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Ashwaganda (Withania somnifera) sometimes called Indian ginseng has been used for centuries to treat insomnia and reduce stress. (Battacharya S.K. et al. Antistress activity of sitonindosides VII and VIII, new acylsterylglucosides from Withania somnifera. Phyto Therapy Research, 1(1): 32-7, 1987). A recent study found that Ashwaganda may increase endurance and act as a cardioprotector and anticoagulant. (Dhuley J.N. Adaptogenic and cardioprotective action of ashwagandha in rats and frogs. J Ethnopharmacol, (1): 57-63, April 2000). Aswaganda contains steriod- like properties that may produce resistance to physical and chemical stress.

Tribulus Terrestris also known as Caltrop and Puncture Vine is commonly used in the treatment of sexual dysfunction in both men and women. (Dimitrov M., Georgiev P., Vitanov S., Use of tribestan on rams with sexual disorders. Vet Med Nauki 24(5): 102-110,1987). Recently, the benefits of Tribulus Terrestris have been noted by the worldwide fitness community as an aide in building strength and power. (Wright James E. Ph.D., A Natural Wonder, Muscle Fitness: 140-142,214, Sept.1996).

Cordyceps Sinensis is sometimes called the caterpillar fungus. It grows by infecting insect larvae or mature insects with spores that germinate, often before the cocoon is formed. The fruiting body grows from the dead host. It is a plant of the ergot family and is a traditional Chinese herbal remedy for increasing energy and vitality. (Zhu, X. Immunosupressive effect of cultured Cordyceps sinensis on cellular immune response. Chinese Journal of Modern Developments in Traditional Medicine, 10:485-487, 4540. 1990).

Rhodiola Extract is known as a powerful adaptogen. Adaptogens are plant substances that help the body adapt to stress by increasing the ability of cells to manufacture and use cell fuel more efficiently. Other adaptogens include Korean Ginseng, Siberian Ginseng, Schisandra, and Aswagandha. Rhodiola is associated with improved memory, muscle recovery after exercise, and stress reduction. (Petrov V.D., et.al.Effects of alcohol aqueous extract from Rhodiola rosea roots on learning and memory. Acta Physiol Pharmacol Bulg: 12 (1): 3-16, 1986; Cheng X.J. et.al. Studies on the hypoglycemic effect of Rhodiola sachalinensis A. Bor. Polysaccharides, Chung Kuo Tsa Chi (published in Chinese): 18(9), 575, September 1993; Maslova L.V, et.al. The carioprotective and antiadrenergic activity in an extract of Rhodiola rosea in stress. Ekp Klin Farmakol (Published in Russian): 57(6): 61-3, Nov-Dec, 1994).

Korean Ginseng (Panax ginseng) has been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years to bolster the immune system and invigorate the body in times of fatigue. Recent human studies confirm the benefits of Korean Ginseng. (See D.M., Broumand N., Sahl L.M., Tilles J.G. In vitro effects of echinacea and ginseng on natural killer and antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity in healthy subjects and chronic fatigue syndrome or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patients Immunopharmacology, 35(3): 229-35 Jan 1997; Caso Marasco A., Vargas Ruiz R., Salas Villagomez A., Bego~na Infante C. Double-blind study of a multivitamin complex supplemented with ginseng extract. Drugs Exp Clin Res, 22(6): 323-9, 1996).

Siberian Ginseng (Eleuthero senticosus), like Korean Ginseng, has been used for thousands of years. In modern times Russian Olympic competitors have used Siberian Ginseng to enhance athletic performance and endurance. As an adaptogen, Siberian Ginseng aids the body in adapting to stress by supporting healthy adrenal gland function. Research indicates that Siberian Ginseng may allow muscles to use oxygen more efficiently. This allows optimal energy expenditure with shorter recovery time. (Asano K., Takahashi T., Miyashitta et.al. Effect of Eleutherococcus sinticosus extract on human working capacity. Planta Medica, 37:175-77,1986).

Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a plant cultivated in the high Andean mountains. Use dates back to 1600B.C. Maca is known for its energizing and stamina increasing properties along with its purported aphrodisiac qualities. (Leon J. The Maca (Lipidium Meyenii) a little known food plant of Peru. Economic Botany, 18:122-27, 1964; Zheng B.L. Effect of a lipid extract from lepidium meyenii on sexual behavior in mice and rats. Urology, 598(4): 598-602, Apr 2000).

Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis) is a woody vine with clusters of bright red berries. Traditional Chinese medicine used Schisandra or Wui-we-zi for a host of medical problems including common colds, coughs, insomnia, liver ailments, and exhaustion. Recent clinical studies support the use of Schisandra to increase energy and reduce fatigue. ( Foster S., Yue C.X., Herbal Emissaries: Bringing Chinese Herbs to the West. Rochester, VT. Healing Arts Press, 146-52 1992).

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is an adrenal tonic that increases energy. Since ancient times it has been used as a food as well as for medicinal purposes. Licorice contains glycyrrhizin, which has anti-inflammatory properties. (Newhall c. ET.AL. Herbal Medicines: A guide for healthcare professionals. London. Pharmaceutical Press, 183-184, 1996).

Stress, over an extended period of time, places a burden on the adrenal glands. The best remedy is rest; however, licorice may also be helpful as it supports glucocorticoid function. A multi- vitamin containing vitamin C, B-6, and E may also assist in maintaining healthy adrenal function.

Asano K., Takahashi T., Miyashitta et.al. Effect of Eleutherococcus sinticosus extract on human working capacity. Planta Medica; 37:175-77,1986.

Battacharya S.K. et al. Antistress activity of sitonindosides VII and VIII, new acylsterylglucosides from Withania somnifera. Phyto Therapy Research; 1(1): 32-7, 1987. Zhu, X. Immunosupressive effect of cultured Cordyceps sinensis on cellular immune response. Chinese Journal of Modern Developments in Traditional Medicine; 10:485-487, 4540. 1990.

Zhu JS; Halpern GM; Jones K. The scientific rediscovery of a precious ancient Chinese herbal regimen: Cordyceps sinensis: part II. J Altern Complement Med;4(4):429-57, Winter 1998.