Miracle Herbs that KEEP You Well.*

Adaptogens are natural substances, often herbs or mushrooms, that are believed to help the body adapt to stressors and promote overall balance. They are thought to have a normalizing effect on bodily functions, helping to maintain homeostasis. 

TCM has been wise to the many benefits of adaptogens, often called tonifying or nourishing herbs, and have recorded 2000 years of clinical data as to their actions and effects on the body. As westerners, we are used to taking things when we are sick, but when we are well, we just stop everything. In TCM, you continue herbal supplements to KEEP you balanced and well. These kinds of herbs help your body function in wholeness. They do not push the body one way or the other. They help the body maintain homeostasis. 

On that note, if you are trying to make changes, you take these up to a week or so before “launch”. . . For change, you want to take “changing herbs” – like bitter, spicy, cold or hot herbs. Different purpose for different species of plant.

It’s important to note, in TCM, herbs are used WITH others, so you would create a balanced formula with 3 to 5 herbal components working together. It’s wise to consult with a licensed Acupuncture Physician or Acupuncturist for advice on combining. They can help you create a unique, special formula that is only helpful to you. TCM is an individualized system. Not a one pill for every symptom system. 

Here’s a more detailed list of 20 INDIVIDUAL Chinese herbal adaptogens, including their properties, functions in the body, and conditions they may help treat. 

