Herbal wellness and adaptogenic herbs are trending because of something herbalists have known all along, and modern science confirms—herbs offer powerful health and wellness benefits.
Herbs can influence our health in many exciting ways, helping keep our minds sharp, our bodies nimble, healthy and energized, and promoting an elevated sense of wellbeing by reducing the impact of stress on our bodies and minds.1,2,3
The scientifically-proven benefits of herbs are the driving forces behind our new line of scientifically-researched herbal formulas with clinically-studied ingredients for supporting joint, heart, energy, and brain health support. Each blend includes simple, science-backed ingredients specifically formulated from synthetic-free, natural plant sources.
Are you ready to harness the power of nature, proven by science? Read below to learn why we chose the herbs we’ve included in our condition-specific herbal blends, Swanson Pure Science Herbals, plus learn about adaptogenic herbs and how they can help combat mind and body stress.
What are Adaptogenic Herbs and Adaptogens?
Let’s face it—modern life can be stressful. Adaptogenic herbs may just be the answer we’ve all been seeking. Adaptogenic herbs are unique herbs, also known as “adaptogens,” that are especially good for helping our minds and bodies deal with daily stressors.1 They help bring a sense of balance and calm to our modern lives, and help protect us from the effects of stress.
Adaptogenic herbs assist with the body’s stress response, and many of them help reduce cortisol levels while normalizing related physiological functions like nervous system stimulation due to stress.1,4
That’s important for helping us feel better amidst the stresses of modern life, but less stress may mean better health and anti-aging benefits too, since stress makes us age faster!5,6 Plus, experts estimate that between 75%-90% of all doctor visits are due to stress-related health concerns.6
Mitigating stress should be a key consideration in everyone’s wellness routines. Two of our Pure Science Herbals, Pure Brainpower and Pure Energy, contain adaptogenic herbs. You can read more about these beneficial herbal blends below.
What Are Condition Specific Herbs and Why Should I Try Them?
Scientific research has shown that certain herbs are well-suited to help with specific areas of health. For example, Boswellia is an herb known for supporting healthy connective tissues, making it an excellent inclusion for joint-supporting supplement formulas.2 Grape seed extract helps support healthy blood pressure within the normal range and offers cardio-protective benefits, and Ginkgo-bilbo is used to support cognitive function.7,8
But we’ve taken traditional herbal formulas a step further. Our experts have harnessed some of nature’s most effective ingredients and combined them in powerful herbal blends that are uniquely suited for supporting particular areas of health. That is the core of Swanson Health’s Pure Science Herbal Formulas.
So, why should I supplement with condition-specific herbal blends? Because herbs can target your unique health needs in a nature-sourced and scientifically-backed way. Herbs have qualities that can comfort and rejuvenate your body. Try them and see for yourself!
Swanson Pure Energy Herbal Blend with Adaptogenic Rhodiola
Pure Energy from Swanson delivers balanced energy and focus with antioxidant benefits, plus mood and stress support. This energy herb blend helps fight fatigue to keep you feeling energized all day long.
Pure Energy features a potent blend of 4 herbs and botanicals designed to work synergistically to enhance attention and concentration while energizing your body without the jitters. Caffeine from natural sources is also included at the same level as an average cup of coffee to provide an immediate energy boost along with anti-fatigue support.
Explore the herbs and botanicals in our Pure Energy formula:
L-Theanine: An amino acid found in green tea that is very similar in structure and action to glutamate, a naturally-occurring amino acid in the body that helps transmit nerve impulses in the brain.9 L-theanine promotes a sense of calm alertness or relaxation without sedation.10
Rhodiola Rosea: Rhodiola rosea is a popular adaptogenic herb used for fighting the physical and mental effects of stress.11,12 It helps balance the cortisol response and may also help regulate mood.12,13
Caffeine from Green Tea Extract: Green tea extract is a potent free radical fighter, and caffeine from green tea combined with L-theanine helps support a balanced energy boost.14
Caffeine from Green Coffee: Green coffee beans are unroasted coffee beans, which contain higher levels of beneficial chlorogenic acid than roasted beans.15 Green coffee beans have been nourishing and energizing bodies and minds for centuries.
