Many of the 44 new adaptogens were used to inspire healing in fresh wounds, infected wounds,
slow healing wounds, old ulcers, and bedsores. Indeed, these tonics were used internally and
externally to inspire proper healing whenever there was a breach in the integrity of the skin.
From the Eclectic perspective, wound healing was just one of many basic body functions
stimulated by tonics. For them, tonics stimulated vital force which in turn stimulated healing
activity in the cells that made up the skin. (2)
Specifically, 39 adaptogens, or 88.6%, were used as wound healing agents. These include Alnus
rubra, Baptisia tinctorum, Calendula officinalis, Chimaphylla umbellata, Chionanthus
virginicus, Chondrus crispus, Cinchona rubra, Cornus florida, Corydalis formosa, Echinacea
angustifolia, Eucalyptus globulus, Euonomous atropurpeus, Eupatorium perfolatum,
Gaultheria procumbens, Gentiana lutea, Guaiacum officinalis, Hydrastis canadensis, Iris
versicolor, Liriodendron tulipfera, Mahonia aquifolium, Myrica cerifera, Phytolacca decandra,
Prunus serotina, Quercus alba, Rhus glabra, Salix alba, Sambucus canadensis, Sanguinaria
canadensis, Sassafras alba, Smilax ssp., Solanum dulcamara, Thuja occidentalis, Trifolium
pratense, and Xanthoxylem americanum. (1)
Looking beyond the Eclectic medical movement, traditionally used tonics are often used to
stimulate wound healing. For example Hedera Helix (3), Berberis asiatica (4), Taraxacum
mongolicum (5), Taraxacum officinalis (6), Pueraria lobata (7), Triticum aestivum (8), Cocos
nucifera (9), Elaeis guineensis (10), Phoenix dactylifera (11), Physalis alkengi (12), Solanum
americanum (13), and Solanum nigrum (14) were all used for wound healing purposes.
Although Brekhman said to search for adaptogens amongst the drugs labelled tonic by
traditional medical systems, (15) this research project suggests there may be other classes of
traditional remedies that will also yield botanical adaptogens: vulneraries or wound healing
agents. Indeed, traditional wound healing agents may be a rich source of potential adaptogens.