CHT Adaptogens Tonic

July 27, 2010 by admin  
Filed under Herbal Medicine

Greetings folks. I have written a few times now about the superb little things called adaptogens, those potent antioxidants that helps us with our wellbeing in so many ways, but I have yet to tell you about the custom tonic I have been creating and using with my clients for ages now. This is a liquid herbal extract tonic designed to scavenge and clear free radicals that do harm to cells and DNA, increase resistance to stress, boost stamina and energy, increase mental clarity, aid in cardio-vascular wellbeing and bolster your immune system just to name a few! This is a once a day tonic that I recommend for anyone leading a busy lifestyle or who is overworked, trains for sport hard or is prone to viruses like the cold and flu strains lurking around at present.

My tonic consists of Siberian Ginseng, Schisandra, Ashwaghanda, Dandelion, Calendula, Olive leaf. Below is a bit of information about each ingredient.

Siberian Ginseng –  The constituents in eleuthero that have received the most attention are the eleutherosides. Seven primary eleutherosides have been identified, with most of the research attention focusing on eleutherosides B and E. Eleuthero also contains complex polysaccharides (a kind of sugar molecule). These constituents play a critical role in eleuthero’s ability to support immune function.

As an adaptogen, eleuthero helps the body adapt to stress. It does this by encouraging normal functioning of the adrenal glands, allowing them to function optimally when challenged by stress. 

Eleuthero has been shown to enhance mental acuity and physical endurance without the letdown that comes with caffeinated products.

Research has shown that eleuthero improves the use of oxygen by the exercising muscle. This means that a person is able to maintain aerobic exercise longer and recovery from workouts is much quicker.

Another way that eleuthero reduces stress on the body is to combat harmful toxins. Eleuthero has shown a protective effect in animal studies against chemicals such as ethanol, sodium barbital, tetanus toxoid, and chemotherapeutic agents. 

Eleuthero also reduces the side effects of radiation exposure. 

Evidence is also mounting that eleuthero enhances and supports the immune response. Eleuthero may be useful as a preventive measure during cold and flu season. 

Recent evidence also suggests that eleuthero may prove valuable in the long-term management of various diseases of the immune system, including HIV infection, chronic fatigue syndrome, and autoimmune illnesses such as lupus.

Siberian ginseng is highly valued as an adaptogen, a substance that normalizes adverse conditions of the body. It is also used as a stimulant. Russians prescribe it for patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy due to its anti-radiation effect.

Modern studies conducted by Russian scientists show that Siberian ginseng relieves stress, lowers toxicity of some common drugs that tend to produce side effects in humans, increase mental alertness, improve resistance to colds and mild infections, and be beneficial in cases where a person is continuously in contact with environmental stresses.

Siberian ginseng extract was shown to stimulate cellular immunity. It was found to stimulate T-cell production, especially helper cells. Thus Siberian ginseng is touted for numerous immune-related disorders. German scientists have found that this herb may be useful for treatment in the early stages of AIDS. It is found to retard the spread of the virus by a synergistic action of the elevated numbers of both helper and cytotoxic T cells.

Schisandra - Schisandra contains a number of compounds, including essential oils, numerous acids, and lignans. Lignans (schizandrin, deoxyschizandrin, gomisins, and pregomisin) are found in the seeds of the fruit and have a number of medicinal actions.

Modern Chinese research suggests that lignans in schisandra regenerate liver tissue damaged by harmful influences such as viral hepatitis and alcohol. Lignans lower blood levels of serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), a marker for infective hepatitis and other liver disorders.

Schisandra fruit may also have an adaptogenic action, much like the herb ginseng, but with weaker effects. Laboratory work suggests that schisandra may improve work performance, build strength, and help to reduce fatigue.

Withania (Aswaghanda) - Compounds known as withanolides are believed to account for the multiple medicinal applications of ashwagandha. These molecules are steroidal and bear a resemblance, both in their action and appearance, to the active constituents of Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) known as ginsenosides. (Some people do call ashwagandha as “Indian ginseng”.)

Generally, ashwagandha stimulates the immune system. It has also been shown to inhibit inflammation and improve memory. Taken together, these actions support the traditional reputation of ashwagandha as a tonic or adaptogen. It counteracts the effects of stress and generally promote wellness.

Calendula - The flavonoids, found in high amounts in calendula, account for much of its anti-inflammatory activity; triterpene saponins may also be important. Calendula also contains carotenoids. Investigations into anticancer and antiviral actions of calendula are continuing. At this time, there is insufficient evidence to recommend clinical use of calendula for cancer. There is evidence suggesting use of calendula for some viral infections. The constituents responsible for these actions are not entirely clear.

Dandelion -  The principal constituents responsible for dandelion’s effect on the digestive system and liver are the bitter principles. Previously referred to as taraxacin, these constituents are sesquiterpene lactones of the eudesmanolide and germacranolide type and are unique to dandelion.

Dandelion is also a rich source of vitamins and minerals. The leaves have a very high content of vitamin A as well as moderate amounts of vitamin D, vitamin C, various B vitamins, iron, silicon, magnesium, zinc, and manganese. 

The leaves are a rich source of potassium, which is interesting since the leaves are used for their diuretic action. This may make dandelion the only naturally occurring potassium-sparing diuretic, although its diuretic action is likely different from that of pharmaceuticals. At high doses, the leaves have been shown to possess diuretic effects comparable to the prescription diuretic frusemide (Lasix). Since clinical data in humans is sparse, it is advisable to seek the guidance of a physician trained in herbal medicine before using dandelion leaves for water retention. 

The bitter compounds in the leaves and root help stimulate digestion and are mild laxatives. These bitter principles also increase bile production in the gallbladder and bile flow from the liver. This makes them a particularly useful tonic for persons with sluggish liver function due to alcohol abuse or poor diet. The increase in bile flow will help improve fat (including cholesterol) metabolism in the body

Olive Leaf - Olive leaf is naturally rich in the nutrients selenium, zinc, iron, vitamin C and betacarotene. These nutrients are important for the healthy functioning of the immune system and are important for good health.

Olive leaf contains a broad spectrum of strong antioxidants. A number of olive leaf’s active constituents have demonstrated a high degree of antioxidant activity. In particular the constituent oleuropein has antioxidant activity that may contribute to a healthy heart and benefit the immune system.

Antioxidants act as ‘free-radical scavengers’. Free radicals are common in the body, arising through a variety of mechanisms. Research suggests that an accumulation of free radicals can result in cellular damage.

This is a great tonic that I use myself daily for wellbeing generally and to keep me on my toes. I have used for many clients all of which report positive results.

So if you’re not feeling on top of your game, then get in touch and order some by email or come and get some Adaptogens Tonic and get yourself back on track!

Craig Hitchens – Holistic Health Specialist.

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