1. Rhodiola Rosea (Hong Jing Tian):
   • Properties: Adaptogenic, anti-fatigue, anti-anxiety.
   • Functions: Enhances resilience to stress, supports cognitive function.
   • Conditions: Stress-related fatigue, cognitive fatigue.
     • Potential Side Effects: May cause insomnia or irritability in some individuals.
     • Interactions: Possible interactions with blood pressure medications and anticoagulants.
2. Codonopsis Root (Dang Shen):
   • Properties: Adaptogenic, immune-modulating, spleen-tonifying.
   • Functions: Supports energy, strengthens the spleen, and enhances overall vitality.
   • Conditions: Fatigue, weak digestion, immune support.
     • Potential Side Effects: Generally safe; may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some cases.
     • Interactions: Potential interactions with blood sugar medications; consult with a healthcare professional if you are diabetic.
3. Ashwagandha (Shui Xie):
   • Properties: Adaptogenic, anti-stress, immune-modulating.
   • Functions: Supports the body’s response to stress, promotes overall well-being.
   • Conditions: Stress, anxiety, immune system support.
     • Potential Side Effects: May cause gastrointestinal upset or interact with thyroid medications.
     • Interactions: May interact with sedatives and medications for thyroid disorders.
4. Holy Basil (Tulsi) (Sheng Lou Li):
   • Properties: Adaptogenic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant.
   • Functions: Calming, supports immune function, reduces inflammation.
   • Conditions: Stress, inflammation, immune support.
     • Potential Side Effects: Generally considered safe; may cause mild nausea or headache in some cases.
     • Interactions: Potential interactions with blood sugar and blood pressure medications.
5. Panax Ginseng (Ren Shen):
   • Properties: Adaptogenic, energy-boosting, immune-enhancing.
   • Functions: Supports energy and resilience, immune modulation.
   • Conditions: Fatigue, low energy, immune support. 
     • Potential Side Effects: Insomnia, increased heart rate, and gastrointestinal upset in some individuals.
     • Interactions: Possible interactions with blood thinners and stimulant medications.
6. Eleuthero (Siberian Ginseng) (Ci Wu Jia):
   • Properties: Adaptogenic, anti-fatigue, immune-modulating.
   • Functions: Increases energy, supports immune function.
   • Conditions: Fatigue, exhaustion. Caution with inflammatory conditions.
     • Potential Side Effects: Insomnia, irritability, and headaches in some cases.
     • Interactions: Potential interactions with blood pressure medications.
7. Schisandra Berry (Wu Wei Zi):
   • Properties: Adaptogenic, liver-protective, antioxidant.
   • Functions: Supports liver health, enhances endurance, reduces stress.
   • Conditions: Liver support, stress, endurance. Brain health, longevity.
     • Potential Side Effects: Generally well-tolerated; may cause gastrointestinal upset in some individuals.
     • Interactions: Potential interactions with certain anticoagulants.
8. Astragalus (Huang Qi):
   • Properties: Adaptogenic, immune-modulating, anti-inflammatory.
   • Functions: Supports immune function, reduces inflammation.
   • Conditions: Immune support, inflammation. Chronic fatigue. Metabolism.
     • Potential Side Effects: Generally safe; may cause mild gastrointestinal upset.
     • Interactions: Potential interactions with immunosuppressive medications.
9. Licorice Root (Gan Cao):
   • Properties: Adaptogenic, anti-inflammatory, adrenal support.
   • Functions: Supports adrenal function, reduces inflammation.
   • Conditions: Adrenal fatigue, inflammation. Harmonizes other herbs.
     • Potential Side Effects: Prolonged use may lead to hypertension and potassium loss.
     • Interactions: Potential interactions with blood pressure medications, diuretics, and corticosteroids.
10. Maca Root (Ma Ka Gen):
    • Properties: Adaptogenic, energy-boosting, hormone-balancing.
    • Functions: Supports energy and stamina, balances hormones.
    • Conditions: Fatigue, hormonal imbalance. Weight management.
      • Potential Side Effects: Generally safe; may cause gastrointestinal upset in some cases.
      • Interactions: Potential interactions with hormone-related medications.
11. Cordyceps (Dong Chong Xia Cao):
    • Properties: Adaptogenic, energy-boosting, respiratory support.
    • Functions: Increases energy, supports respiratory health.
    • Conditions: Fatigue, respiratory issues.
      • Potential Side Effects: Generally safe; may cause mild gastrointestinal upset.
      • Interactions: Potential interactions with blood thinners.
12. Reishi Mushroom (Ling Zhi):
    • Properties: Adaptogenic, calming, immune-modulating.
    • Functions: Calming, supports immune function.
    • Conditions: Stress, immune support. Brain health.
      • Potential Side Effects: Generally well-tolerated; may cause mild gastrointestinal upset.
      • Interactions: Potential interactions with blood thinners.
13. Shatavari (Tian Men Dong):
    • Properties: Adaptogenic, hormone-balancing, rejuvenating.
    • Functions: Supports hormonal balance, rejuvenates the body.
    • Conditions: Hormonal imbalance, rejuvenation. Yin /Yang balance.
      • Potential Side Effects: Generally safe; may cause mild gastrointestinal upset.
      • Interactions: Potential interactions with hormone-related medications.
14. Gotu Kola (Ji Xue Cao):
    • Properties: Adaptogenic, cognitive-enhancing, anti-anxiety.
    • Functions: Supports cognitive function, reduces anxiety.
    • Conditions: Cognitive fatigue, anxiety. Brain health.
      • Potential Side Effects: Generally safe; may cause mild gastrointestinal upset.
      • Interactions: Potential interactions with sedatives and medications for anxiety.
15. Tribulus Terrestris (Bai Ji Li):
    • Properties: Adaptogenic, energy-boosting, hormone-balancing.
    • Functions: Supports energy and stamina, balances hormones.
    • Conditions: Fatigue, hormonal imbalance. Supports metabolism.
      • Potential Side Effects: Generally well-tolerated; may cause gastrointestinal upset in some individuals.
      • Interactions: Potential interactions with hormone-related medications.
16. Mucuna Pruriens (Ci Mao Li Dou):
    • Properties: Adaptogenic, mood-enhancing, antioxidant.
    • Functions: Supports mood, provides antioxidant & aphrodisiac effects.
    • Conditions: Mood disorders, antioxidant support.
      • Potential Side Effects: Generally safe; may cause gastrointestinal upset in some cases.
      • Interactions: Potential interactions with medications for Parkinson’s disease and antipsychotic medications.
17. Gynostemma Pentaphyllum (Jiaogulan):
    • Properties: Adaptogenic, antioxidant, immune-modulating.
    • Functions: Enhances resilience to stress, supports immune function.
    • Conditions: Stress, immune support. Blood Sugar Support.
      • Potential Side Effects: Generally safe; may cause mild gastrointestinal upset.
      • Interactions: Potential interactions with blood thinners.
18. American Ginseng (Xi Yang Shen):
    • Properties: Adaptogenic, energy-boosting, immune-enhancing.
    • Functions: Supports energy and resilience, immune modulation.
    • Conditions: Fatigue, low energy, immune support. 
      • Potential Side Effects: May cause insomnia or gastrointestinal upset in some individuals.
      • Interactions: Potential interactions with blood thinners and stimulant medications
19. Fo-Ti (He Shou Wu):
    • Properties: Adaptogenic, anti-aging, rejuvenating.
    • Functions: Supports vitality, traditionally used for longevity.
    • Conditions: Vitality, rejuvenation. Hair Loss. Grey Hair.
      • Potential Side Effects: Well tolerated, may cause mild gastrointestinal upset.
      • Interactions: Potential interactions with blood thinners.
20. Gentian Root (Long Dan Cao):
    • Properties: Adaptogenic, liver-supportive, anti-inflammatory.
    • Functions: Supports liver health, reduces inflammation.
    • Conditions: Liver support, inflammation.
      • Potential Side Effects: Generally well-tolerated; may cause gastrointestinal upset in some individuals.
      • Interactions: Potential interactions with certain anticoagulants.

Remember, individual responses to herbs can vary, and it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating new supplements into your routine, especially if you have existing health conditions or are taking medications.

_{*AI general research, administrative support. AI is not so great at herbs….LOL. Super edit there!!}