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The extract of the plant Bellflower (Codonopsis pilosula) is known as codonopsis in western medicine, and as dang shen in Eastern traditions. In both cases, the roots of the plant are used as a gentler and more economical substitute for Chinese ginseng, and it is actually sometimes called “poor man’s ginseng”.

Revealing The Top Health Benefits of Codonopsis

Brain Health Benefits

Codonopsis has been shown to stimulate the central nervous system. One California study found that combining this supplement along with ginkgo biloba boosted cognitive function and overall health more effectively than ginkgo alone. Thus, this combination can be used to help boost health and vitality of the brain and entire body.

Stomach Acid and Ulcers

Animal studies have shown that codonopsis supplementation can reduce the secretion of acid and digestive enzymes in the stomach. This can potentially help to protect the digestive lining of those suffering from ulcers. This effect has not yet been proven in humans, although many healthcare practitioners use the herb for this effect.

Blood Thinning

In recent research, codonopsis was found to help prevent platelet aggregation in people suffering from coronary artery disease, which can help to prevent clot formation and potentially reduce the risk of heart attack. This can also help to reduce high blood pressure in those with hypertension.

Supports Healthy Cell Growth

Much of the most recent research studies performed on this nutrient have examined its ability to help with unhealthy cell growth. Some particular branched sugar constituents of codonopsis have been shown to directly have anti-tumor activity, while also helping the body’s natural immune response as well. For those combining natural and conventional treatment options, codonopsis has also been shown to help maintain healthy immune function.

Immune Boosting Benefits of Codonopsis

Maintaining immune function is also how codonopsis is used to help those with certain autoimmune disorders and helps slow their immune decline. Supplementation has been found to increase red and while blood cell counts. It has also been found to promote healthy weight gain, which can help protect depleted individuals. This is likely why this herb is considered a general tonic in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Supplementing With Codonopsis: How To Take This Supplement

Most commonly, this herb is found in combination formulas for immune boosting as well as brain and cardiovascular health. It can also be found in Chinese Medicine tonic formulas. Codonopsis can be taken alone as powdered root directly or in a tea. It can also be found in tincture form. The ideal human dose of this supplement has not yet been established and recommended doses range widely. Be sure to follow the directions provided by the manufacturer for your particular formula.

Shopping Tips For Codonopsis

This supplement is available at your local natural health food store and online. When selecting a quality supplement, find one that uses pure and potent ingredients with best farming practices. Choose organic when possible and find one that offers a dosage that your health care practitioner recommends for your specific health profile.

What is Rhodiola?

Rhodiola is an adaptogenic herb which means it supports you under stress. It helps balance adrenal function, fatigue, cardiovascular function, blood sugar, mood, and cognitive function.

There are over 50 species of Rhodiola. One species has received much attention called Rhodiola rosea. Rhodiola rosea grows throughout mountainous cold regions in the higher altitude and elevations of the Northern hemisphere. Its fragrant roots have been used medicinally for centuries by cultures throughout the Northern hemisphere.

Similar to Ginsengs, Rhodiola helps you maintain balance and health.

What is Rhodiola Used For and How Does it Work?

Stress Balance

Adrenal glands are in charge of numerous functions in your body. Coping with stress is one of them. Under stress, physical, mental or emotional, your adrenal glands secrete the hormones, adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones stimulate circulation, heart rate, increase blood sugar and give you energy to mount to the challenge at hand.

Your adrenal glands are part of a greater system called your Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenal Axis (HPS). This is a neuroendocrine pathway that specifically connects your hypothalamus and pituitary gland in your brain to your adrenals glands. So when you are under stress your brain tells your adrenal glands to increase adrenaline and cortisol secretion.

The problem is we, as a culture, live pretty stressful lives so our adrenal glands are constantly secreting these hormones. Your body can handle this for a period of time without adverse effects. But after repeated acute or chronic exposure to stress your HPS system becomes less responsive to keep up the pace. Your adrenals glands then decrease secretion of these hormones and your ability to cope with stress becomes compromised. This means that you won’t have the same energy, focus or coping ability when you need it.

