Although adaptogens have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years, the term itself dates back only to the last century. The term "adaptogen" (from "adapt") was first coined in 1947 by the Soviet pharmacologist Nikolai Vasilyevich Lazarev. He used it to describe substances that help the human body cope with stressful situations and non-specifically help strengthen the body's own defenses. In the 1960s, Israel Brekhman studied the plant world for specific adaptogenic properties. Due to his extensively documented research, he is considered the "father of adaptogens." Since his findings, the number of research publications has been growing exponentially — including renewed interest in adaptogens within the context of post-viral recovery and general resilience research.