6 Top Herbal Tonics

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In addition, eleuthero helps the heart. A Polish study showed that it reduces LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, triglycerides (blood fats) and blood sugar, all risk factors for heart disease. It also helps prevent internal blood clots that trigger heart attacks (and most strokes). And a Russian animal study shows it helps normalize heart rhythm.

“Eleuthero is one of the top herbs I prescribe for chronic stress and stress-related conditions,” says acupuncturist and herbalist Christopher Hobbs. “Patients tell me it helps.”

However, side effects are possible: drowsiness, anxiety, irritability, headache and insomnia. Don’t take it if you’re pregnant, nursing, running a fever, or if you have high blood pressure.

Rhodiola: A Russian Restorative

Found in arctic areas of Europe and Asia, rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea) is a perennial succulent plant with a thick medicinal root. When cut, the root exudes a roselike fragrance, hence its Latin specific name, rosea, and one of its common names, rose root.

The Vikings used rhodiola to enhance their strength and stamina. But like eleuthero, it’s a recent addition to scientific herbalism. Russian military researchers began studying it in the 1960s, but that research was kept secret until the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1994. Since then, rhodiola research has been published in Western medical journals, and the herb has become available in North America, and even grown in Alberta, Canada (see photo in the Image Gallery).

Rhodiola has been proven to increase stamina. Belgian researchers gave 24 people either a placebo or rhodiola (200 milligrams). The herb group experienced a significant increase in stamina.

Several Russian studies showed that rhodiola helped students perform better under academic pressure, “Rhodiola is the best adaptogen for mind and memory problems,” Hobbs says. “I prescribe it for people who complain of fuzzy memory. They’ve reported good results.”

Rhodiola also reduces stress. According to a comprehensive review publishedin HerbalGram, the journal of the American Botanical Council, it reduces levels of stress-related hormones, and boosts levels of the body’s own feel-good compounds, endorphins.

Furthermore, rhodiola strengthens the heart and cardiovascular system. A Chinese animal study showed that it lowered blood pressure and slowed heart rate, while Russian studies found that it normalizes heart rhythm and prevents stress-induced heart damage. It also improves blood flow through the brain, which helps prevent stroke.

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