Description
Stress is defined as any disturbance—extreme cold or heat, psychological stress, sleep deprivation, work overload, physical trauma, as well as toxic exposure—that can trigger the stress response. The body’s stress response system is comprised of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Prolonged stress triggers the HPA axis and consists of three stages: 1: alarm, 2: resistance, and 3: exhaustion.
The initial, short-lived phase is the body’s normal fight-or- flight response to danger, characterized by elevated cortisol levels. The subsequent resistance phase allows the body to continue buffering extended stress exposure, long after the initial fight-or-flight response has dissipated. Hormones released by the adrenals, such as cortisol and DHEA, help support the resistance reaction. Extended periods of stress not only burden the system, creating an imbalance in cortisol and DHEA production, but can result in mental and physical fatigue, nervous tension, irritability, poor memory and decreased immunity—all of which are characteristic of stage 3. This product offers a unique blend of botanicals and adrenal concentrate that support the adrenal glands, as well as the body’s ability to counter-act the negative effects of stress.
Why This Combination Formula
The Energy/Brain/Immune Trifecta
We love how this formula synergizes energy, neurological support, stress, and immune system function support. You must have low energy for us to put this formula into your nutritional support. The licorice and adrenal gland are particularly helpful for patients with low energy crashes. The Rhodiola, Ashwagandha, and Holy Basil come alongside as robust immune system help in a variety of situations while also helping enhance brain function and mood.
Reminder Don’t Do It Alone!
We always emphasize with this product it is designed to get you through stress, but the source of the stressor should also be addressed. If the source is Lyme, or heavy metals, or mold, or a stressful job, or staying up too late, or never seeing the sun, then having another part of your program address that root cause is essential towards truly healing alongside this formula.
Ingredients
Holy Basil†
Holy basil (Ocimum sanctum) is an adaptogenic herb that enhances the body’s stress and immune response. A comprehensive review of 24 human studies has revealed positive therapeutic effects of holy basil on neurocognition, immunity and metabolism.1 Thirty-five subjects were dosed with Ocimum sanctum and it was found to have a statistically significant promise to help support low mood and attention.2
Ashwagandha Root Extract†
Ashwagandha’s strong adaptogenic properties provide an array of benefits for individuals that have compromised health due to extreme stress exposure. Ashwagandha’s benefits include improving stress resilience, supporting immune response, regulating the sleep cycle, supporting healthy thyroid function and protecting against exhaustion of the nervous system.3,4 Ashwagandha has also been shown to be beneficial in supporting proper mood regulation and restoring a sense of calmness under stress.4
Rhodiola Rosea Root Extract†
Rhodiola rosea has been categorized as an adaptogenic botanical due to its ability to increase resistance to a variety of stressors.5 Rhodiola has been studied extensively and is widely used in Eastern Europe and Asia to help support the nervous system, mood regulation, mental clarity, work performance and the sleep cycle.5 Within the central nervous system, Rhodiola has demonstrated an ability to preserve levels of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo- controlled study examining the effects of Rhodiola on fatigue and stress, 161 patients aged 19 to 21 years received Rhodiola twice daily resulting in a significant reduction in fatigue.6 An additional study using Rhodiola extract in students showed significant improvements in mental performance, greater mood stability and improved sleep patterns.7
Schisandra Berry Extract†
Schisandra berry extract is an adaptogenic botanical that has been used for centuries in China and Russia to help support mental clarity, stress response and emotional wellness. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, athletes who were given an adaptogenic blend including Schisandra chinensis extract or placebo, had increased concentrations of nitric oxide, a molecule which causes the blood vessels to expand resulting in increased circulation, increased blood flow and nutrients throughout the body and healthy blood pressure.8 The researchers concluded that schisandra berry enhances physical performance in athletes.8 Schisandra berry has also been shown to support learning and memory and may have a protective effect on brain health.9
Licorice Root Extract†
The primary components in licorice root that support adrenal health include glycyrrhetic acid and glycyrrhizin. Licorice has also been shown to block 11-β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, the enzyme responsible for the conversion of cortisol to the inactive cortisone.10 When taken in small doses, licorice root extract can be used to maintain cortisol levels, an important factor for individuals that need to support adrenal hormone production and maintain healthy inflammatory pathways.10
Adrenal Concentrate†
For thousands of years, glandular concentrates have been used in medicine to supply key nutrients to support the body. The concept of glandular therapy states that similar organ extracts from animals will support the same organ within humans by stimulating its activity. Adrenal bovine concentrate allows for rejuvenation of the adrenal stress system in a balanced and efficient manner.
References
† These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
- Jamshidi N, Cohen MM. The Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Tulsi in Humans: A Systematic Review of the Literature. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2017;2017:9217567.
- Bhattacharyya D, Sur TK, Jana U, Debnath PK. Controlled programmed trial of Ocimum sanctum leaf on generalized anxiety disorders. Nepal Med Coll J. 2008 Sep; 10(3):176-9.
- Mishra, LC, Singh BB, Dagenais S. Scientific basis for the therapeutic use of Withania somnifera (ashwagandha): a review. Altern Med Rev 2000; 5(4):334-346.
- Withania somnifera. Monograph. Altern Med Review 2004;9(2):211-214.
- Rhodiola rosea. Altern Med Review 2002;7 (5):421-423.
- Shevtsov, VA, Zholus BI, et al. A randomized trial of two different doses of a SHR-5 Rhodiola rosea extract versus placebo and control of capacity for mental work. Phytomedicine 2003; 10(2-3):95-105.
- Spasov AA, Wikman GK, Mandrikov, et al. A double blind, placebo controlled pilot study of the stimulating and adaptogenic effect of Rhodiola rosea SHR-5 extract on the fatigue of students caused by stress during an examination period with a repeated low-dose regimen. Phytomedicine 2000;7:85-89.
- Panossian AG, Oganessian AS, et al. Effects of heavy physical exercise and adaptogens on nitric oxide content in human saliva. Phytomedicine 1999; 6(1):17-26.
- Kang SY, Lee KY, et al. ESP-102, a standardized combined extract of Angelica gigas, Saururus chinensis and Schizandra chinensis, significantly improved scopolamine-induced memory impairment in mice. Life Sci 2005; 76(15):1691-1705.
- Guilliams TG, Edwards L. Chronic Stress and the HPA Axis. The Standard 2010;9(2).
Warnings
Always be sure to speak with your healthcare provider before starting any new nutritional supplement when pregnant or nursing. For children, we recommend speaking with your child's pediatrician regarding proper dosing. Store away from children.
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