The authors have composed a thorough, well-researched, and well presented treatise discussing the class of herbs known as "adaptogens" --herbs that help the body adapt and respond to the many stresses and influences encountered daily. These herbs increase stamina and have angi-aging properties, and are thus important tools in addressing not only sports medicine and geriatric conditions, but chronic fatigue and other illnesses of our times. Historical usage in Russia, India, China, and Europe are presented, along with monographs for each that offer a full picture of the herb, including origin, traditional use, actions, properties, preparation, dosage (of tincture as well as tea preparation ), and current scientific research. In addition, complementary herbs for adaptogens, including nervines and nootropics, are covered, and further chapters cover adaptogens in clinical practice (e.g., case studies), in herbal combination, as food, and for animals.