NOTES ON USING ADAPTOGENIC HERBS

Notes on Using Adaptogenic Herbs

Dr. Greg Lawton

The Blue Heron Academy of Healing Arts and Sciences 1/1/2022

Notes on Using Adaptogenic Herbs Notes on Using Adaptogenic Herbs – In this presentation we will investigate the use of adaptogenic herbs in the practice of herbal medicine. Although this document lists a few primary herbs that are classified as adaptogens, in fact many herbs have adaptogenic properties when used to treat a variety of health conditions. Some herbs classified as adaptogens are very specific as regards the age, biological sex, and health conditions that they are intended to be used for. This document will be used in a lecture that will further expand upon this concept. Additionally, adaptogenic herbs are commonly used in formulas and in combination with other herbs. This practice is followed to either mitigate an unwanted side effect of an herb or to augment a specific property of an herb. For example, Tang Kuei and Rehmannia may be combined to treat dysmenorrhea with bleeding as well as with fatigue and anemia.

Contraindications and allergic reactions – Always screen patients for contraindications, drug conflicts and allergic reactions. Screen all female patients for pregnancy, nursing mothers, or estrogen receptor positive cancers. When appropriate ask, “When was the date of your last period, are you late?”

Be aware of general and rare herbal side effects which may include indigestion, diarrhea, constipation, headaches, liver inflammation, low blood pressure, hypoglycemia, and alterations in heart rate and rhythm, and/or hyper or hypo thyroid.

Dosage: General doses of these herbs are 20 drops per day of an extract or tincture. One to three cups of an herbal infusion per day, and 6 grams of powder in capsule form. Doses vary depending upon the herb used, the sex, age, health, and condition being treated.

Herbal Adaptogens Ashwagandha: Indications – Fatigue Anxiety Insomnia Painful or sore muscles or joints Difficulty concentrating Memory problems Chronic Fatigue Fibromyalgia Chronic muscle tension and soreness 1|P a ge

Dose: 3 to 6 grams of the dried herb in capsule form a day or 1 to 4 milliliters (20 to 80 drops) of a tincture in water three times per day.

Note: Although ashwagandha supplements (typically taken for anxiety or stress) are generally welltolerated when taken short-term (weeks to a few months) in typical dosages, mild to moderate side effects such as headache, sleepiness, and stomach upset have been reported in clinical studies.

Rarely, liver injury, allergic reactions, and rapid heartbeat have been reported. Ashwagandha can potentially lower blood pressure and blood sugar and increase thyroid hormone levels.

Reishi mushroom: Ganoderma lingzhi Indications Poor sleep cycle and feeling unrested and tired Poor immune function Feeling tired and rundown Frequent colds and URI General body detoxification Dose: 3 to 9 grams of the dried mushroom in capsules or tablets daily or 2 to 4 milliliters of a tincture in water two or three times per day. (Screen for mushroom allergy) Note: The most common side effects are related to an allergic reaction but may include skin rash or hives, dizziness, dry mouth, and itchy skin, throat, or nasal passages, low blood pressure and low blood sugar.

Ginseng: Panax quinquefolius Indications – Fatigue Poor immune response Frequent infections Poor memory Poor concentration Erectile dysfunction Diabetes Dose: 2 to 3 milliliters (40 to 60 drops) of a tincture in water three times per day.

Note: Use caution or avoid use in hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids: American ginseng products that contain chemicals called ginsenosides might act like estrogen.

Holy basil: Ocimum tenuiflorum Indications 2|P a ge

Mild tonic Poor immune response URI, common cold and influenza Depression Anxiety Insomnia Blood thinner Poor concentration Proinflammatory conditions (anti-inflammatory) Blood sugar regulation Anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal Lipid control and imbalances Dose: 2 to 3 milliliters (40 to 60 drops) of a tincture in water three times per day.

Note: May cause nausea, diarrhea, low blood sugar, infertility and/or bleeding.

Maca: Lepidium meyenii Arterio and Athero sclerosis Heart disease Low libido Fatigue Infertility Osteoporosis Menopausal symptoms Depression Dose: 1000 to 3000 milligrams per day (capsules) Note: Use caution or avoid use in patients with low thyroid or thyroid disorders.

Motherwort: Leonurus cardiaca Indications Menopause Anxiety with menopause Cardiotonic 3|P a ge

Heart conditions with menopause Insomnia in menopause Memory loss in menopause Poor concentration in menopause Low blood pressure Note: Its use may cause diarrhea, drowsiness, Altered heart rate and rhythm, low blood pressure, uterine bleeding, and contractions.

Schizandra: Schisandra chinensis Indications – Resistance to disease Improve immune response Blood sugar regulation Blood pressure normalization Improve stamina and endurance Poor memory Poor concentration Mild stimulant Respiratory conditions Liver protectant Anxiety Detoxification Dose: 20 to 30 drops of extract one or two times per day or two to four capsules daily.

Note: Not safe for pregnant women or while breast feeding.

Tang Kuei: Angelica sinensis Indications – Headaches Anemia Reproductive disorders PMS Dysmenorrhea 4|P a ge

Sedative High blood pressure Anti-inflammatory Note: May cause diarrhea.

Rehmannia: Rehmannia glutinosa Indications – Anemia Diabetes Osteoporosis Lower blood sugar Fatigue Anti-aging Alzheimer’s disease Pain Edema Dose: 20 to 30 drops of extract one or two times per day or two to four capsules daily.

Note: May cause headache, diarrhea, and/or heart palpitations.

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