Adaptogen is a term coined by Russian researchers to describe a class of herbs which help the body adapt to the unrelenting stress of modern existence. These are thought to achieve their effect primarily by supporting the adrenal glands, which bear the brunt of the ill effects of continued stress. Our Adaptogen formula is conceived as a foundation therapy for virtually all endocrine and auto-immune disorders, as stress plays a well-recognized role in the genesis of these conditions.*

Fatigue is sometimes associated with an "adrenal picture." Especially under emotional strain, the adrenal glands can work overtime. If the stress is prolonged, the adrenal glands can be overcome, or "burned out" to a degree. This can lead to complaints such as lightheadedness upon standing, as well as low blood sugar problems (shakiness, irritability, or headache, when people go too long without eating). As a side benefit, Adaptogen may help with insomnia, because of its calming effect.*

Adaptogens are thought to build up not only the adrenals, but also to aid in digestion, circulatory tone, and helping to correct various hormonal imbalances. Adaptogens are so generally helpful that it is sometimes said, "When you don't know what to do...give adaptogens."*

Adaptogen herbs are among the most well studied herbs in the medical literature. Adaptogen can be thought of as the Healthy Foundation of the endocrine system. Indeed, if you were hungry and on a campout, you could eat potatoes or rice and feel quite well. In a similar way, many health issues can respond well to either Adaptogen, or Healthy Foundation. Adaptogen is generally preferred when there is a lot of emotional stress and low adrenal signs, and Healthy Foundation is generally used when there are digestive complaints.*

Side Effects
There are no known side effects and no contraindications to Adaptogen.*

Usual Dosage
Adaptogen: 1 capsule three times a day.

Other Uses of Adaptogen
Adaptogen is particularly handy as a secondary or supplemental treatment for a wide variety of endocrine problems. Essentially, any time one is trying to effect a change in the endocrine system, Adaptogen may help. Perhaps the only downside to using Adaptogen in the following settings is if patients don't want to take very many pills, or if they want to see if they can get by without them from a financial standpoint. But for those people who want to do as much as they can to feel better as fast as they can, Adaptogen is often very good to add.*

Detailed Indications:
Serves as a foundation for any endocrine imbalance such as Hypo-functioning thyroid, Hyper-functioning thyroid , High Blood Sugar, Low Blood Sugar, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Adrenal problems etc.*

Dosage:
Can be given 3 caps 2 times a day*

Combinations:
Female Hormone Imbalances: PCOS, Fibroids, PMS - FemCare (coming soon)*

Drug Interactions:
Immuno suppressive drugs might work less effectively.*

Predictive value:
Slow-acting herbs*

Lab tests:
Fasting blood sugar may go down within 8 weeks, and HbA1c value within three months.*

References:

1. Mishra L.D., Singh B., Dagenais S., "Scientific Basis for the Therapeutic Use of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha): A Review." Alternative Medicine Review 2000: 5(4) 334-346.
2. Wang Z.T., Ng T.B., Yeung H.W., Xu G.J. "Immunomodulatory effect of a polysaccharide-enriched preparation of Codonopsis pilosula roots." Gen Pharmacol (1996 Dec): 27(8):1347-50.
3. Panda S., Dar A., "Withania somnifera and Bauhinia Pupurea in the regulation of circulating thyroid hormone concentrations in female mice." J. Ethnopharmacol (1999): 67:233-239.