We think it’s safe to say that just about everyone has been feeling stressed lately—and that’s in addition to the low-level stress many people experience even under what now seem like “normal” circumstances.
While we think of stress as a modern phenomenon it’s really not, especially if you consider that extreme temperatures, fatigue and other physical stressors have been with us for thousands of years. This helps explain why Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), India’s Ayurveda and other time-honored healing systems have long relied on adaptogens, plant-based substances that help the body cope with physical and mental stress.†The information provided is not an endorsement of any product, and is intended for educational purposes only. NaturesPlus does not provide medical advice and does not offer diagnosis of any conditions. Current research on this topic is not conclusive and further research may be needed in order to prove the benefits described. The conditions and symptoms described may be indicative of serious health problems, and therefore should be brought to the attention of a qualified healthcare practitioner.
The faith traditional healers have put in adaptogens is now backed by the results of studies, including the identification of each herb’s main active components. This has led to the availability of herbs in standardized form, which helps ensure consistency and potency.
|
Herb |
What It Is |
What It Does |
|
American Ginseng |
Panax quinquefolius, in the same plant family as the better-known Asian ginseng; native to eastern North America |
Long history of usage in Native American medicine; used in TCM as a cooling tonic for low-grade fever and general weakness; studies suggest use for support of cognitive function†The information provided is not an endorsement of any product, and is intended for educational purposes only. NaturesPlus does not provide medical advice and does not offer diagnosis of any conditions. Current research on this topic is not conclusive and further research may be needed in order to prove the benefits described. The conditions and symptoms described may be indicative of serious health problems, and therefore should be brought to the attention of a qualified healthcare practitioner. |
|
Ashwagandha |
Withania somnifera, native to India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, as well as parts of Africa; also known as winter cherry or Indian ginseng |
Used by Ayurvedic practitioners to promote stamina, longevity and mental acuity; Western usages include support in cases of stress, fatigue and anxiety*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. |
|
Asian Ginseng |
Panax ginseng, native to northern China and Korea; also known as Korean ginseng |
Has been regarded by TCM for 5,000 years as a “kingly” herb capable of prolonging life; modern research provides evidence of health benefits†The information provided is not an endorsement of any product, and is intended for educational purposes only. NaturesPlus does not provide medical advice and does not offer diagnosis of any conditions. Current research on this topic is not conclusive and further research may be needed in order to prove the benefits described. The conditions and symptoms described may be indicative of serious health problems, and therefore should be brought to the attention of a qualified healthcare practitioner. |
|
Astragalus |
Astragalus membranaceus, native to China; also known as milk vetch |
Used in TCM for sores, poor appetite and symptoms associated with upper respiratory problems; modern usages include immunity support*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. |
|
Eleuthero |
Eleutherococcus senticosus, found in Siberia, northern China, Korea and Japan |
Used as a folk remedy before Soviet scientists started employing it to combat physical and emotional stress, and as a training aid for athletes; also used to help support immunity*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. |
|
Holy Basil |
Ocimum sanctum, a close relative of the common kitchen herb; also known as tulsi |
Seen as a holy herb in its native India, where it is used to promote longevity; has shown antioxidant properties†The information provided is not an endorsement of any product, and is intended for educational purposes only. NaturesPlus does not provide medical advice and does not offer diagnosis of any conditions. Current research on this topic is not conclusive and further research may be needed in order to prove the benefits described. The conditions and symptoms described may be indicative of serious health problems, and therefore should be brought to the attention of a qualified healthcare practitioner. |
|
Maca |
Lepidium meyenii, a root vegetable native to the Peruvian Andes |
Used in Peruvian cooking and as a folk remedy to improve energy and stamina; modern usages include support for healthy sexual function*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. |
|
Rhodiola |
Rhodiola rosea, native to cold mountainous regions of the Northern Hemisphere |
Long history of use in Scandinavia, Siberia and Tibet to promote greater energy and protect against respiratory disorders; modern research supports use for immunity support†The information provided is not an endorsement of any product, and is intended for educational purposes only. NaturesPlus does not provide medical advice and does not offer diagnosis of any conditions. Current research on this topic is not conclusive and further research may be needed in order to prove the benefits described. The conditions and symptoms described may be indicative of serious health problems, and therefore should be brought to the attention of a qualified healthcare practitioner. |
|
Schisandra |
Schisandra chinensis, native to eastern Russia and northern China; also known as five flavor berry |
Valued in TCM and other eastern medicine traditions as an energy tonic; studies support usage in immune regulation†The information provided is not an endorsement of any product, and is intended for educational purposes only. NaturesPlus does not provide medical advice and does not offer diagnosis of any conditions. Current research on this topic is not conclusive and further research may be needed in order to prove the benefits described. The conditions and symptoms described may be indicative of serious health problems, and therefore should be brought to the attention of a qualified healthcare practitioner. |
|
Tongkat Ali |
Eurycoma longifolia Jack, a tree native to Malaysia; also known as long jack |
Traditionally used in Malaysia for a wide variety of purposes; studies support use in promoting healthy sexual function in men†The information provided is not an endorsement of any product, and is intended for educational purposes only. NaturesPlus does not provide medical advice and does not offer diagnosis of any conditions. Current research on this topic is not conclusive and further research may be needed in order to prove the benefits described. The conditions and symptoms described may be indicative of serious health problems, and therefore should be brought to the attention of a qualified healthcare practitioner. |
|
Tribulus |
Tribulus terrestris, found in parts of Africa, eastern Europe and India; also known as cat’s head, devil’s thorn and puncture vine |
Has been used traditionally as an aphrodisiac and fertility treatment; used today to support healthy testosterone levels*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. |
NOTE: Always consult with your healthcare practitioner for help in designing a supplementation program, especially if you have a pre-existing condition.
†The information provided is not an endorsement of any product, and is intended for educational purposes only. NaturesPlus does not provide medical advice and does not offer diagnosis of any conditions. Current research on this topic is not conclusive and further research may be needed in order to prove the benefits described. The conditions and symptoms described may be indicative of serious health problems, and therefore should be brought to the attention of a qualified healthcare practitioner.The information provided is not an endorsement of any product, and is intended for educational purposes only. NaturesPlus does not provide medical advice and does not offer diagnosis of any conditions. Current research on this topic is not conclusive and further research may be needed in order to prove the benefits described.
The conditions and symptoms described may be indicative of serious health problems, and therefore should be brought to the attention of a qualified healthcare practitioner.
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**These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