Try Swanson Pure Energy
Enjoy balanced energy and sharpened concentration without the jitters! This synergistic blend of adaptogens, herbs and botanicals promotes energy, enhanced attention and positive mood and helps fight daily stress and fatigue with scientifically-studied doses. You can also try it in a 7-day sampler pack!
Swanson Pure Brainpower Herbal Blend with Adaptogenic Bacopa
Swanson Pure Brainpower is a comprehensive brain health formula that includes ingredients clinically researched for supporting the activity of neurotransmitters involved in information processing and memory, as well as the healthy production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a neuroprotein associated with healthy cognitive function and mental performance that declines with age.16
Leveraging the power of nature, Pure Brainpower supports brain health and cognition, focus, memory, concentration, mood and healthy blood flow to the brain.
Explore the herbs and botanicals in our Pure Brainpower formula:
Gingko Biloba: Gingko Biloba has long been used for supporting cognitive health, memory and mental alertness to help keep you sharp and ready for what comes your way, as well as supporting healthy blood flow to the brain.8
Bacopa Monniera: Bacopa monniera is an adaptogenic, Ayurvedic herb for memory support that may boost certain brain chemicals involved in thinking, learning and memory.17 Our Pure Brainpower herbal formula features BaCognize®, a guaranteed-potency extract standardized to 12% bacopa glycosides.
Coffee Fruit Extract: Coffee fruit extract is a polyphenol-rich superfood used for supporting healthy production of BDNF.18 Pure Brainpower incorporates NeuroFactorTM coffee fruit extract, which is made with whole fruit, including the bean of the coffee plant, in a specialized brain-health lipid blend for cognitive support.
Try Swanson Pure Brainpower
Keep your mind sharp with clinically-researched herbs shown to support focus, blood flow, neurotransmitter function and the healthy production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which declines with age and is linked to healthy cognitive function.
Swanson Pure Joint Herbal Blend
Swanson’s Pure Joint formula combines the power of nature and science using herbs that may promote joint comfort in as few as 7 days!19 It’s formulated with clinically-studied herbs for supporting joint integrity, reducing cartilage breakdown, and supporting mobility so it’s easier for you to do the things you love most.
Explore the herbs and botanicals in our Pure Joint herbal formula:
Chinese Skullcap and Heartwood: Research shows that heartwood, also know as Acacia catechu extract, in combination with Chinese skullcap, also known as Scutellaria baicalensis, may deliver fast comfort and flexibility for joints.19 Heartwood and Chinese skullcap are the key components of Univestin,® a patented, clinically-validated formula that works fast to promote joint health.
Boswellia: Boswellia extract has roots in Ayurvedic traditions for comforting joints and promoting joint health.2 Pure Joint contains AprèsFLEX®, a patent-pending “next generation” Boswellia extract that provides support for joint comfort, function and mobility.20
Mulberry and Heartwood: Also known as Morus alba, research has shown mulberry root and bark combined with heartwood may support healthy cartilage, reducing cartilage degradation.21 Our Pure Joint formula incorporates AmLexin®, a clinically-studied joint health ingredient made from a potent combination of white mulberry root and bark plus Acacia catechu.22
Try Swanson Pure Joint
Discover better joint health and mobility with a powerful, fast-acting blend of scientifically-studied herbs to promote joint comfort in as few as 7 days, reducing overall cartilage breakdown to help keep you active and on the go.19
Swanson Pure Heart Herbal Blend
Swanson Pure Heart is a simple, transparent formula blend with 3 herbs that promote cardiovascular health and blood circulation, maintain healthy cholesterol levels, and its ingredients are clinically-studied to support healthy blood pressure levels already within the normal range.
Explore the herbs and botanicals in our Pure Heart herbal formula:
Resveratrol: Research shows that resveratrol may help improve circulation and support healthy blood lipid levels and lipid metabolism.23 Resveratrol has unique and profound protective effects on cardiovascular tissue as well.23
Policosanol: A cardio-supportive compound derived from plants, policosanol promotes healthy arteries and healthy blood lipid levels within the normal range.24 BioCosanol policosanol from Swanson features ideal ratios of policosanol components for promoting heart health.
