Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief

by David Winston, Steven Maimes (Contributor)

An updated and expanded edition of the definitive guide to adaptogenic herbs

• Includes a Materia Medica with monographs covering 25 adaptogens, including eleuthero, ginseng, rhodiola, schisandra, ashwagandha, licorice, shatavari, reishi, and holy basil, as well as complementary nervines, restorative tonics, and nootropics

• Explains how adaptogens increase the body’s resistance to adverse influences, increase energy and stamina, and counter the effects of age and stress on the body

• Details the actions, properties, preparation, and dosage for each herb and their uses in Ayurveda and Chinese medicine and as remedies for animals

Every day our bodies strive to adapt and stay balanced, energized, and healthy, yet chronic stress and the resulting elevation of stress hormones such as cortisol have been shown to be major factors behind not only fatigue and weight gain but also many chronic and degenerative diseases. In this updated edition of the definitive guide to adaptogenic herbs, clinical herbalist David Winston and researcher Steven Maimes provide a comprehensive look at adaptogens: non-toxic herbs such as ginseng, eleuthero, and ashwagandha that help the body “adapt” to the many influences it encounters and manage the stresses it experiences. They also increase stamina and energy, boost cognitive function, restore the immune system, and counter the effects of aging, especially when used in appropriate combinations.

Beginning with a history of the use of adaptogens, including in Ayurveda, Chinese medicine, and Russian medicine, the book examines how these herbal remedies work and why they are so effective at combating stress-induced illness and ailments. The extensive Materia Medica includes monographs on 25 adaptogens, including eleuthero, ginseng, rhodiola, schisandra, ashwagandha, shatavari, reishi, and holy basil, as well as complementary nervines, restorative tonics, and nootropic herbs, such as milky oats, astragalus, St. John’s wort, and ginkgo. Each monograph presents the latest scientific research and details the origin, traditional and clinical uses, actions, properties, preparation, and dosage for each herb. The book also includes guidance on adaptogenic remedies for our animal companions.

Aimed not only at herbalists but also those interested in natural health, this guide to adaptogens will allow you to safely and effectively use these herbal remedies to enhance your health and improve your chances of living a longer, healthier, and well-balanced life.

Genres: Health, Herbs, Nonfiction, Plants, Nutrition, Reference, Food

432 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 22, 2007

Reviews

[Alicia Bayer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent resource, though certainly not a pleasure read. It took me a long time to read it as I'd just read a bit at a time as a course of study rather than for pleasure and it is very academic in nature so it works well to read a little and really process it. Many of the herbs are Chinese and not many are ones easily found in the garden or the wild. Part of the reason for this is that our country does much less research on herbs so there aren't as many scientific studies on those readily available here. This is a very academic book with lots of research backing it and interesting case studies of adaptogenic herbs used for various ailments. I've already been taking ashwagandha and plan to add a few others after learning which ones are best suited for me. I'm also using it to help my oldest daughter, who has orbital pseudotumors that doctors have been unable to properly treat or find a cause for even after biopsy. Since pseudotumors are often related to autoimmune disorders, I'm using the information from the book to try to help support her body as she battles this.

This is definitely a reference book to own, not one to read once from the library and return. I would love to see more North American herbs but it's a great resource.

[Sosanna Olson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adaptogens - Guest Reviewer - Elijah Olson
Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief

Let's start by introducing the authors; David Winston, RH (AHG) , is a clinical herbalist and ethnobotanist with 50 years of training in Chinese, Western/Eclectic, and Southwestern herbal traditions. Steven Maimes has studied natural medicine for over 30 years. A researcher, freelance writer, and principle of SALAM Research.


The book has now been updated and expanded this year (2019) from its first edition in 2007.


The information is laid out in a comprehensive three part layout. Part one gives a good introduction of what Herbal Adaptogens are, the history, actions and health benefits. Part two starts with full color monographs on adaptogens for identification, as well as in-depth information for the well researched adaptogens.

Also covered in this section is comprehensive information on nervines, nootropics and restorative tonics.

Part three covers herbal adaptogens in use, including information on clinical use, herbs in combination and also an added chapter on adaptogens for our pets.


I really enjoyed the layout of the book, it is easy to locate what you are looking for specifically. There is both a good index and glossary for those of us that may struggle with trying to remember or get lost in every clinical or herbal term. The authors have really given us a thorough reference book for daily use.

So if you are interested in a very detailed, easy to pick up and find a tonic, tea, or food to prepare with ALL the healthy information including dosages attached...this is the book for you.

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far, this is the best book I have found on adaptogens, and there are lots! It's comprehensive and has so much great information here. If you buy one book on adaptogens, this should be it. As a botanist and herbalist, it's definitely my first pick.
I'm still going through this book so I'll probably update this review once I have gone through the whole thing.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not a light read since it's written in an academical way. But very informative!

[Rich And · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book if you are looking to add adaptogens to your diet in order to get more out of your training and health.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well laid out to help learn the information over a couple of re-reads, yet simple enough to walk away with information after just the first chapter. Clear articles on the usage of common Adaptogens in TCM and Ayurveda along with a couple of recipes at the back to get you started.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellant book on herbal adaptogens or body modulators for the practiced herbalist.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was pretty jazzed when I first started reading it, but it just felt like a lot of repetition after a while. It could have also used more visuals when talking about body systems so the terminology would be more comprehensible. Then there is information on each adaptogen, but I honestly think most of this can just be found online.

I feel bad rating it so low, because it has good information. I just didn't find it to be terribly useful myself.

[Tedra · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Highly comprehensive reference tool for everything adaptogenic. Includes clinical data, case studies and recipes for incorporating adaptogens in food based on need. Definitely will continue to reference this text for study and application.

[Amy Doeun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally engaging and readable yet very informative. Definitely information I can use in practice.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well researched. Can’t wait to try some of the recipes 😊

[FC]

Extremely informative on herbs. David Winston also has his own website. Notes on last page of book. Good reference to keep on shelf

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

more of a reference after the opening chapters

[Aaron Zwirn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative and easy to approach. I learned a lot and am looking forward to trying these out!

[Cherie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Feels pretty academic in tone, so not for a casual herbalist. The examinations of different herbs should be of interest, but shorter than other books.

[Suz BB · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great summary on the history of adaptogens in Chinese and Indian medicine and their use/effectiveness/benefits today!

[Mandi W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent resource to have on your herbal shelf.

[Elisabet Corominas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Next Superfoods in Modern Society. Worth reading.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my go-to books that never seems to stay on the shelf long as it's always somewhere easy to reach.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always amazed at how simple plants and herbs have been used since the dawn of time. Also how they can be just as powerful or more effective than modern medicine... In some instances.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Far and away the best book on adaptogens by one of the top herbalists in the world.

[Anneke · Rating 5 out of 5]

My go to for accurate materia medica on my most used adaptogens!!

[Sally]

Got this in the mail to day! I feel like I'm beginning a serious study of herbs now.

[Katrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good. I didn't actually read the whole thing, but I enjoyed the bits I read.

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great practical information and recipes.

[Leyla Mehmet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing insight into the history and also different types of adaptogens: and the Russian research! Absolutely amazing, I wish there were more books that were written as categories instead of dictionaries. If you are into adaptogens I would recommend reading this book before reading any other. Brilliant, it has definitely influenced how I practice and what I give for different forms of energy.