Herbalist David Winston, with 50 years of training, explains how adaptogens help the body resist stress.
The episode begins with host Dr. Lise Alschuler introducing guest David Winston, an herbalist and ethnobotanist with over 50 years of experience. Winston defines herbalism and distinguishes clinical herbalists through the American Herbalist Guild. He explains that the term 'adaptogen' originated from Soviet researchers in 1947, funded by the military to enhance soldier performance. The initial definition included creating a nonspecific state of resistance, being nontoxic, and having a systemic normalizing effect. Winston updates this with modern science, describing how adaptogens affect the HPA axis, which controls endocrine, nervous, and immune functions. They work on a cellular level by upregulating molecular chaperones like heat shock proteins and inhibiting excessive cortisol to prevent mitochondrial dysfunction. Adaptogens vary: some are stimulating (e.g., rhodiola), while others are calming (e.g., ashwagandha), and they can be drying, moistening, heating, or cooling. Winston categorizes adaptogens into well-researched, probable, and possible groups, noting that only eight or nine are well-researched. He discusses mushrooms, confirming cordyceps as an adaptogen but placing reishi in the possible category due to limited evidence. Winston addresses the lack of research funding in the U.S. because herbs cannot be patented. He recommends adaptogens for most people due to chronic stress but notes they work gradually over time. Winston outlines three keys to being a great herbalist: understanding plant energetics, human energetics (differential diagnosis), and creating synergistic formulas. He advises against taking single adaptogens long-term without reevaluation and prefers custom combinations. In closing, Winston shares that he regularly takes ashwagandha for its calming and thyroid-stimulating effects, especially for fibromyalgia.
