What Are Adaptogens and Can Eating or Drinking Them Make You Healthier?

PFC David Foster I agree. I won't take anything without reading extensively about it first, and I take very little except occasionally. I've never used any of the adaptogens in the article. I have used ginseng occasionally in the past, and ginko. Dr. LowDog says she likes ashwagandha if she is feeling run down. I've been thinking to maybe get some after reading more about it. Gotta be very careful about origin, too, of anything. And many don't mix well with pharmaceuticals. Pharmacists should know about that, but doing your own research is always good. Many supplements are manufactured outside U.S.A, and spices, and herbs have been found to have toxic ingredients. But a herbalist/naturpath/integrative m.d. knows good sources. I would use these before pharmaceuticals to avoid using pharmaceuticals if possible. Of course growing one's own is preferable. I have a few - the regulars: thyme, sage, rosemary, mint, lavender, parsley, hawthorne. Haven't grown ginger or horseradish or turmeric root. All the spices too have wellness qualities - like cinnamon, cloves, ginger, cardamom, so too tea. And of course all types of chiles can minimize inflammation. We thrive on chile here in NM!
Once we've used stuff and know what it does and how it affects us we learn what to take and when, if necessary. don't we. I like to take Echinacea when I'm around a lot of people, just to strengthen the immune system or Maitake. But too much of anything too frequently is not a good thing.