Grape Seed: Studies show that grape seed extract may be beneficial for many areas of cardiovascular health including healthy circulation.25 Pure Heart utilizes MegaNatural®-BP, a grape seed extract standardized to 90% polyphenols, which has been shown in clinical studies to support healthy blood pressure levels already within the normal range.26
Try Swanson Pure Heart
Love your heart with clinically-studied herbal ingredients that support healthy blood pressure levels, cardiovascular, cerebrovascular and circulatory health, plus boosts antioxidant activity in the body with scientifically-studied doses of three powerful herbs.
Swanson Pure Blood Sugar Herbal Blend
Encourage healthy blood sugar levels already within the normal range with a powerful 3-in-1 blend of clinically-studied herbs to support your body’s insulin production capabilities while supporting more effective insulin usage.
Explore the herbs & botanicals in Swanson Pure Science Herbals Pure Blood Sugar formula:
Chromium: According to studies, chromium may support healthy blood glucose levels already within the normal range. These studies reported that chromium given to human subjects with a known chromium deficiency resulted in improved glucose levels.27
Berberine: A quaternary ammonium salt, berberine can be found in foods and herbs like Oregon grape, turmeric, goldenseal and the roots, stems and bark of various plants.
Research indicates that berberine is useful in promoting increased insulin receptor expression as well as more effective utilization of blood glucose.28
Gymnema Sylvestre: Found in the forests of Africa, Australia and India, Gymnema sylvestre is a shrub and its leaves have been used as an herbal tonic for centuries. A part of India’s Ayurvedic tradition, it is commonly used today for its ability to promote healthy blood glucose levels already within the normal range.29 Studies have shown that Gymnema sylvestre supports the blocking of receptors within the intestines that absorb sugar as well as boosting insulin levels.29 Further, one of Gymnema sylvestre’s active components is gymnemic acid, which promotes the suppression of sugar receptors in your taste buds, which may reduce the appeal of sweet and sugary foods.29
TRY SWANSON PURE BLOOD SUGAR
Target healthy blood sugar levels already within the normal range with this 3-in-1 formula. Featuring the powerful, clinically-studied ingredients chromium, berberine and Gymnema sylvestre. Swanson Pure Blood sugar promotes insulin production, decreased sugar absorption, better blood glucose utilization and healthy blood sugar levels already within the normal range.
Swanson Pure Weight Herbal Blend
Get an edge in your quest to reach a healthy weight. Along with a healthy diet and exercise, Swanson Ultra Pure Weight is an excellent way to promote weight management by introducing clinically-studied herbal weight support ingredients. These carefully selected herbal ingredients include capsicum extract, Withania somnifera extract, green tea extract and naturally-sourced caffeine.
Explore the herbs & botanicals in Swanson Pure Science Herbals Pure Weight formula:
Capsicum: Capsicum is a compound found within the red pepper herb. It is used for a wide variety of health-boosting purposes, but has gotten a lot of attention for its ability to support a healthy weight. Studies have shown that capsicum can boost metabolism as well as healthy weight maintenance.30 Swanson Ultra Pure Weight uses a distinctive form of capsicum extract that delivers the metabolic benefits of red pepper, but without the potential for GI irritation or burning.
Withania Somnifera: Also known as ashwagandha or Indian Ginseng, Withania somnifera is an adaptogenic herb that can help enhance a healthy weight regimen. Withania somnifera’s effects on weight are linked closely to its ability to support stress reduction. Daily stressors can lead to increased stress hormones like cortisol, which, in turn, can contribute to stress-related weight gain. Studies indicate that by taking a Withania somnifera supplement, individuals may reduce the production of stress hormones, therefore leading to positive results when it comes to promoting weight management.31
Green Tea: Green tea is an antioxidant-rich beverage that’s been enjoyed for centuries dating back to ancient China. Researchers have studied the effects of green tea and discovered it can boost fat burning within the body. Experts say both the caffeine and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) found within green tea work together to promote the inhibition of an enzyme that breaks down norepinephrine, a hormone that promotes fat breakdown.32
Caffeine: Widely known for the jolt of energy it provides, caffeine can also play an important role in fat breakdown. Caffeine helps increase epinephrine in the bloodstream which boosts the nervous system’s ability to send signals to fat cells, encouraging them to burn fat for energy.33
TRY SWANSON PURE WEIGHT
Embrace the herbal power of Swanson Pure Weight, featuring four clinically-studied ingredients to empower your weight maintenance goals. Featuring capsicum, Withania somnifera, green tea extract and naturally-sourced caffeine, this formula, along with a healthy diet and exercise, will support fat burning, a healthy metabolism and healthy weight management.
