Ayurvedic Adaptogenic (Stress Fighting) Herbs

By John Douillard, DC, PhD


If adaptogenic herbs are botanical substances that help the body adapt to physiological and psychological stress, then Ayurveda is truly a system of adaptogenic medicine. Ayurveda identifies the cause of disease as the separation of mind, body and consciousness, due to the degenerative effects of mental, emotional and physical stress. This ancient premise for Ayurveda has been recently validated as researchers have identified stress as the cause of eighty percent of all disease.

Translated, Ayurveda means the "science of life," which is based on an in-depth study of nature and how to live stress free, in harmony with its cycles. The cycles of nature flow effortlessly from one season to the next. Life according to Ayurveda should also flow effortlessly with people finding more creativity, energy and productivity with less, not more effort. Life was not intended to be a struggle.

Stress triggers the release of stress fighting hormones, which provide us with instant coping abilities. The problem starts when stress becomes constant. The stress fighting hormones are actually degenerative to the body over time and have waste products called free radicals, which are currently believed to be the leading cause of aging, disease, cancer and even death. Ayurveda, as an adaptogenic system of health care, combines lifestyle, diet, exercise and behavior along with an exhaustive list of Ayurvedic medicines that when used in concert, decrease mental, emotional, and physical stress, enhance immunity, build energy and improve one's quality of life.

Ayurveda has many adaptogenic herbs in its pharmacopoeia that normalize numerous physiological functions, improve vitality, and enhance the body's ability to adapt to stress and heal itself. These herbs can be used to help cope with stressful situations, compromised immunity, and for prevention against the physiologic woes of stress itself. Although adaptogenic herbs are similar in concept, each herb is unique and should be chosen with care. The following descriptions will help identify the right adaptogen for you and are currently available in capsule form in most health food stores


ASHWAGANDA

English Name: Winter Cherry
Botanical Name: Withania somnifera
Common Name: Ashwaganda, Indian Ginseng

Botany: Ashwaganda is a small evergreen shrub that grows to 1.5 meters tall. It is found in dry areas of India and as far west a Israel.

History: The word Ashwaganda literally means "the sweat of a horse" indicating that one who takes it would have the strength and sexual vitality of a horse. It is a well known adaptogen that tones and normalizes bodily functions and renders the body more resistant to stress.

Chemistry: The established active constituent is a number of steroidal lactones that are together called withanolides . Many studies have demonstrated the adaptogenic properties of ashwaganda. In one study, ashwaganda showed increased physical endurance, it prevented the depletion of Vitamin C and cortisol while under stress, and ashwaganda out performed ginseng, a proven adaptogen, in improving mental acuity, reaction time and physical performance with healthy individuals.

Ayurveda: Balances Vata and Kapha, can aggravate Pitta and increase Ama. It is bitter and astringent and increases Ojas.

Actions: Tonic, Nervine, Sedative, Nerve Restorative, Adaptogen, Aphrodisiac, Anti-inflammatory, Respiratory Stimulant.

Indications: General Debility, Depression, Chronic Fatigue, Anxiety, Depressed Immunity, Sexual Debility, Infertility, Memory Loss, Breathing Difficulties, Hormonal Imbalances.

Note: Because Ashwaganda is a heavy herb and somewhat hard to digest, it can be taken with ginger, warm milk, meals, honey or hot water. It is good for weakness during pregnancy.

SHILAJIT

Botanical Name: Asphaltum, Bitumen
Common Name: Mineral Pitch

Botany: Shilajit means "something that has won over rocks." It is a rock exudate that is called a "panacea" by Charaka, the most respected of Ayurvedic texts.

Ayurveda: It is hot, bitter and reduces Kapha mostly, but is beneficial for Vata and Pitta as well.

Benefits: It is an adaptogen or rasayana. It is called Yogavahi, which means it strengthens and enhances all other herbs and processes in the body. It is used in Immune Disorders, Chronic Fatigue, Urinary Tract disorders (contraindicated in kidney stones), Memory, Reduces Tumors, Nervous Disorders, and Sexual Dysfunction. It is a known free radical scavenger, anti-stress agent and a powerful adaptogen.

