Characteristics

• Adaptogens act to bring a specific body system back into balance, regardless of whether it is underactive or overactive. They can act in either direction depending on the body's needs. This differs from the action of most prescription medications, which act in only one direction and can lead to new problems if taken in excess. Thus, adaptogenic herbs help individuals recover from a variety of physical ills by balancing individual systems.
  
  

Benefits

• Because adaptogens do not have the effect of reversing a health problem and bringing about its opposite, many practitioners and patients prefer them for long-term use. In fact, because they act on body systems rather than symptoms, they typically require extended use to bring about optimal results.
  
  

Ginseng

• Ginseng (Panax ginseng) is a common adaptogenic herb. It is used to boost circulatory function, including treating individuals with anemia, and to boost immune function. Some practitioners recommend it for reducing high blood sugar and for promoting hormone balance. Ginseng is commonly used as an energy tonic and to promote overall health. According to Mary Shomon in "Living Well with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia," ginseng helps the body respond to stress and stimulates cellular immunity.
  
  

Ashwagandha

• Ashwagandha is an ayurvedic herb that is used to boost memory and learning ability. It is also recommended for improving endurance and relieving symptoms of depression, and is sometimes referred to as "Indian ginseng". It is used for both people and pets as a general health tonic.
  
  

Fo-Ti

• Fo-Ti root (Polygonum multiflorum) is a Chinese herb that acts more slowly and has broader effects than ginseng. Also known as Shou Wu, it is related to buckwheat. Practitioners recommend Fo-Ti root to strengthen the liver and kidneys and for individuals with diabetes. It is used in both animal athletes to increase endurance and to balance hormones in altered pets.
  
  

Siberian Ginseng

• Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) is used to provide disease resistance in pets, according to C.J. Puotinen in "Natural Remedies for Dogs and Cats." Practitioners use it as a tonic to strengthen the adrenal and endocrine systems. It is used for fighting stress and depression, and can inhibit adrenal activity. It can boost the immune system and thus help fight infection especially under conditions of physical or emotional stress. Some practitioners recommend it for detoxifying the liver. It is available in many forms including extract, tablet and tea.