Seven Swans a Swimming...

7 swans a swimming refers to the 7 gifts of the spirit. I thought I’d focus on some very interesting wee miracles of nature here which keep us both spirited and floating along just swimmingly throughout the year. These are the adaptogens!

Adaptogen herbs are quite an amazing type of healing plant which can help our stress response by modulating cortisol and normalizing our physiological function. Possibly one of the best known is ginseng of which there are several types. My first experience with Siberian ginseng was abut 23 years ago when going through a period of fatigue post virally and was fortunate enough to live beside Scotland’s first qualified Medical Herbalist Brian Lamb (you may have seen Brain and his lovely family on BBC Countryfile recently). Brian started me on Siberian ginseng among other things which had me firing on all four pretty quickly. Since then, I have been a firm advocate and have been fascinated by the quite remarkable benefits of these herbs which I wouldn’t be without in my own life. If like me you look like a graceful swan on the surface but are actually paddling like man underneath, read on for our top 7….

1.            Siberian Ginseng or Eleutherococcus senticosus. My personal favourite and one I’ve used many times with success over the years. Research has shown that eluthero can significantly improve energy, mood, stamina and cognitive function. It has also been shown to modulate blood pressure. One example is a study of those with chronic fatigue which showed benefit especially for those with mild to moderate symptoms. Because it’s Christmas another study showed improvement in hangover symptoms with a ginseng cocktail!
 
2.            Ashwagandha has been shown to improve memory and learning and is also the most researched adaptogen for those with underactive thyroid. In Ayurvedic medicine its seen as an all round tonic and to promote fertility. Some studies have shown cognitive benefit for those with bipolar disorder and also an improvement in cholesterol and blood glucose in diabetes.

3.            Rhodiola also has much research for benefiting stress and depression. One study has shown that Rhodiola is as effective with less risks than Zoloft (sertraline) for mild to moderate depression. Because of the lack of side effects, some have suggested it be used in place of antidepressants which do come with side effects and also deplete certain nutrients. 

4.            Shatavari is an interesting adaptogen and has many uses. The word literally means ‘woman who has a thousand husbands’ and is traditionally given for fertility and improved libido. It is also widely as a woman’s herb and shown to be an excellent galactagogue for low milk supply. For menopausal women it has also been shown to improve libido.

5.              Holy basil is lesser known but becoming more mainstream perhaps due to the availability of Pukka Tulsi tea which is becoming popular. Also known to boost energy and cognition, there are studies showing improvement in generalised anxiety.

6.          Astragalus is a fascinating herb with many effects and a huge body of research behind it, including anti-tumour activity, blood sugar lowering effects and as important immune system support. It has been shown to prevent colds and flus and is particularly beneficial for upper respiratory infections. Numerous studies have looked at the cancer protective effects.

7.           Cordyceps is an adaptogen which is lesser known among the public but is gaining recognition across many pathologies. It is actually a type of fungi or medicinal mushroom which, similar to the above also has immune modulating effects and supports the stress response. You may come across it in supplements to support stress or adrenal function. It also has anti-tumour effects and is indicated for respiratory infections and chronic fatigue. More and more research is coming out on the effects of mushrooms in cancer prevention and indeed mushrooms are widely used in mainstream medicine in Russia, China and Japan.

The question is not therefore whether we take an adaptogen so much as .....which one?

​

"Do not compromise yourself. You are all you've got". Janice Joplin