Contents:
- Medical Video: What are Adaptogens? | Supplementation for Stress
- What is an adaptogen?
- Where are Adaptogens Found?
- Siberian Ginseng
- Arctic root
- Schisandra chinensis
- Side effects of consuming herbal adaptogens
Medical Video: What are Adaptogens? | Supplementation for Stress
Herbs are believed to be able to overcome certain health problems. He said, herbal medicines that contain adaptogens are more beneficial for health. So what exactly is an adaptogen? Are adaptogens a good substance for health? Are there side effects?
What is an adaptogen?
Adaptogens are natural substances that can help the body ward off stress. This substance also works to overcome the effects of stress in the body. Stress can cause dangerous physical changes in the body, such as injuring organs in the nervous system, endocrine (hormone), immune system. This adaptogen has stimulant properties that can help fight these harmful effects.
In the body of this adaptogen responds to all stress reactions by regulating the balance of hormones produced from the gland of the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal gland. In the presence of adaptogens, the body will prevent cells from being damaged by free radicals.
Where are Adaptogens Found?
Adaptogens are substances found in various herbal plants. However, after being investigated, there were only 3 adaptogen herbal plants that were safe to consume because of their non-toxic properties. This substance can be found in Eleutherococcus senticosus (Siberian ginseng), Rhodiola rosea (Arctic root), and Schisandra chinensis.
Siberian Ginseng
This herbal plant is actually not ginseng but works in the same way as ginseng. One study found that siberian ginseng can help ward off fatigue by increasing energy. Siberian ginseng can also prevent colds.
In addition, siberian ginseng can help treat mental stress and physical stress problems. This herbal form is usually in the form of tablets, powders, capsules, or dried root pieces that are included in tea.
Arctic root
This is often referred to as rose root and grows in cold climates in Asia and Europe. This Arctic root has long been used in Russia and Scandinavia to treat minor ailments such as headaches and flu.
Reported on the Medical News Today website, these herbs can help treat anxiety, depression, fatigue, anemia, and headaches. On the market, Arctic roots are found in capsules, tablets, powders or also liquid extracts.
Schisandra chinensis
Schisandra is an herb that is useful for improving liver health and stabilizing blood sugar. Reported on the WebMD page, Schisandra will stimulate enzymes in the liver and increase liver cell growth.
Eating Schisandra fruit extract alone or in combination with siberian ginseng, is thought to increase concentration and speed of thinking. Schisandra chinensis also lowers the levels of SGPT enzymes in people who have hepatitits. High levels of SGPT are a sign of liver damage.
Side effects of consuming herbal adaptogens
Although this type of herb has several natural benefits for the body, you still need to be careful.
Siberian ginseng is generally considered safe if used in accordance with the instructions. But people with high blood pressure, sleep apnea, heart disease, schizophrenia, pregnant and lactating women, people who experience autoimmune diseases should not take siberian ginseng.
Some of the side effects that can be caused:
- Confusion
- Sleepy
- Headache
- High blood pressure
- Insomnia
- Irregular heart rhythm
- Nosebleed
- Gag
For sichandra, generally it is also safe if used according to instructions, but if it violates the advice given can cause heartburn, stomach pain, decreased appetite, itchy and reddish skin. Schinandra itself is not recommended for pregnant women, people with epilepsy, and people who have GERD.
Likewise with arctic roots, if not consumed based on instructions can cause side effects, namely headache, dry mouth, and the emergence of problems with sleep disorders.