Blood Sugar Balance

Another example of the adaptive balancing effect of Rhodiola is it helps to balance blood sugar levels. One key component called Salidrosides has been found to prevent excessive blood sugar levels. Studies show that after an injection of adrenaline, which normally causes blood sugar levels to rise, blood sugar levels remain steady. Salidrosides have been shown to also prevent blood sugar levels from falling too low after an injection of insulin. Overall this means that when taking Rhodiola your blood sugar levels will remain more balanced, which reduces your risk of becoming diabetic and insulin resistant.

Cardiovascular Health

Another example of Rhodiola functioning as an adaptogen is its ability to protect your heart from stress. When lab animals are subjected to extreme cold or to high doses of the stress hormone adrenaline, the regularity of their heart rate is disrupted and the oxygen supply is temporarily cut off. This causes an overall increase in heart rate called tachycardia and an irregular heart rate called an arrhythmia. But animals failed to produce these signs of heart stress when given regular doses of Rhodiola. Rhodiola furthermore increased circulation and reduced damage to the muscle cells of the heart. It also balanced the overflow of negative neurotransmitters normally associated with these stressors.

Mood and Cognitive Function

Rhodiola can improve mood and your ability to focus and think clearly. It’s well documented that Rhodiola has a direct effect on a variety of neurotransmitters, one of which is serotonin, responsible for a feeling of happiness and well being.

Laboratory studies show that Rhodiola enhances the transport of the serotonin raw materials, tryptophan and 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), across the blood-brain barrier. Increased levels of these amino acids allow for more serotonin to be made in your brain. Rhodiola also decreases the action of the serotonin-degrading catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) enzyme. This means serotonin can remain active longer stimulating you to feel more focused and happy longer. This is similar to how a class of anti-depressants work called SSRIs.

Rhodiola also boosts brain levels of other neurotransmitters, dopamine, acetylcholine, and norepinephrine, all of which are key neurotransmitters targeted by major classes of antidepressant drugs.

By positively affecting these neurotransmitters, Rhodiola demonstrates improvements in symptoms like depression, exhaustion, decreased motivation, daytime sleepiness, sleep disturbances, concentration deficiencies, forgetfulness, susceptibility to stress and irritability.

Taking Rhodiola Supplements

Rhodiola comes in liquid or capsule forms. It can be taken for long periods of time without negative side effects. It is particularly beneficial for those who have stressful jobs, are students, are shift workers, who are athletes, who have blood sugar issues and who have cardiovascular disease.

What is Suma?

Suma (Pfaffia paniculata), often called Brazilian Ginseng, is a climbing vine native to the Amazon rainforest of South America. Traditionally used in regional herbal practices as a vitality-supporting tonic, its root has been valued for promoting resilence and overall wellness. Botanically part of the Amaranthaceae family, it contains bioactive compounds like pfaffic acids, saponins, and beta-ecdysterone, along with trace minerals and amino acids that contribute to its nutritional and adaptogenic profile. 

Health Benefits of Suma

Adrenal Gland Support

Suma optimizes the functioning of the adrenal gland, the organ responsible for the body’s adaptation to stress and for protection against stress-related illnesses. It does this indirectly through its adaptogenic properties rather than acting on the glands in a drug-like, targeted way. Adaptogens are plant compounds that help the body maintain balance during physical or emotional stress. The root contains saponins, pfaffic acids, and beta-ecdysterone, which are thought to influence the body's stress response and energy regulation. 

It supports the adrenal in many ways, including:

• Stress Resilience
• Energy Metabolism
• Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects
• General Tonic Effect

Immune Support

Suma also modulates the immune system, which is often depleted by stress. A good example of this is the cold or flu that someone comes down with immediately after the project has been completed or the last exam has been written. This herb also supports blood production. By maintaining the blood’s oxygen-carrying capacity, Suma prevents anemia and fatigue.

Sexual Function Booster

Suma has been studied for its ability to increase sexual functioning and physical endurance. This may also be due to Suma’s support of the adrenal gland because testosterone is produced in the adrenals and is responsible for libido and muscle growth. Natural health practitioners for conditions like anemia, arthritis, impotence, menopausal complaints, Epstein-Barr virus and low immune functioning recommend this herb.

Shopping For Suma Supplements

Suma can be purchased as raw herb, liquid extract or tincture and encapsulated herb. It can be found in combinations for menopausal support, sexual functioning, fatigue and athletic performance.

Important Information

Suma has not been studied in pregnancy and lactation. It may increase the effect of sedative and anti-anxiety medication.