Mythical Garkin, protector of newbie gardeners!Adrenal Exaustion and Raw Food Video 2
In my studying of how to replenish and enhance adrenal function, I’ve come across some amazing herbs!
The first is a herb called Rhodiola.
“Rhodiola rosea (Golden Root, Roseroot, Aaron’s Rod) is a plant in the Crassulaceae family that grows in cold regions of the world. These include much of the Arctic, the mountains of Central Asia, the Rocky Mountains, and mountainous parts of Europe, such as the Alps, Pyrenees, Carpathian Mountains, Scandinavia, Iceland, Great Britain and Ireland.” ~Wikipedia
I find this interesting in that it is found growing in cold areas of the world, and the fact that Russians have been using it to deal with the cold for centuries, especially in places like Siberia. The herb is considered an adaptogen, meaning that it will help with whatever ails you. Some people have had infertility problems cured, some anemia, some adrenal improvement. As a herb, it is recommended to take with other herbs and vitamins, so that they synergystically energize each other. A person going through adrenal exhaustion can theoretically count on rhodiola to give them a big boost of energy and help with lower body temperatures, (which incidentally are a big sign of adrenal exhaustion.) (Side note, a fantastic price can be found at Mountain Rose Herbs.)(side note 2, am I using too many parenthesis?)(sidenote, seriously, am I?) ( 
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The second adaptogenic actually fungus is called cordyceps. This is a fascinating fungus. Used throughout China, it has been said to increase stamina, improve concentration among a host of other benefits.
“At least 1,500 years ago, Tibetan herders observed that yaks would eat Cordyceps and then frolic with great energy and “passion.” This encouraged the herders to experience the power of Cordyceps, which has led to it use by hundreds of millions of people over the ages. In 1993, the Chinese National Track and Field Team attributed their success in breaking three World Records in part to their use of Cordyceps.”~New Chapter Organics
The fungus lies in wait on caterpillars, and waits for a time till the caterpillar is big enough and then it takes over, killing the caterpillar and grows a little stem, which is then harvested and processed. (An important note, when researching a source of cordyceps, it is wise to go through a reputable source, even if it costs more because there have been anecdotal reports of lead being used by farmers to increase the weight of their harvest.) Looks like the fungus is definitely not vegan! However, with all the reported benefits, especially all the recommendations I have read concerning it, it is worth a look as part of a regimen to get over the tough stages of adrenal exhaustion.
Michael on 
Hi Sam,
Thanks so much for the heads up about burdock root. Much appreciated! I had been told by a representative that the powder was fine during pregnancy, yikes!
Cheers,
Kristen
Hi Sam,
Me again… I was doing some research and found two links showing burdock root as helpful during pregnancy?
http://www.brigids-haven.com/bos/life/pregherbs.html
http://www.naturalark.com/herbpreg.html
Where did you get your info? We should compare notes
More than welcome Kristen! I just went out and got some Vitamineral Green, did some research and there it was, on the HealthForce Nutritional site, not recommended during pregnancy! I just read on Medline this: “Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Based on animal studies that show components of burdock to cause uterus stimulation, burdock is sometimes recommended to be avoided during pregnancy. Due to limited scientific study, burdock cannot be considered safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding.” http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/patient-burdock.html
Hope you have a great week!
Sam
Hi Sam,
It’s me again. I must have forgotten to hit “submit” when I wrote my last comment. Sorry… I was researching burdock root and actually found a source that claims it’s safe and recommended during pregnancy. Then, another source saying it’s not clear whether it’s safe so pregnant women should avoid it. Now, I’m really curious… where did you learn it was unsafe? We should compare notes. Arrrgghhhh!!!
Cheers and Happy Holidays!
Kristen
I see I was typing this comment while you were answering the question in my head
I’d rather be safe then sorry that’s for sure
Thanks again!!!
Sorry to beat a dead horse… question – I was on Health Force’s website and noticed that the latest version of Vitamineral Green (4.0) does not have burdock root in it – at least I couldn’t find it. The version I have at home does include it unfortunately. I also couldn’t find on the website where they said it wasn’t recommended for pregnant women. Do you have the link to that page?
Oh yeah, I did see that there is horsetail in it and I read online that this should be avoided during pregnancy, too.
Hey Kristen! I think anything that causes uterine contractions, especially in the first trimester is bad ju ju! Here is the link where I found info on Vitamineral Green and burdock:
http://www.vitalchild.com/1vc/index2.php?option=com_content&do_pdf=1&id=302
Thanks bud! Much appreciated!!!
Cool! I just looked at my bottle and it says 3.8! Go figure! Looks like I’m taking that one and HiHoRosie is going to be taking Greener Grasses! Thanks for letting me know about 4.0! Have a great night!
