Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief

Updated and Expanded – 2nd Edition

By David Winston, with Steven Maimes

Inner Traditions / Healing Arts Press. 432 pages. Includes 16-page color insert illustrations of herbs.
6” x 9” paperback and eBook. ISBN-13: 9781620559581. ISBN-10: 1620559587. September 2019.

Order from Amazon – https://amzn.to/2FU2lJl

Paperback: $19.99
eTextbook: $13.99

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Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief
Updated and Expanded – 2nd Edition (2019)

Description
An updated and expanded edition of the definitive guide to adaptogenic herbs (published in 2007).

• Includes a Materia Medica with monographs covering 25 adaptogens, including eleuthero,

ginseng, rhodiola, schisandra, ashwagandha, licorice, shatavari, reishi, and holy basil, as well as
complementary nervines, restorative tonics, and nootropics

• Explains how adaptogens increase the body’s resistance to adverse influences, increase energy
and stamina, and counter the effects of age and stress on the body

• Details the actions, properties, preparation, and dosage for each herb and their uses in
Ayurveda and Chinese medicine and as remedies for animals

Every day our bodies strive to adapt and stay balanced, energized, and healthy, yet chronic stress
and the resulting elevation of stress hormones such as cortisol have been shown to be major
factors behind not only fatigue and weight gain but also many chronic and degenerative diseases.
In this updated edition of the definitive guide to adaptogenic herbs, clinical herbalist David Winston
and researcher Steven Maimes provide a comprehensive look at adaptogens: non-toxic herbs such as
ginseng, eleuthero, and ashwagandha that help the body “adapt” to the many influences it
encounters and manage the stresses it experiences. They also increase stamina and energy, boost
cognitive function, restore the immune system, and counter the effects of aging, especially when
used in appropriate combinations.

Beginning with a history of the use of adaptogens, including in Ayurveda, Chinese medicine,
and Russian medicine, the book examines how these herbal remedies work and why they are so
effective at combating stress-induced illness and ailments. The extensive Materia Medica includes
monographs on 25 adaptogens, including eleuthero, ginseng, rhodiola, schisandra, ashwagandha,
shatavari, reishi, and holy basil, as well as complementary nervines, restorative tonics, and
nootropic herbs, such as milky oats, astragalus, St. John’s wort, and ginkgo. Each monograph
presents the latest scientific research and details the origin, traditional and clinical uses, actions,
properties, preparation, and dosage for each herb. The book also includes guidance on adaptogenic
remedies for our animal companions.

Aimed not only at herbalists but also those interested in natural health, this guide to adaptogens
will allow you to safely and effectively use these herbal remedies to enhance your health and
improve your chances of living a longer, healthier, and well-balanced life.

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Excerpt from the book
Chapter 6. Health Benefits of Adaptogens

When compiling research on the health benefits of adaptogens, the amount of data is almost
overwhelming. This is due to the large number of studies and the fact that adaptogens have such a
broad influence on the entire body.

Many of the adaptogens that are commonly used today have a history of use that goes back
hundreds and thousands of years. Over that time, a vast amount of experience has been gained that
has gone toward understanding their therapeutic applications.

Adaptogens can greatly increase the effectiveness of some modern drugs, including antibiotics,
anxiolytics (anxiety relief), antidepressants, and hypoglycemic (blood sugar lowering) agents. They
also can reduce, and in some cases eliminate, the side effects of some drugs. They have a proven
record of being safe, efficacious, and quite versatile in their treatment of many conditions.

All adaptogens have antistress qualities that provide stabilizing effects on the neuroendocrine
system, especially the HPA axis. All adaptogens help to modulate and enhance the immune system.
All adaptogens provide antioxidant nutrients.

This chapter mentions highlights from both research and tradition. The listed benefits and uses of
adaptogens are based on all available information, including modern scientific research, records of
their use in traditional medical systems, ethnobotany, and clinical observations made by
practitioners. The disorders have been arranged alphabetically to assist readers in locating the
conditions that most interest them.

BRAIN FUNCTION
The brain is part of the nervous system, along with the spinal cord, nerves, and sensory organs. The
nervous system responds to chronic stress in multiple ways. Some people may develop stress
headaches, and others suffer from insomnia, anxiety, or depression. Over long periods of time,
cortisol can cause neuro-inflammation and elevated cortisol levels have been linked to increased risk
of migraines, depression, and Alzheimer’s disease. Research indicates that high cortisol levels also
promote degeneration and death of nerve cells along with decreased memory function.

Adaptogens for Improved Brain Function

Adaptogens have multiple effects on nervous system and brain health. They normalize
neurotransmitter levels in the brain, inhibit cortisol-induced neuro-inflammation, and upregulate
neuropeptide Y (NPY). High levels of NPY are found in the amygdala and hypothalamus areas of
the brain that are essential for regulation of emotions and our response to stress. Increased NPY
reduces anxiety and inhibits sympathetic activity, which slows the heart, reduces blood pressure
and decreases cortisol production by the adrenal glands. Furthermore, adaptogens have the ability
to increase both the amount of mental exercise a person can carry out as well as the quality of that
work.
• The following adaptogens enhance brain function and mental clarity: American ginseng,
ashwagandha, Asian ginseng, eleuthero, holy basil, rhaponticum, rhodiola, and schisandra.
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 • The following adaptogens are neuroprotective: ashwagandha, Asian ginseng, holy basil and
rhaponticum.
• The following adaptogens support the central nervous system: Asian ginseng, rhaponticum,
schisandra, and shilajit are stimulating; and ashwagandha, cordyceps, jiaogulan, and
schisandra are calming.

