Adaptogens - Stress Reducers

Adaptogens help stress, are immune-stimulating and increase a sense of well-being.  In Russia the study of adaptogens is a field of biomedical research.  Adaptogens for improving immune response are astragalus, echinacea, ashwagandha and milk thistle, which is also good for the liver.

Medicine Hunter describes adaptogens as non-toxic with broad uses for health that reduce stress.  Other adaptogens described are eleuthero, holy basil, maca, panax ginseng, rhodiola rosea and schisandra.

Adaptogens have been used in Chinese and Indian Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. http://www.drfranklipman.com/adaptogens-natures-miracle-anti-stress-and-fatigue-fighters/

http://www.chiro.org/nutrition/FULL/Adaptogenic_Herbs.shtml

Ashwagandha has claim to a very wide range of health benefits, including:

• immunity
• aphrodisiac
• adaptogen
• for insomnia
• heart health
• stress reliever
• regeneration of axons and dendrites of nerve cells
• anxiety
• antioxidants
• anti-inflammatory
• cancer inhibitation
• antibacterial and antifungal
• blood sugar regulation
• food poisoning protection
• strength and vigor
• fight aging
• heals wounds
• treats dry skin
• reduces cortisol
• stimulates collagen
• can be used as skin toner
• fights inflammation of the skin
• promotes hair health
• prevents premature greying
• activates hair follicles

It has been found to be useful for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease and things that help those disease are also more likely to be helpful for ALS.

Heating releases more of its healing power so having it as a tea is better than as a smoothie.