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Super Herbs
“Cultivate equilibrium in the midst of ever-changing and energy-draining realities of the modern world” Christopher Hobbs
Adaptogenic Herbs can also be referred to as Superherbs. These are considered herbs that are focused on supporting resilience so the body can naturally maintain balance, rather than herbs that are focused on assisting recovery from specific ailments.
The word adaptogen was coined by the Russians in the 1950's to refer to any plant that increases the body's resistance to adverse influences by a wide range of physical, chemical, and biochemical factors and has a normalizing or restorative effect on the body as a whole. An adaptogen acts nonspecifically to optimize function and help the body to adapt to physical and mental stress (infection, hot or cold temperatures, physical exertion, and emotional distress). In order to meet the stricter definition of this concept, an adaptogen should lack side effects, be effective against a wide range of diseases or disorders, and restore the body to a healthy equilibrium regardless of the cause of the disruption.
Top Ayuervedic Super Herbs
Ashwagandha Extract
Recommended Dosage for Ashwagandha: between 600 to 1000 mg, twice daily. People who suffer from insomnia and anxiety may benefit by adding a teaspoon of Ashwagandha to a cup of hot water or juice before bed time.
Bacopa Monreri:
Known as a brain tonic, Bacopa helps to improve memory and concentration. It is a traditional treatment for epilepsy and asthma. It also has anti-oxidant properties, reducing oxidation of fats in the bloodstream. Studies in humans have shown that the extract has anti-anxiety effects. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, human subjects taking this extract showed significantly improved performance on tests for spatial working memory and rapid visual information processing.
Recommended Dosage for Bacopa: 225 mg two to three times a day.
He Shou Wu or FoTi
Information will be added shortly.
Shilajit or Shilajith
Shilajit is the most important medicine in the Ayurvedic school in India. In Sanskrit, Shilajit translates as "conqueror of mountains and destroyer of weakness”. According to legend, Shilajit is considered nectar from God - given to humankind to live life youthfully and become immortal. It is a rasayana (rejuvenative) herb and an adaptogen i.e. a herb that enhances strength, stamina, and stress relief.
Shilajit is an end product of plant matter trapped within the Himalayan mountains. Due to microbial action & the tremendous pressure from the weight of the mountains the Humus is transformed into a dense, viscous, mineral rich mass. It contains at least 85 trace minerals in ionic form as well as humic acid, fulvic acid and many vitamins.
Shilajit also...
- Contains properties that suppress pain.
- Is highly anti-inflammatory - for all muscle and joint conditions
- Helps in strengthening the nervous system. Beneficial for depression, mental stress & epilepsy
- Assists mental concentration & focus
- Helps to purify the blood due to its anti microbial action. Aids liver & kidney detoxification.
- Is Antibiotic and helps in building body’s natural immunity
- Very effective in assisting the heart - including blood pressure levels
- Aids any respiratory disorders, including asthma
- Helps to increase strength, endurance, libido and sexual function
- Is helpful in regulating glucose in the blood stream.
- Helps in scraping away extra fat accumulated in the body
There aren’t any recorded contraindications for consuming Shilajit. However, due to its strong ability to lower blood sugar, diabetics need to carefully monitor their insulin usage and there is a very small amount of phenylalanine in Shilaljit - just a trace, however persons with PKU should be aware of this. Drink lots of water initially to assist with it’s detoxifying properties
Holy Basil or Tulsi
Also known as Tulsi, Holy Basil is an important symbol in the Hindu religious tradition and is worshipped in the morning and evening by Hindus at large. Holy basil has been known for its health promoting and medicinal value for thousands of years.
Holy basil is a principal herb of Ayurveda, the ancient traditional holistic health system of India and is known as "The Incomparable One", "The Mother Medicine of Nature", and "The Queen of Herbs".
In the ancient scriptures, Tulsi holds the supreme place among the various medicinal herbs. It is described as a protector of life, accompanying the human being from birth till death.
Tulsi has been revered as a healing balm for body, mind and spirit, and is known to bestow an amazing number of health giving properties, including:
- It’s ability to relieve stress, promote resilience & enhance stamina
- A known adaptogen (a substance that invigorates, balances and strengthens the body’s systems so that it is able to heal more easily when stressed).
- Provide support to the immune and respiratory systems during the cold season
- Supports a healthy metabolism
- Is anti-inflammatory to the body
- Assists in detoxificatio
- High in antioxidants & has antiviral and antibiotic properties
Dr Narendra Singh in his book on Tulsi reports that after 3 decades of clinical research, the adaptogenic/antistress activity of Holy Basil (including increased stamina and immunological resistance) is likely to take 1 week to 1 month to develop & gives appreciable improvements in health lasting for a month or more after discontinuation. Holy Basil has a long history of safe traditional use in India. There is no indication of safety concerns about Holy Basil in the literature and no human drug interaction data is currently available. It is considered to be a very safe healing herb. One comment is that those with diabetes are advised to monitor their levels due to Tulsi’s ability to decrease blood sugar levels.