Adaptogens for the New Year L ACAD

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L E A R N M O R E AT T H E H E R B A L A C A D E M Y. C O M

ASHWAGANDHA
(Withania somnifera) root ASTRAGALUS
ADDITIONAL ACTIONS: anti-inflammatory,
(Astragalus membranaceous) root
antioxidant, antispasmodic, immune amphoteric, nervine1,2 ADDITIONAL ACTIONS: immunomodulant,
ENERGETICS: warming, drying 2,3 antioxidant, hepatoprotective, cardiotonic1,4

USES: Ashwagandha helps soothe nervous system issues ENERGETICS: warming, moistening1,4
such as anxiety, insomnia, exhaustion, and depression—
ashwagandha is known as a calming adaptogen. It helps to USES: Astragalus root helps to stimulate the immune
ease joint pain, muscle tension, and rheumatoid ar thritis. 1,3 system to help ward off contagious illness from taking
hold as well as to help nourish the immune system
Ashwagandha is an immune amphoteric helping to balance
the immune system, be it over- or under-active.1 It has also following illness.1,4
been found to stimulate the thyroid, making it a plant that
herbalists may turn to for hypothyroidism.1,3
SAFETY: According to Chinese medicine, astragalus
should not be used during the acute phase of illness.
SAFETY: Ashwagandha is a member of the nightshade This is due to concerns that astragalus may “cause
family, so avoid this herb if you have an allergy to this stagnation” and “feed” the illness.1
family.3 Ashwagandha is also not recommended during
pregnancy because it is used in some cultures as an USAGE TIP: When making soups, rice, and sauces,
abor tifacient.1 add astragalus root slices to the pot during simmering,
but remove them before serving as they are too
USAGE TIP: Try blending ¼ to ½ teaspoon of tough and fibrous to chew. This is an easy way to
ashwagandha powder into hot chocolate or warm milk provide the immune-boosting benefits of astragalus
with cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum, C. cassia) as a to kids during the rigors of the school year.
relaxing nightcap.

ELEUTHERO TULSI
(Eleutherococcus senticosus) root (Ocimum tenuiflorum) leaf
ADDITIONAL ACTIONS: antioxidant, ADDITIONAL ACTIONS: uplifting nervine,
neuroprotective, radioprotective, gonadotropic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, carminative,
antidiabetic 2,5 antispasmodic, immunomodulant2,6
ENERGETICS: warming3,5 ENERGETICS: warming/cooling3,7
USES: Helps to soothe fatigue and to increase physical USES: Tulsi helps to calm and uplift the mind and
and mental endurance, as well as alertness.2,3 This herb also the spirit while also increasing energy and clearing the
helps to reduce the body’s response to stress, stimulate mind.3,6 Tulsi is used to help soothe stress and balance
the immune system, and balance hormones.3,5 cor tisol levels.2

SAFETY: Do not use eleuthero in those with high blood SAFETY: Not for use during pregnancy or when
pressure; eleuthero may cause insomnia if taken later in attempting to conceive.7
the day.3
USAGE TIP: Holy basil is lovely blended with rose
USAGE TIP: Enjoy eleuthero decocted herbal beverages petals (Rosa spp.) and cinnamon. Try these herbs
such as chai tea or other tasty brews, electuaries, and together as a tea for a heart-opening pick-me-up!
as a tincture in the morning hours.

REFERENCES
1 Winston, D., & Maimes, S. (2007). Adaptogens: Herbs for strength, stamina, and stress relief. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press. 2 Yance, D.R. (2013). Adaptogens in medical herbalism. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts
Press. 3 Romm, A. (2017). The adrenal thyroid revolution. New York, NY: Harper Collins. 4 Herbarium. (n.d.a.). Astragalus monograph. Retrieved from: https://herbarium.theherbalacademy.com/monographs/#/
monograph/10255 Herbarium. (n.d.b.). Eleuthero monograph. Retrieved from: https://herbarium.theherbalacademy.com/monographs/#/monograph/2033 6 Metzger, J. (2016). Creating a local materia medica: Holy
basil. Retrieved from: https://theherbalacademy.com/creating-local-materia-medica-holy-basil/7 Herbarium. (n.d.c.). Holy basil monograph. Retrieved from: https://herbarium.theherbalacademy.com/monographs/#/
monograph/3045