Memory

• Helps students perform better under stress
• Reduces  stress-related hormones  
• Boosts endorphins, the body’s feel-good compounds
• Stimulates the immune system
• Levels of blood sugar
•  Assists in weight loss
• Boosts libido

Ashwagandha: The Natural Anti-Aging Herb

• May extend lifespan and reverse aging
• Combats mental and physical fatigue
• Increases stamina & endurance
• Reduces damage caused by various stressors
• Increases the body’s resistance to disease
• Improves sleep
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antioxidant
• Supports brain health and memory
• Supports heart and circulation health

Rhaponticum: Many Powerful Health Benefits

• Promotes recovery from illness or surgery
• Protects vital organs such as the kidneys and liver
• Numerous cardiovascular benefits
• Normalizes blood sugar and anti-diabetic
• Enhances immune activity
• Improves joint and bone health
• Improves stress resistance
• Reduces fat, builds muscle mass
• Increases stamina & athletic performance
• Improves mental health, learning, and memory
• Lowers cholesterol
• Reduces atherosclerosis

Schizandra: Strengthens & Normalizes the Entire Body

• Builds endurance, reduces fatigue and exhaustion
• Fights depression
• Improves memory
• Protects the liver from toxins
• Treats respiratory and digestive ailments
• Increases  resistance to  stress
• Protection from chemical and drug toxicities
• Protects DNA from damage
• Improves eyesight and  hearing
• Improves  mental acuity

Panax Ginseng: 5,000 Years of Use!

• Reduces blood pressure
• Improves immune function
• Improves athletic performance
• Relieves fatigue, increases  stamina
• Anti-Aging
• Increases muscle strength and endurance
• Enhances memory and  mental activity
• Anticancer, chemo-enhancing/chemo-sensitizing
• Protects against environmental pollutants
• Protects against the endothelial damage
• Improves glucose regulation
• Effective for treating erectile dysfunction
• Effective in treating ADHD
• Cardiovascular restorative and protective
• Anti-inflammatory; COX-2 inhibitor
• Pulmonary restorative (improves COPD)
• Liver protective/regenerative
• Hormone-normalizing; phytoestrogenic
• Neurological protection

Shilajit: Used by elite military units, cosmonauts and Olympic athletes for immune and nervous system balance

• Improves physical performance
• Enhances mental performance
• Supports sexual stamina and libido
•  Promotes longevity
• Increases lean muscle mass
• Promotes bone and tissue growth
• Improves cognitive abilities, inhibits aging of the brain
• Antibacterial,  anti-ulcer, anti-allergic
• Speeds wound healing
• Increases bone density
• Improves prostate health
• Improves peripheral circulation
• Enhances male and female reproductive  health
• Anti-diabetic
• Enhances antioxidant defense against oxidative damage

About Lean Factor

Lean Factor is a leading provider of premium wellness products that promote vibrant health and longevity.  Many of Lean Factor's unique products contain adaptogenic herbs promoting immunity, stress-reduction, energy, and vitality. For more information, visit www.LeanFactor.com or call 800-818-7115.

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