Adaptogens
Adaptogen's action is one that improves the body's adaptability, enabling the body to avoid reaching a point of collapse or over-stress. Adaptogens can have an overall tonifying effect or provide benefit within specific organs such as the circulatory, respiratory, digestive, reproductive and nervous systems.
Despite their long traditional use, more and more research continues to appear regarding the present day use of these remedies. The core of their action appears to be in helping the body deal with the physiology of stress. When we’re unable to cope with external pressures it leads to internal repercussions, and the manifestation of illness can develop in many diverse forms. Adaptogens seem to increase the threshold of resistance to damage through supporting the adrenal glands and possibly pituitary gland function. Their normalizing effect leads to contradictory actions depending on the body’s needs. The restorative quality of these herbs is a unique feature of herbal medicine unlike any in the pharmaceutical index.
Adaptogens are capable of restoring normal tone and function to the HPA (hypothalamic/pituitary/adrenal) axis and SAS (sympatho-adrenal system) and therefore to the entire body. As the adrenal glands underlie much of the body’s response to external and internal stressors. While improving resistance to stress they help to prevent some of the more common symptoms of stress including poor concentration, sleep disturbance, fatigue, decreased immune response, and decreased resistance to infections.
Nervines
A nervine is a plant remedy that has a beneficial effect upon the nervous system in some way. This makes the word nervine into a bit of a catch-all expression, and to study them properly they must be differentiated into 3 major categories: nervine relaxants, nervine stimulants, and nervine tonics. Any successful treatment of nervous system problems with these herbs will involve treating the whole body and not simply the signs & symptoms. With life being such a stress and problem for humanity today these herbs can be of great use and importance.
Nervine Tonics (or trophorestoratives) are perhaps the most important contribution herbal medicine can make in the whole area of stress & anxiety, and in strengthening & “feeding” the nervous system. In cases of nervous debility, the nervine tonics strengthen and restore the tissues directly. Note: Adaptogens should also be considered in this group due to their ability to aid the whole of the body and mind to cope with demands made upon it.
Nervine Relaxants are a group that has become increasingly important in our times of stress and tension. They are the closest natural alternative for the orthodox nerve tranquilizers, but should always be used in a broad holistic way. Too much tranquilizing, even that achieved through herbal medication, can in time deplete and weight heavily on the whole nervous system. However, the physical symptoms that can so often accompany the ill-ease of anxiety may be well treated with herbs that work on the anxiety itself. When the physical body is at ease, ease in the psyche is promoted. Note: In high doses many of these herbs can act as sedatives or Hypnotics.
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