Adaptogen Notes
• Rhaponticum and schisandra enhance reading comprehension, aptitude, and speed.
• Rhodiola enhances a person’s ability for memorization and prolonged concentration. Regular use
can lead to improvements in learning and memory retention.
• Schisandra has an unusual dual effect on the nervous system. It enhances focus, work
performance, and mental clarity. At the same time, it is calming and helps relieve mild anxiety. Holy
basil, in addition to being a probable adaptogen, is also a nootropic, anxiolytic, and antidepressant

[Sample from Monograph section]

ELEUTHERO
• Botanical Name: Eleutherococcus senticosus (synonym: Acanthopanax senticosus)
• Family: Araliaceae
• Common Names: Ci wu jia (Chinese), wu jia shen (Chinese), Siberian ginseng, ezoukogi
(Japanese)
• Taste/Energy: Sweet, slightly bitter, slightly warm
• Parts Used: Root and stem bark
• Location/Cultivation: Eleuthero grows throughout Siberia, northern China, Korea, and
northern Japan.
• Safety Rating: ***
• Properties: Mild, non-stimulating adaptogen, antioxidant, hypocholesterolemic, immune
amphoteric.
• Constituents: The active constituents are believed to be a group of compounds known as
eleutherosides A to G.

History/Ethnobotany
The historical use of eleuthero in Chinese medicine is more than a bit confusing. It, along with
several other plants, is known as wu jia (five leaves). Included in this group is what is now called ci
wu jia (E. senticosis) and wu jia pi (several species of Acanthopanax, especially A. gracistylis, as well
as a totally unrelated plant, Periploca sepium). All of these plants are used for treating with
“wind/damp” conditions. Wind conditions are spasmodic, erratic or involve numbness, while
dampness correlates to swelling and edema.

Modern Uses
Eleuthero is used in China to strengthen the qi and the Chinese spleen and kidneys. Symptoms of
deficient spleen qi include fatigue, listlessness, lack of appetite, and abdominal bloating. Using this
herb, along with digestive herbs and other stronger tonic herbs, helps to relieve these symptoms.

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As an adaptogen, eleuthero is mild and can be used for men or women. It is most appropriate for
younger people (15-40 years old) who have their vital force (jing) intact but are experiencing greater
than normal stress. It is unlikely to cause overstimulation and can be taken over long periods of
time.

Eleuthero also strengthens the immune system, and regular use will reduce the incidence of colds
and other common infectious diseases. Cancer patients receiving chemotherapy and radiation
therapy often develop bone marrow suppression and decreased white blood cell counts. In one
clinical study, eleuthero was able to reverse these conditions in many patients (Kupin, et al, 1987).

Athletes can benefit from using eleuthero. It increases endurance and stamina, enhances
mitochondrial activity, speeds recovery, and prevents immune-depletion from excessive training. It
can be combined with cordyceps, rhodiola, or schisandra for enhancing athletic performance and for
improving alertness and cognitive function when under severe stress or when working long hours.
Physicians with long shifts who get little sleep, those with flex shift jobs, and students pulling “all
nighters” will likely feel better, perform better, and recover more quickly when using these
adaptogenic tonic herbs.

Authors Bio
David Winston, RH(AHG), is a clinical herbalist and ethnobotanist with 50 years of training in
Chinese, Western/Eclectic, and Southeastern herbal traditions. He is a founding member of the
American Herbalists Guild, the founder/director of the Herbal Therapeutics Research Library, and
the dean of David Winston’s Center for Herbal Studies. He lives in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.
Steven Maimes has studied natural medicine for over 30 years. A researcher, freelance writer, and
principal of SALAM Research, he lives in Rochester, New Hampshire.

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 Contents of Adaptogens
Introduction

Part One: Herbal Adaptogens

Herbal Medicine around the World
Adaptogens: An Overview
History of Adaptogens
Actions of Adaptogens
Adaptogens and the Stress Response
Health Benefits of Adaptogens

Part Two: Materia Medica

Monographs on Adaptogens

Well-Researched Adaptogens
• American Ginseng • Rhaponticum
• Ashwagandha • Rhodiola
• Asian Ginseng • Schisandra
• Cordyceps • Shilajit
• Eleuthero

Probable Adaptogens
• Cistanche • Morinda
• Cynomorium • Shatavari
• Holy Basil

Possible Adaptogens
• Codonopsis • Manchurian Aralia
• Guduchi • Prince Seng
• Horny Goat Weed • Reishi
• Jiaogulan • Russian Devil’s Club
• Licorice • White Bryony
• Maca

Nervines: Complementary Herbs for Adaptogens

• Betony • Linden
• Blue Vervain • Mimosa
• Chamomile • Motherwort
• Fresh Milky Oat • Passionflower
• Hawthorn • Skullcap
• Lemon Balm • St. John’s Wort

Nootropics: Complementary Herbs for Adaptogens

• Bacopa • Bhringraj
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 • Chinese Polygala • Rosemary
• Ginkgo • Shankhpushpi
• Gotu Kola • White Peony
• Lavender

Restorative Tonics: Complementary Herbs for Adaptogens

• Amla • Nettle Seed
• Astragalus • Processed Rehmannia
• Bee Pollen • Saw Palmetto
• Chyawanprash • Suma
• Goji Berry

Part Three: Herbal Adaptogens in Use

Clinical Use of Adaptogens
Adaptogenic Herbs in Combination
Adaptogens and Restorative Tonics as Food
Adaptogens for Animals
Resources Glossary Bibliography Index

Contact Steven Maimes for additional information

smaimes@gmail.com