• Aka Golden root, Arctic root, Roseroot or King’s Crown

• Balances cortisol levels, making it a uniquely powerful adaptogenic herb

• Used in TCM to increase stamina and reduce stress

• Vikings used rhodiola to enhance physical strength; the Sherpa people used it to climb the high altitudes of Mt. Everest

• Rhodiola is commonly used to lower cortisol, relieve depression, improve brain function, support a healthy weight, increase stamina and reduce fatigue

• AKA Siberian Ginseng, is a powerful adaptogenic herb

• Studies show that Siberian ginseng may optimize cardiovascular endurance, improve fatigue, memory and learning and support immunity

• If you are looking for an alternative to caffeine, Siberian ginseng may be what you need to feel more mentally alert and to improve stamina

• Often used as a natural cold and flu remedy due to its ability to fight viruses

NOTE: Siberian ginseng can cause sleep issues, so avoid taking at night

• Has been used for almost 3,000 years and has been extensively researched for its potential thyroid-modulating, neuroprotective, anti-anxiety and anti-inflammatory properties

• Also called Indian ginseng as it helps improve stamina and relieve stress

• Powerful adaptogen, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory

• Helps support those with anxiety, chronic stress and depression 

• Research has shown that ashwagandha exhibits antidepressant effects similar to antidepressant medication and it actually protects the brain from cell 

• “The King Herb” for tonifying qi, or lifeforce; Taoists say ginseng has the strongest ability of any herb to absorb the energy from the earth

• Adaptogenic tonic that helps build strength, supports the immune system and aids recovery for chronic or acute illnesses 

• The botanical name Panax (genus of the ginseng species) means “all heal” in Greek

• Boosts immunity, improves mood and chronic fatigue, reduces stress and inflammation, improves brain function, eases anxiety and depression

• NOTE: Contraindicated for high blood pressure

• TCM applications

  • Targets lung and spleen meridians

  • Tonifies qi, lungs, stomach and spleen

  • Calms the spirit

• Commonly referred to as maral root, is classified as an adaptogen, meaning it helps our bodies manage and adapt to stress (physical, biological or chemical)

• Used to support physical and mental endurance and resilience

• Antibacterial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties

• TCM applications

  • Clears heat and toxins

  • Dries dampness

  • Promotes urination

  • Nourishes blood

  • Targets stomach and large intestine meridians

• AKA deer antler velvet, is widely believed to “strengthen all aspects of one’s life”

• In China, deer antler velvet is used to strengthen and support the nervous system, reproductive system, heart and brain function

• Has been used in TCM to treat a wide range of issues, such as uterine fibroids, menstrual disorders, osteoporosis, arthritis, mastitis and fatigue

• Anticancer, anti-inflammatory, analgesic (pain-relieving), antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, hypoglycemic, hematopoietic modulatory properties

• TCM applications

  • Nourishes yin

  • Targets liver, spleen and kidney meridians

  • Builds blood and improves circulation

  • Strengthens bones and muscles

• Improves energy, calm and focus 

• Most commonly used for its benefits to sexual health and virility 

• Studies show that American ginseng helps ease depression and anxiety, balance blood sugar, support digestion, improve mental focus and immune system function

• TCM application

  • Nourishes yin

  • Tonifies qi

  • Targets stomach, heart, kidney and lung meridians

  • Calms restlessness

• Traditionally used in Tibetan medicine as a tonic to improve energy and endurance and a lung and kidney tonic in Traditional Chinese Medicine 

• Strengthen, rebuild and energize the body and mind

• Commonly used as a pre-workout supplement to improve stamina and performance, reduce fatigue and improve respiratory capacity

• TCM applications

  • Supports lungs and kidneys (great for addressing allergies and asthma!)

  • Nourishes yin

  • Boosts yang

• Soothing and calming to the nervous system

• Used to treat insomnia and mental restlessness and to support a healthy heart

• Antioxidant, antidepressant, neuroprotective, analgesic (pain-relieving), relaxant properties

• TCM applications

  • Nourishes and moves qi (energy)

  • Warming and moistening

  • Increases blood

  • Lifts the spirit

  • Restores the Heart

  • Targets spleen, kidney, heart meridians

• Commonly used in TCM for coughs and colds, gastrointestinal issues, and female reproductive issues

• Known in TCM as a “guide drug”, it enhances the effects of any herbs it is used with and guides the other herbs to where they would be most beneficial

• Improves fatigue by regulating cortisol and supporting the adrenals 

• Anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunostimulating properties

• Also works as an antispasmodic, helping reduce muscle pain as well as joint pain

• Valued for its gut-soothing benefits for thousands of years, since the time of Hippocrates

• Anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antimicrobial, anti-cancer, antioxidant, antifungal properties

• Contains anethole, an aromatic oil that has been proven in various studies to act as a natural cancer treatment and also reduces inflammation 

• TCM applications

  • Targets liver, kidney, spleen and bladder meridians

  • Alleviates pain

  • Regulates qi

  • Expels cold