Adaptogens have historically been recommended by herbalists to help the body adapt to stressful situations, and increase the ability to deal with trauma, anxiety and fatigue.  They are sometimes called restoratives or rejuvenators.  The majority of adaptogens are also powerful antioxidants, but that is not their primary role or requirement to be classified as an adaptogenic herb.

The concept of using adaptogenic herbs come from TCM Traditional Chinese Medicine, and ancient Indian Medicine called Ayurveda.

According to Wikipedia, In 1968, Israel I. Brekhman, PhD, and I. V. Dardymov formally gave adaptogens a functional definition, as follows:

1.  An adaptogen is nontoxic to the recipient.

2.  An adaptogen produces a nonspecific response in the body-an increase in the power of resistance against multiple stressors including physical, chemical, or biological agents.

3.  An adaptogen has a normalizing influence on physiology, irrespective of the direction of change from physiological norms caused by the stressor.

Under this definition, adaptogens would be nontoxic in normal doses, produce a general defensive response against stress, and have a normalizing influence on the body.

It is claimed that adaptogenic herbs are distinct from other substances in their ability to balance endocrine hormones and the immune system, and they help the body to maintain optimal homeostasis.  Adaptogens are proposed to have a normalizing effect on the body and to be capable of either toning down the activity of hyperfunctioning systems of strengthening the activity of hypofunctioning systems.  However, they are also proposed to be functional at the level of allostasis, which is a more dynamic reaction to long term stress, lacking the fixed reference points of homeostasis.

Some of the most popular adaptogens are Eleuthero, Licorice, Maca, Holy Basil, Ginseng, Schisandra, Ashwagandha, Cordyceps, Reishi Mushrooms, Astragalas, Hyssop, Amla, He Shou Wu, and Panax Ginseng.

Black Cherry Extract or Concentrate:

According to Now Foods, 2008's Vitamin Manufacturer of the Year, Wild Black Cherries (Prunus serotina) are native to North American and were extensively used by Native Americans for their therapeutic properties.  The fruit was eaten fresh or used in cooking applications, and the bark was believed to have astringent properties.  Wild Cherries, like many other fruits, are a naturally rich source of flavonoids.  The also contain calcium salts, potassium, lignins and beneficial tannins. 

Black Cherry extract or Black Cherry concentrate has been found to prevent attacks of gout.  Black, sweet yellow, and red sour cherries have all shown to be effective.  There have been many additional anecdotal reports of cherry extract as an effective treatment for the pain and inflammation of gout.  Research is showing that the antioxidant values in cherry extract are some of the highest found in fruits and vegetables, up to 5 times higher than those found in melons or carrots.

According to Nutralegacy, During a study of the effects of black cherry extract on those urate levels, the research showed significantly lower urate levels even hours after participants ate cherries.  One of the health benefits of black cherry extract is that it can help reduce inflammation throughout the body.  Cherries contain a compound known as anthocyanin which gives them their color.  Research has shown that anthocyanins can help stop inflammation, a condition that occurs as a side effect of our immune system's response.  The chemicals used to fight off our body's attackers end up triggering a series of effects that lead to the warmth, redness, and soreness associated with inflammation.  To support the effectiveness of cherries against internal inflammation, a condition some researchers now believe may be a major factor in heart disease, rats were fed whole cherries in the lab at the University of Michigan.  When the rats were tested for two markers that suggest inflammation is present, the quantity of those markers had been cut in half.

Ginger comes from the underground root of the ginger plant, and can be used as a spice, condiment, or natural medicine. 

Ginger aids digestion, and has pain relieving, sedative, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties.  Ginger also increases the production of saliva, making swallowing easier, and is a useful remedy for nausea.

Ginger promotes the release of bile, so should be avoided by those with gallstones, and is contraindicated by those taking the blood-thinning medication Warfarin, due to possible interactions.  The blood-thinning and cholesterol lowering properties of ginger have historically shown to be effective for persons who are at risk for heart disease.

Studies have shown that ginger may reduce joint pain due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Ginger has also been used for colds, heat-cramps, and sugar regulation.  Ginger is best known for preventing morning sickness, and motion sickness, which makes it helpful in cases of dizziness and/or vertigo.

Royal Jelly is high in the B-Complex vitamins, such as Pantothenic Acid (B5) which nourishes the adrenal glands, and B-6.  Royal Jelly is 12.5% protein and amino acids (the building blocks of protein), simple sugars and fatty acids.  Royal Jelly contains enzymes and anti-biotic and anti-bacterial properties, as well as Vitamin C.  Preliminary evidence shows that Royal Jelly may be effective in lowering cholesterol, and is anti-inflammatory.