Table of contents:
- What are adaptogens?
- Where are the adaptogens found?
- Siberian ginseng
- Arctic root
- Schisandra chinensis
- Side effects of taking herbal adaptogens
Herbal plants are believed to be able to overcome certain health problems. He said, herbal medicines that contain adaptogens are more nutritious for health. So, what exactly are adaptogens? Are adaptogens a good substance for health? Are there any side effects?
What are adaptogens?
Adaptogens are natural substances that can help the body ward off stress. This substance also works to overcome the effects of stress in the body. Stress can cause dangerous physical changes in the body, such as injuring organs in the nervous system, endocrine system (hormones), immune system. These adaptogens have stimulant properties that can help counter these harmful effects.
In the body this adaptogen responds to all stress reactions by regulating the balance of hormones produced from the hypothalamus gland, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands. With the presence of adaptogens, the body will prevent cells from being damaged by free radicals.
Where are the adaptogens found?
Adaptogens are substances found in various herbal plants. However, after researched, of the many herbal plants there are only 3 herbal adaptogens that are safe for consumption because they are not toxic. This substance can be found in Eleutherococcus senticosus (Siberian ginseng), Rhodiola rosea (Arctic root), and Schisandra chinensis.
Siberian ginseng
This herbal plant is not actually ginseng but works in the same way as ginseng. One study found that Siberian ginseng can help ward off fatigue by increasing energy. Siberian ginseng can also prevent colds.
In addition, Siberian ginseng can help treat mental stress problems as well as physical stress. This herbal form is usually in the form of tablets, powder, capsules, or pieces of dried root that are included in the tea.
Arctic root
It is often referred to as rose root and grows in cold climates in Asia and Europe. This artic root has long been used in Russia and Scandinavia to treat minor ailments such as headaches and flu.
Reported on the Medical News Today page, this herbal plant can help treat anxiety, depression, fatigue, anemia and headaches. In the market, artic root is found in capsule, tablet, powder or liquid extract form.
Schisandra chinensis
Schisandra is an herb that is useful for improving liver health and stabilizing blood sugar. Reported on the WebMD page, schisandra will stimulate enzymes in the liver and increase the growth of liver cells.
Consuming Schisandra fruit extract alone or in combination with Siberian ginseng, is thought to increase concentration and speed of thinking. Schisandra chinensis also lowers ALT levels in people with hepatitis. A high level of ALT is a sign of liver damage.
Side effects of taking herbal adaptogens
Even though this type of herb has several natural benefits for the body, you still need to be careful.
Siberian ginseng is generally considered safe when used as directed. However, people with high blood pressure, sleep apnea, heart disease, schizophrenia, pregnant and lactating women, people with autoimmune diseases should not take Siberian ginseng.
Some of the side effects that can be caused:
- Confusion
- Sleepy
- Headache
- High blood pressure
- Insomnia
- Irregular heart rhythm
- Nosebleed
- Gag
For sichandra, generally it is also safe if used according to the instructions, but if it violates the recommendations given it can cause heartburn , stomach pain, decreased appetite, skin itching and redness. Schinandra itself is not recommended for pregnant women, people who have epilepsy, and people who have GERD.
Likewise with arctic root, if it is not consumed according to the instructions it can cause side effects, namely dizziness, dry mouth, and sleep problems.