Swanson Pure Digestion Herbal Blend
Promote gastrointestinal comfort and digestive function with a blend of clinically-studied herbs that features bromelain, perilla leaf and grape seed extract. This formula is designed to promote the relief of occasional bloating and feelings of fullness, support daily regularity, and provide prebiotic benefits to boost pure gut flora.
Explore the herbs & botanicals in Swanson Pure Science Pure Digestion formula:
Bromelain: A naturally-occurring mixture of proteolytic enzymes found within the fruit stem of pineapples. Bromelain is especially useful in promoting the breakdown and digestion of proteins.34 Studies also suggest that bromelain may promote the body’s ability to fight minor digestive concerns.34
Perilla Leaf: A member of mint family, Perilla frutescens is a common ingredient in the culinary tradition of many Asian cultures, but it also is an excellent digestive aid. Research shows that perilla extract helps support the body against occasional digestive discomfort, bloating, GI rumbling and feelings of fullness while boosting daily regularity.35
Grape Seed Extract: Grape seed extract has been rigorously studied for its benefits to digestive health. According to these studies, grape seed delivers a prebiotic effect that boosts gut health and feeds the beneficial digestive flora colonies and probiotic bacteria within the gastrointestinal tract.36
TRY SWANSON PURE DIGESTION
Discover the 1-2-3 power of bromelain, perilla leaf and grape seed extract with Swanson Pure Digestion. This high-quality digestive health formula with clinically-studied ingredients promotes gastrointestinal comfort and digestive function at a greater value than other brands.
Swanson Pure Science Condition-Specific Herb Blends
Swanson Pure Science Herbals is a line of ground-breaking supplements that harness clinically-proven herbal ingredients sourced straight from nature to deliver formulas for brain, joint, heart health and energy—and you can feel them working!
For more nature-derived, plant-based supplements for health and wellbeing, read What is Full Spectrum Hemp Oil Extract? and Essential Oils and Aromatherapy: Beginner's Guide to Using Essential Oils.
About Amy Sunderman, MS, RD
Amy is a registered dietitian, nutritionist, and author with more than 20 years of experience in the supplement industry. Amy is passionate about dietary supplements and the health benefits they offer. She enjoys working to find novel nutritional ingredients with strong clinical research behind them to drive innovation and provide health-promoting products to consumers.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Sources
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10 Theanine. Examine.com https://examine.com/supplements/theanine/
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12 A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study of the standardised extract shr-5 of the roots of Rhodiola rosea in the treatment of subjects with stress-related fatigue. PubMed. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19016404
13 The Effects of Rhodiola rosea L. Extract on Anxiety, Stress, Cognition and Other Mood Symptoms. PubMed. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26502953
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19 A combination of Scutellaria baicalensis and Acacia catechu extracts for short-term symptomatic relief of joint discomfort associated with osteoarthritis of the knee. Journal of Medicinal Food. https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/full/10.1089/JMF.2013.0010
20 ApresFlex® PLT Health Solutions. http://www.plthealth.com/products/apresflex
21 The Effects of Morus alba and Acacia catechu on Quality of Life and Overall Function in Adults with Osteoarthritis of the Knee. Hindawi Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism. https://www.hindawi.com/journals/jnme/2017/4893104
22 AmLexin®. https://unigen.net/
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24 Policosanol. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-137/policosanol
25 Grape Seed Extract. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/diet/grape-seed-extract
26 MegaNatrual®-BP. Polyphenolics. http://www.polyphenolics.com/meganatural-bp/
27 Current Concepts About Chromium Supplementation in Type 2 Diabetes and Insulin Resistance. SpringerLink. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs11892-010-0097-3
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36 Grape Seed Proanthocyanidin Extract Ameliorates Inflammation and Adiposity by Modulating Gut Microbiota in High-Fat Diet Mice. PubMed.gov. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28500724
