Arthur Haines describes the values of adaptogens for contemporary people and discusses the collection of a wild adaptogen that has been largely overlooked by modern wildcrafters.
Adaptogens are documented to assist athletes with recovery from strenuous exercise, prevent illness and disease, function as antioxidants, promote longevity, fight cancer, assist with depression and insomnia, protect the liver, improve brain function, assist with sexual dysfunction, and potentiate the effects of other medicines. These are highly valued remedies in many cultures.
The main problem in eastern North America is that the known adaptogens are relatively rare and their collection threatens wild populations. Dwarf ginseng is a widespread plant that is common in many areas. It functions as an adaptogen with research to support its phytochemical constituents and it has a history of use by Native Americans to assist with recovery from illness.
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7 мар 2012
