The Dark Side of Adaptogens: Appropriate and Inappropriate Uses of Tonic Herbs

105 minutes  

The term “adaptogen” is usually applied uncritically to members of a group of herbs which, other than stimulating energy, have little in common in either pharmacology or humoral effects. We will discuss case studies where using these herbs to mask the ill effects of destructive patterns in the lifestyle enabled sometimes serious injury to the endocrine system. Each of these herbs has a well-defined traditional dose range, indications, contraindications, and methods of preparation. Failure to adhere to these may cause not only therapeutic failure, but also patient discomfort or harm. We will the specific indications and contraindications of Panax spp, Eleutherococcus, Rhodiola, Schisandra, and Glycyrrhiza.

Materials

• The audio lecture

• Lecture slides

• Adrenal fatigue does not exist

• Schisandra- Russian review article

This lecture is offered as Continuing Education by the NAIMH but has not been pre-approved for CE credits by any professional board.

Related Continuing Education Lectures

• Restorative Tonic Herbs

• Demulcent Yin Tonics in the Western Paradigm

• Chinese Herbs for Athletic Training and Performance

• Some Chinese Medicine Syndromes for the Western Herbalist

Related Course

• Fatigue: Pathophysiology, Natural Therapeutics, and Adaptogens