An adaptogen is an herb that helps our bodies adapt (hence the name) to all kinds of stresses in our lives, both physical and emotional. 

These herbs are used long-term. Adaptogens can gently help our bodies recover and rebuild after a single physical event, like surgery or an accident. They can also help with more long-term conditions, like chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).

One of the very best adaptogens is Eleutherococcus senticosus. This free-berried, thorny shrub used to be called Siberian ginseng, even though it isn’t an actual ginseng at all. Now known as eleuthero, it should be a vital part of everyone’s herbal arsenal. 

For hundreds of years, eleuthero has been used as an immune-building herb in Russian folk medicine. In China, it is used as one of the best medicines for insomnia, increasing longevity, improving general health, and restoring memory.

I used it regularly for years to help with my CFS, and I still include it in my dad’s herbal program. He’s 86 years old, still driving, living at home, and a contributing member of his church. 

More on eleuthero next time.

Wendy Keeney-Kennicutt