The word adaptogen, coined by Russian Scientist Dr. Nicolai Lazarev, refers to a natural herb product that increases the body's resistance to stresses such as trauma, anxiety and bodily fatigue. The Guidelines Lazarev created for a herb to be considered an adaptogen are:

1. It must cause only minimal disorders in the body's physiological functions;

2. It must increase the body's resistance to adverse influences not by a specific action but by a wide range of physical, chemical, and biochemical factors;

3. It must have an overall normalizing effect, improving all kinds of conditions and aggravating none.

Well-known adaptogens are: Ginseng, Rhodiola rosea, Licorice, and Ashwagandha. Others are: Noni, Suma (Pfaffia paniculata), Ginkgo biloba, Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum), Jiaogulan, and Siberian Chaga.

External links

• Organic Tea Adaptogen
• Jiaogulan is a Herbal Adaptogen

Alternative medicine

Adaptogen

Saleeby, J. P. "Wonder Herbs: A Guide to Three Adaptogens", Xlibris, 2006. (Three chapters on adaptogens Rhodiola rosea, Eleuthero & Jiaogulan.)