Adaptogenics around us

By Dana O’Neill

Adaptogens are herbs, plants and fungi that indeed adapt to our systems needs for stress reduction.

Adrenal fatigue, a condition characterized by a need for frequent caffeinating during the day is a common malady in our overstimulated and busy modern life and these lovely plants are here to help. When we are under stress, more stress hormones are produced and released in the adrenal glands. Adaptogens help the adrenal glands respond more effectively to the excess in hormones, as well as support the adrenals to shut down effectively.

Some of the adaptogens found growing here in the northeast include American ginseng, Holy Basil and Schisandra berry. Others, like ashwaganda, reishi, and licorice are easily obtained and helpful for a variety of health issues including sleep disturbance and arthritis.

Dana O’Neill LMT/CST is a graduate of the Sage Mountain Herbal Center. She practices Craniosacral and Massage Therapy, and has herbal blends for sale here at CLINIC. For more on adaptogens, Dana recommends the work of Steven Maims, M. Greive, and David Winston.