Feeling run-down and
stressed-out? Does it seem you always catch whatever is going around? You may
want to consider taking a daily tonic. Also known as adaptogens, these
nontoxic, plant-based substances help to bolster your body's natural defenses
and increase its ability to cope with normal daily stress. When taken long
term, tonics may help support energy and maintain immunity. Popular tonics
include:
1. Ashwagandha. This traditional herb (Withania somnifera) from India is
much used in ayurvedic medicine, where it is valued as a general tonic and
adaptogen.
2. Eleuthero. Formerly called Siberian ginseng, eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus) is a
distant relative of true ginseng. It can be useful for alleviating exhaustion,
fatigue from heavy workloads and lack of energy. Look for products that are
standardized for eleutheroside content.
3. Reishi. This distinctive, woody mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) is too bitter to
be eaten, but can be taken in supplement form. Reishi is recommended in
traditional Chinese medicine for increasing resistance and extending life, and
has been studied for its ability to support normal immune health.
4. Rhodiola. Also known as arctic root, rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea) contains a group of
distinctive compounds that are at least partially responsible for the plant's
remarkable properties - including anti-fatigue, anti-stress, antioxidant and
immune-supporting effects. It is useful for acute stress, to support optimal
mood and for memory health.
You should be able to find all these herbal products
in health food stores - choose the one that best meets your needs, follow
package directions, and give it about six to eight weeks to see how it helps.
You can take tonics indefinitely, but some herbalists suggest taking a
two-week-long break every three months to help maintain the tonic's
effectiveness. If you have hypertension or diabetes, talk with your physician
before adding these herbs to your routine.
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