Just found your comment, looks like some automatic spam thing put it into the cue. I read those two webpages and I would say that considering your awesome diet, and the chance that burdock causes uterine contractions, I would choose a great prenatal and a kale smoothie over it anyday.
I agree
My husband and mom will be finishing the Vitamineral Green we have on hand, while I take a break from it.
Cheers,
Kristen
Thanks so much for posting this and to Kristen’s Raw for talking about Vitamineral Green and the burdock. I’m not pregnant and don’t plan on becoming so, but I do like to limit my intake of anything that messes with my uterus (hormonal issues). I was just going to order Vitamineral Green from Natural Zing with my order today, but now I’m waiting to hear from them about the version of the VG they are carrying.
Thanks!
Lots of love to you,
Wendi
XOXOXO
I love my husband – he’s ALWAYS looking out for me (and bebe too).
Mwah!
My husband is always around, he works from home, we are really very lucky be around our kids all the time!
Emma
Thanks for such great post, I totally appreciate it, you have been amazing, keep up the great work!
Amber
Rhodiola rosea is a remarkable herb that has a wide and varied history of uses. It is thought to strengthen the nervous system, fight depression, enhance immunity, elevate the capacity for exercise, enhance memory, aid weight reduction, increase sexual function and improve energy levels.It has long been known as a potent adaptogen. Adaptogens are natural plant substances that increase the body’s non-specific resistance and normalise the functions of the body.
Rhodiola has a legendary history dating back thousands of years. In 77 A.D., the Greek physician Dioscorides documented the medical applications of the plant, which he then called rodia riza, in his classic medical text De Materia Medica. The Vikings depended on the herb to enhance their physical strength and endurance, while Chinese emperors sent expeditions to Siberia to bring back “the golden root” for medicinal preparations. The people of central Asia considered a tea brewed from Rhodiola rosea to be the most effective treatment for cold and flu. Mongolian physicians prescribed it for tuberculosis and cancer.
Research on Rhodiola rosea and other medicinal herbs was part of the Soviet Union’s great push to compete with the West in military development, the arms race, space exploration, Olympic sports, science, medicine, and industry. It is a popular plant in traditional medical systems in Eastern Europe and Asia, with a reputation for stimulating the nervous system, decreasing depression, enhancing work performance, eliminating fatigue, and preventing high altitude sickness.
Stress
Rhodiola rosea has long been known as a potent adaptogen. Adaptogens are natural plant substances that increase the body’s non-specific resistance and normalise the functions of the body. When a stressful situation occurs, consuming adaptogens generates a degree of generalised adaptation (or non-specific resistance) that allows our physiology to handle the stressful situation in a more resourceful manner. It is believed that adaptogens work by increasing the ability of cells to manufacture and use cell fuel more efficiently.
Since Rhodiola rosea administration appears to impact central monoamine levels, it might also provide benefits and be the adaptogen of choice in clinical conditions characterised by an imbalance of central nervous system monoamines. This is consistent with Russian claims for improvements in depression and schizophrenia. It also suggests that research in areas such as seasonal affective disorder, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome, among others, is warranted.
There have also been claims that this plant has great utility as a therapy in asthenic conditions (decline in work performance, sleep disturbances, poor appetite, irritability, hypertension, headaches, and fatigue) developing subsequent to intense physical or intellectual strain, influenza and other viral exposures, and other illness. Two randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of the standardised extract of Rhodiola rosea root (SHR-5) provide a degree of support for these claimed adaptogenic properties.
Muscle Recovery
Rhodiola rosea has been shown to shorten recovery time after prolonged workouts, to increase attention span, memory, strength, and anti-toxic action. Rhodiola rosea extract increases the level of enzymes, RNA, and proteins important to muscle recovery after exhaustive exercise. It also stimulates muscle energy status; glycogen synthesis in muscles and liver; muscle protein synthesis and anabolic activity.
Memory
Studies using proofreading tests have demonstrated that Rhodiola rosea enhances memorisation and concentration ability over prolonged periods. It increases the bioelectrical activity of the brain which improves memory and brain energy.
In one study, forty students were randomised to receive either 50 mg standardised Rhodiola extract or placebo twice daily for a period of 20 days. The students receiving the standardised extract demonstrated significant improvements in physical fitness, psychomotor function, mental performance, and general wellbeing. Subjects receiving the Rhodiola rosea extract also reported statistically significant reductions in mental fatigue, improved sleep patterns, a reduced need for sleep, greater mood stability, and a greater motivation to study. The average exam scores between students receiving the Rhodiola rosea extract and placebo were 3.47 and 3.20, respectively.
