The term adaptogen refers to a group of herbs that indirectly restores the nervous system. During and after times of overwhelming stress, we become more prone to illness, whether it manifests in our immune system, heart, digestive system or elsewhere.

You have probably noticed that when you are, as examples, going to school, running a household, keeping up with kids and holding down a job that, every so often, something has to give. Depending on your constitution, it may be high blood pressure, thyroid imbalances or autoimmune flare-ups - whatever is your weakest link.

Our bodies are remarkable and always find ways to adapt. Adaptogens can help. Herbal medicine is good like that. If you take into consideration that plants are also continually finding ways to adapt to their environment, it makes sense that they can help us do the same. Adaptogens increase the body's ability to resist stress-related illnesses.

Adaptogens have been valued as superior medicines for thousands of years. Modern research backs this up.

It may seem that these herbs are too good to be true, but they certainly can be wonderful additions to a healthy lifestyle. There are some words of caution, however.

Without dietary, nutritional and lifestyle changes, adaptogens may mask underlying problems that need to be examined before herbal treatment is introduced. For example, anemia can cause fatigue, as can diabetes and other illnesses. So, a diagnosis to find the cause of chronic fatigue, for example, needs to be done first. After a proper diagnosis, adaptogens can be an important part of overall treatment.

Some of the adaptogens, such as Red Ginseng, can be stimulating but may have the potential for misuse with people who just want more energy and endurance, such as athletes. Taking herbs like these for the wrong reason may contribute to burn out from over exertion, as well as increasing the risk of injuries and exhaustion. Adaptogens used improperly can result in heart palpitations, anxiety and sleeplessness.

This does not mean the herbs are bad, it means that there is a right and a wrong way to use them, just like everything else. Get good council from a physician for a diagnosis, and a good herbalist for the right adaptogen.

Asian Ginseng is one of the most studied herbs in the world. It is for the person who has become exhausted and feeble. It is great for the person dealing with long-term debilitating health problems, as it can provide added strength to renew health.

Ashwaganda is an Ayurvedic herb, originating in India, and is one of my favorites because it helps in recuperation by restoring vigor and acting as a calming agent. It is rich in iron and helps with low thyroid problems, as well as many other conditions.

Schisandra is a Chinese herb helpful for reducing inflammation, particularly for people with liver problems.

There are several other adaptogen herbs that may be tailored to fit the individual needs. Adaptogens are usually taken for several weeks before results occur. This makes sense because just as it takes a while to get run down, it also takes a while to get back in shape.

Deborah Brandt is a clinical herbalist at From the Ground Up, 339 N. Alameda Blvd. in Las Cruces. She may be reached at 575-523-2652.