Adaptogens are a class of plants and herbs that are thought to help the body resist and tolerate stressors, both emotional and physical. Basically, they help your body to adapt.
Herbs, roots and mushrooms have been used in this way for centuries in Ayurvedic and Chinese healing traditions, but the term adaptogen was first coined in 1947 by Soviet scientist Nicolai Lazerev. He was searching for ways to help Russian soldiers cope with the stressors on their bodies in natural ways, to achieve “heightened resistance.” His protégé Dr I.I. Brehkman further specified 3 points to verify what fell under the adaptogen umbrella;
1. An adaptogen is protective. It should raise an individual’s resistance to physical, chemical, or biological stresses.
2. An adaptogen boosts recovery:. It has the power to normalize the physiological functioning of organisms suffering from various physical problems.
3. Although powerful, an adaptogen must be harmless (non-toxic) to the individual ingesting it, disturbing natural bodily functions as little as possible.