Adaptogens and detox

[Rick2009]

In transitioning to raw live nutrition from vegan I had very little of the typical detox symptoms. I attribute this to adaptogens and indirectly, to chlorellla which I had been taking for a year prior to going raw.

When I hear of individuals with detox symptoms...or simply feeling draggy, and this could be a year after transitioning, I suggest adatptogens like rhodiola, ginseng etc.

Adaptogens do many things... but basically they help you to adapt.. to mental or physical stress.

The one I used was Maca... thats because the athletes I knew were talking a lot about it. ( I found out its processed form is subjected to heat so the natural form is better)

These days I take canadian ginseng (ground powder form) because, apparently, it has a calming cooling effect unlike the fiery energies of some other ginsengs. I like it and it doesn't raise my blood pressure... some ginsengs do.

What is your favorite adaptogen ? What does it do for you ?

[streetsurfer]

Some good info there Rick, thanks. I have used maca with great results too. I am glad to hear of ginseng being an adaptogen also. I think I should start to rotate them. I use spirulina, beet, and hemp powders in smoothies. I'll have to look to see if they are considered adaptogenic. Do you know?

Maca has certainly increased libido, given more energy and drive, had a calming effect for my nights-better sleep, pleasant dreams, more alert in the mornings, etc. I believe it might be behind calming some irritating immune and stress related reactions to several things like mosquito bites, heat stress, and overexertion. It's really hard for me to distinguish which things came as a result of simply changing to raw and which were from what supplementation. I found out a lot at one time and implemented many things at once. As a result of all of it, I believe it realy boosted my immune and endocrine systems.

[Rick2009]

Hello Streetsurfer,

While spirulina, beet and hemp protein are very nutricious I am not aware if they are adaptogens. Hemp protein is a special food: the edistein protein it contains is especially easy to assimilate. Its fats are very balanced. When I think of hemp protein I think of energy and recovery from exercise.

Good to hear you enjoy maca. Its a daily staple for many athletes. I like it for the calm feeling of balance. Its an amazing food.

A lot of canadian ginseng is exported to China. Experts there appreciate its unique qualities. A local expert ( chinese herbalist) mentions it gives ease of focus and concentration. Works best when taken with alcaline foods like spirulina.

I make a paste of raw unfiltered honey with the canadian ginseng powder and a little cinnamon and/or ginger powder. Very uplifting.