Adaptogen Plus is a potent formula that provides adrenal and digestive support. It is also helpful for blood pressure and endocrine disorders. It comes in a thick syrup that many people find very tasty.

Indications: endocrine disorders, low blood pressure, orthostatic hypotension, atherosclerosis, mild heart abnormalities, and gastric ulcers.

Adaptogen Plus contains ingredients that can quickly and effectively boost the adrenal gland, increase cortisol levels, increase low blood pressure, and decrease orthostatic hypotension. It also has a wider use in strengthening the cardiovascular system by decreasing atherosclerosis, and a subtle effect on mild heart abnormalities. Adaptogen Plus can also be used as a treatment to help with gastric ulcers. It is so concentrated that a one-teaspoon dose is equivalent to about 23 capsules of Adaptogen!

Traditional Uses: Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is one of the most widely studied traditional herbs. It has demonstrated effectiveness as a detoxifier. It is also an adrenal tonic that helps with adrenal insufficiency including Addison's disease. Licorice has anti-ulcer and anti-inflammatory effects. Siberan Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) is one of the most famous tonic herbs of China and has been shown to act on the pituitary to stimulate the adrenal gland, thus increasing the ability for people to handle stress on the body. In traditional Chinese medicine it is thought to replenish chi (Chi is seen as the vital energy of the body). Sarsaparilla (Smilax officinalis) contains steroidal glycosides that are hormone balancers in both men and women. It contains precursors to progesterone and testosterone. However it's important to understand that it is a hormonal balancer and would be helpful to anyone who has a hormone imbalance. Rose Hips and Hawthorne berries contain high amounts of vitamin C and bioflavonoids, which are very helpful in strengthening the adrenal glands. Hawthorne is a herb that also helps strengthen the cardiovascular system.

Low Blood Pressure: Starting dosage: Adaptogen Plus 1/4 tsp three times a day.
If blood pressure does not respond in two weeks, consider increasing dose to 1/2 tsp three times a day.

Adrenal Insufficiency: Starting dosage: Adaptogen Plus 1/4 - 1/2 tsp three times a day.

• Symptoms include lightheadedness when standing up, fatigue, low blood pressure, orthostatic hypotension, and anxiety.
• Patients with Addison's disease should take 1 tsp three times a day.
• Long term use will often be required for patients who have had adrenal insufficiency for more than 3 years.
• Consider DHEA supplementation 10-100mg per day if indicated.
• Salivary cortisol levels will usually increase within 8 weeks.

Hypoglycemic Symptoms In "Fast Compensators" on WT3: Starting dosage: Adaptogen Plus 1/4 tsp three times a day.

• Some patients on W- T3 therapy are known as "fast-compensators" to the treatment (this term is explained in the Doctor's Manual). Fast-compensators are more prone to instabilities, including
  hypoglycemia, while on the treatment. In this situation we would recommend Adaptogen Plus, because of its high concentration of licorice which can give more immediate results in increasing blood sugar.
• Some doctors speculate that the reason patients get headaches, severe fatigue, and hypoglycemia is that suppressive doses of thyroid hormone may decrease cortisol levels. Licorice has been known to increase the half-life of cortisol.
  

Combinations For:

• Acid Reflux: Healthy Foundation half tsp TID and Adaptogen Plus half tsp TID. A hypoallergenic diet, lifestyle counseling, and stress reduction are also helpful factors.
  
• Gastric Ulcers: Healthy Foundation half tsp TID (evaporate alcohol), Adaptogen Plus 1 tsp TID, a hypoallergenic diet, lifestyle counseling, cabbage juice and 1.6 grams of Glutamine daily are recommended.
  

Drug Interactions: Please look at Table of Drug Interactions and Side Effects for more information.

What to Expect: Results will vary with the severity of the condition. Gastric ulcers and acid reflux might resolve within 2-8 months with Adaptogen Plus, Healthy Foundation, and life style improvements. In the case of subfunctioning adrenals, it may take weeks or months to notice effect.

Lab Tests: Cortisol tests can show changes in adrenal function.

Side Effects: In some individuals, licorice can increase blood pressure especially if taken in high doses for prolonged periods of time. Adaptogen Plus however, contains hawthorne extract, which is used to balance blood pressure that is either too high or too low. Nevertheless, hypertension can be a potential side effect. For people taking 1 teaspoon TID, blood pressure should be monitored. Please look at Table of Drug Interactions and Side Effects for more information.

Side Benefits: The Hawthorne in Adaptogen Plus could lower hypertension.