Cardiac Problems
Rhodiola has also been shown to be effective for cardiac problems caused or aggravated by stress. Its action for these conditions is in its ability to decrease the amount of catecholamines and corticosteroids released by the adrenal glands during stress. The abnormal presence of these stress hormones will subsequently raise blood pressure, cholesterol, potassium levels and increase risk factors for heart disease. Rhodiola has been found to decrease harmful blood lipids and thus decrease the risk of heart disease. It also decreases the amount of cyclic-AMP (c-AMP) released into cardiac cells. Cyclic AMP is related to ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the body’s primary energy molecule. C-AMP acts as a ‘second messenger’ or liaison between the outer and inner environments of the cell. It assists in the uptake of more intracellular calcium into the heart thus promoting a greater potential for heart muscle contraction. Rhodiola thus regulates the heart beat and counteracts heart arrhythmias.
Cancer
Rhodiola has been shown to increase anti-tumour activity by increasing the body’s resistance to toxins. A range of anti-oxidant compounds have been identified in Rhodiola rosea and related species and significant free-radical scavenging activity has been demonstrated for alcohol and water extracts of Rhodiola. Rhodiola rosea might be useful in conjunction with some pharmaceutical anti-tumour agents. According to the information from Russian researchers have found that the oral administration of Rhodiola inhibited tumour growths in rats by 39% and decreased metastasis by 50%. It improved urinary tissue and immunity in patients with bladder cancer. In other experiments with various types of cancer, including adenocarcinomas, the use of extracts of Rhodiola Rosea resulted in significant increased survival rate.
Immune System
Rhodiola both stimulates and protects the immune system by reinstating homeostasis (metabolic balance) in the body. It also increases the natural killer cells (NK) in the stomach and spleen. This action may be due to its ability to normalise hormones by modulating the release of glucocorticoid into the body.
Depression
In animal studies, extracts of rhodiola, seem to enhance the transport of serotonin precursors, tryptophan, and 5-hydroxytryptophan into the brain. Serotonin is a widely studied brain neurotransmitter chemical that is involved in many functions including, smooth muscle contraction, temperature regulation, appetite, pain perception, behavior, blood pressure and respiration. When balanced, it imparts a a sense of contentment and mental ease. Either too much or too little serotonin on the other hand has been linked to various abnormal mental states such as clinical depression. Thus rhodiola has been used by Russian scientists alone or in combination with antidepressants to boost one’s mental state, a boon in countries and seasons where one is deprived of adequate sun over prolonged periods of months. This leads to a condition known as SAD or Seasonal Affective Disorder, common to Northern European countries.
Other Benefits
Many other benefits from the use of Rhodiola has been found including its ability to improve hearing, to regulate blood sugar levels for diabetics and protect the liver from environmental toxins. It has been shown to activate the lipolytic processes (fat breakdown) and mobilise lipids from a dipose tissue to the natural fat burning system of your body for weight reduction. It can also clinically enhance thyroid function without causing hyperthyroidism, enhance thymus gland function and protect or delay involution that occurs with ageing. It can also improve your adrenal gland reserves without causing hypertrophy. Throughout the years it has shown to substantially improve erectile dysfunction and/or premature ejaculation in men and normalises their prostatic fluid.
Rhodiola has few side effects; however, some people report increased blood pressure. Rhodiola may thin your blood, so discontinue use before surgery and consult your doctor if you take blood-thinning medications like Coumadin (warfarin) or supplements like vitamin E.
Although rare, certain individuals who experience nervous excitability, feverish states, and hypertension, should not use rhodiola unless supervised by a qualified practitioner. Persons who experience coronary spasm and fluctuations in arterial pressure should also use under supervision.
To date, the medical literature has not reported any adverse effects related to foetal development during pregnancy or to infants who are breast-fed. Yet little is known about the use of this dietary supplement while pregnant or breast-feeding. Therefore, it is recommended that you inform your healthcare practitioner of any dietary supplements you are using while pregnant or breast-feeding.
To date, the medical literature has not reported any adverse effects specifically related to the use of this dietary supplement in children. Since young children may have undiagnosed allergies or medical conditions, this dietary supplement should not be used in children under 10 years of age unless recommended by a physician.
Herbal medicine is the origin of modern medicine today.
Dr.David Black
http://www.blackchiropractic.com.au
Hey sam !! Thanks for sharing.
Here are some facts, I found on internet :
Rhodiola increases the bioelectrical activity of the brain which improves memory and brain energy, effective for cardiac problems caused or aggravated by stress, Rhodiola both stimulates and protects the immune system by reinstating homeostasis in the body.