Chemistry: Although the process is not fully understood, it is believed that the porous fulvic and humic acids in Shilajit carry herbal compounds deeply into the tissues of the body. These porous carrying cavities also hook toxins and escort them out of the body. This process is rare and is known a Yogavahi or bio-availability enhancer.

Studies have shown Shilajit to have positive adaptogenic properties on improving memory, handling stress as well as anti-inflammatory properties. It has shown to dramatically lower recovery time in muscle, bone and nerve injuries along with powerful immunomodulating or immune-stimulating properties.


TURMERIC

Botanical Name: Curcuma longa
Common Name: Haridra

Botany: The rhizome of this tall, stemless perennial is rich in yellow-orange curcuminoids and turmerins. The curcuminoids are powerful antioxidants as well as lipid peroxide (cholesterol causing agent) inhibitors. They are liver protectants and anti-inflammatory.5 Turmeric has been shown to have DNA protectant properties, antioxidant and anti-mutagenic properties.6


History: Turmeric was used as a panacea in Ayurvedic medicine. It was used externally for cuts, bruises, sprains and skin care. It was used internally as an antibiotic, liver protectant, digestive aid and as an anti-inflammatory.


Actions: Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, anti-hepatotoxic, anti-cholesteremic, alterative, vulnerary, antibacterial.

Note: Turmeric is both an adaptogen and a bio-protectant. It seems its primary role is to protect many systems of the body from the degenerative effects of stress and by doing so eliciting a powerful healing and preventive effect


CHYAWANPRASH

One category of Ayurvedic medicine is called rasayana, which are elaborate combinations of herbs and minerals that are specifically designed for rejuvenation, enhancing immunity and physiological balance along with a host of other adaptogenic properties. Chyawanprash is one of the most respected of Ayurvedic rasayanas.

Legend: Chyawan was given this rasayana by the Ashwini Kumars, who are believed to be the originators of Ayurveda, for his ill health and aging. Prash means "eating." This combination of over forty herbs was said to restore health and youthfulness to Chyawan.

Indications: It is a powerful free radical scavenger and adaptogen. If taken regularly, it builds immunity, good digestive power, and keeps the mind and lungs clear. It is a also beneficial in stress, anxiety and depression.7

Main Ingredient: Amalaki (Emblica officinalis). The common name is Indian Gooseberry. Amla is a fruit of a citrus tree. Each fruit contains more than 3000 mg. of vitamin C that is complete and bioavailable. Amla is one of the most powerful rejuvenative herbs in Ayurveda.

Secondary Ingredients: Ghee, Sesame oil, Honey, Raw unrefined sugar, Long pepper, Cinnamon, Cardamom, Sandalwood, Cloves, Giant potato, Winter cherry, Asparagus, Country mallow (bala), Gudduchi (Heart leaved moonseed), Gokshura (Small caltrops) Bhumiamalaki (phyllanthus), Punarnava (Hogweed), Bilva, Vadarikand.

Note: The honey and sugar act as anupan or carriers of the herbs deeply into the tissues. The sweet tastes are assimilated quickly into the bloodstream and penetrate cell walls carrying active constituents of the chyawanprash.

References

1. Karnick CR, Indian Medicine, 3(2,3):1-5, April-July, 1991
2. Jaiswal AK and Bhattacharya SK (1992): Effects of Shilajit on memory, anxiety and brain monoamines in rats, Ind. J. Pharmocol. 24, 12-17.
3. Bhaumik S, Chattopadhyay S, and Ghoshal S. (1993) : Effects of Shilajit on mouse peritoneal macrophages. Phytotherapy Res. Vol. 7, 425-427.
4. Goel RK, Banerjee RS, and Acharya SB (1990): Anti-ulcergenic and anti-inflammatory studies with Shilajit, J Ethnopharmacol. 29, 95-103.
5. Hussain MS and Chandrasekhara N. Influence of curcumin and capsacin on cholesterol gallstone induction in hamsters. Nutritional Research13:349-357, 1993.
6. Srinivas L and Shalini VK. Turmerin induced reduction in urinary mutagens. Fd. Chem. Toxic. 29:699-706,1991.
7. Narayana, DBA, Dabur Research Foundation on Chyawanprash. Sahibabad, India

Further Information

http://www.lifespa.com/article.asp?art_id=23