‘The art of healing comes from nature, not from the physician. Therefore the physician must start from nature, with an open mind.’ - Paracelsus
Healing has been a human quest since time immemorial. Today, we have two dominant approaches in medicine; allopathic preparations and traditional herbal ones.
Though a long time coming, these two sides of the healing coin have slowly begun to peep at each other's notes in a new category called Integrative Medicine, where aspects of herbal pharmaceuticals join forces.
One of the most exciting merges in this arena encompasses apoptogenic herbs. Don’t panic, in a short read, you’ll soon have a handle on this. Better still, you’ll understand how to support your health journey using powerful ingredients from nature’s apothecary.
The Marvel of Adaptogens
Merriam-Webster dictionary defines adaptogens as ‘a nontoxic substance and especially a plant extract that is held to increase the body's ability to resist the damaging effects of stress and promote or restore normal physiological functioning.’
The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) provides an enlightening description of adaptogens saying they are ‘a new kind of metabolic regulator that has been proved to help in environmental adaptation and to prevent external harms.’
In other words, herbal adaptogens are those plants found in nature that address a much broader spectrum of body function than just blood pressure or diabetes, for example. That’s because ‘adaptogens’ are more about the overriding effects on the body than ingredients targeting just one faulty mechanism.
Healthline explains in layman’s terms: ‘Adaptogens are natural bioregulators that increase the ability to adapt environmental factors and avoid the damage caused by those factors.’
Rather than the ‘quick fix’ - tempting as it may be, which finds us grabbing an extra coffee or a sugary snack to supply the energy we seek, adaptogens work quietly in the background, supplying you with resilience and strength so you don’t feel any need for artificial stimulants.
Fun Fact: Adaptogens are meant to be taken consistently for several weeks at a time. They are also meant to be stopped for a week or so, so you can stop and reacclimate.’ - Andrea Fossati, M.D.
Enter Integrative Medicine (IM)
Be assured that integrative medicine adheres to evidence-based diagnostic testing and scientifically authenticated alternative remedies. There’s the merge we spoke of earlier. But here’s the best part; added to that is the holistic approach, which takes the whole person, from their nutritional needs, lifestyle, perspectives, and environmental factors that may have an impact.
The ABOIM (American Board of Integrative Medicine) describes IM as; ‘... the practice of medicine that reaffirms the importance of the relationship between practitioner and patient, focuses on the whole person, is informed by evidence, and makes use of all appropriate therapeutic approaches, healthcare professionals, and disciplines to achieve optimal health and healing.’
Doing more than just symptomatic assessment, IM optimizes ongoing health, working to build up all the systems in the body as well as the mind and emotions.
FORBES Health states: ‘Integrative medicine, and adaptogens specifically, can help fill the gaps left by Western medical practices. Adaptogens have thousands of years of historical use to back up their use, as well as increasingly informative modern studies.’
Fast Fact: Integrative medicine combines holistic and allopathic (medicines, surgery, etc) knowledge to reach solutions that address the root cause of illness and disease.
When Adaptogens and IM Come Together
Dr Fossati, an integrative healthcare specialist notes; ‘There’s no substitute [for adaptogens] in Western medicine, ‘ and that’s because allopathic medications are target performers, addressing one issue, whereas integrating apoptogenic herbs addresses your health holistically.
NB: If you have specific symptoms difficult to deal with, you would need to consult professionals for advice on finding an integrated remedy for your ailment. For the most part, we can and should regulate our integrative health regimes using apoptogenic preparations from reputable sources.
Integrating Herbal Harmony
Now that you understand that it is within your grasp to fill the gaps left by medicinal remedies, you can, and certainly should, integrate herbal power to support and build up your body’s internal resilience and function.
The wonderful thing is that adaptogens speak to your HPA axis (hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal) which is basically, the human stress response mechanism. Who isn’t stressed these days? So why not integrate immune system adaptogens to help you reach homeostasis (equilibrium of mind and body).
Sutherlandia, SA’s Secret Adaptogen
Well, ‘secret’ might be an exaggeration, but it’s not nearly well-known enough for the miracle plant it is. South Africa’s shrubby little legume plant with its silvery leaves and signal-red flowers describes the botanical Sutherlandia frutescens, a.k.a. Cancer Bush (Kankerbos).
As a potent immune system booster, this humble, local plant can work to protect you and your family in ways you’d never imagine.
Brand South Africa reports that Sutherlandia frutescens ‘slows the progression from HIV to full-blown Aids, although it may not bring on an actual remission. Clinicians in South Africa and Australia have linked it to higher CD4 blood cell counts and a lower viral titer in HIV-positive patients… traditional uses include the treatment of depression and anxiety, asthma and bronchitis, kidney infections, moderate hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis and chronic fatigue syndrome. It has also been used as a general health booster, to wash open wounds, bring down fever and to combat wasting from tuberculosis, HIV/Aids and cancer, as well as to stimulate the appetite in ailing patients. It is said that healthy patients with no underlying wasting conditions show no weight gain.’
Seriously, what’s not to gain here, and what could be more simple than organic Sutherlandia, formulated in a tincture requiring a few drops under the tongue every day?
Summary: Many in today’s world know they don’t feel as strong as they used to. Many feel constantly fatigued - whether from Long Covid, prolonged stress or something else, integrating apoptogenic herbal formulations into your health regime will holistically protect and support your health journey.
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