Adaptogens Explained: Popular Supplements for Stress and Daily Wellness

The fast-paced lifestyle these days has made unwanted stress almost an inseparable part of many individuals’ lives. And while your body is feeling a bit off due to stress, anything that can help you feel better is a welcome addition, isn’t it? One such option, which is not new but is gaining popularity lately, is taking adaptogens to manage stress and support well-being. So, what are adaptogens and which adaptogen supplements can help support healthy stress response? Let’s find out.

Keep reading to learn more about adaptogens.

What Are Adaptogens?

Adaptogens are natural substances, like certain plants, mushrooms, and herbs, which may help the body adapt to stress caused by physical, environmental, emotional, etc. stressors, and restore balance after a stressful situation. Adaptogens have been used for centuries for their stress-managing properties. But the term ‘adaptogen’ was first coined by N. Lazarev a few decades ago. For a substance to be considered an adaptogen, it must have the following qualities:

• It is non-toxic at normal doses.
• It supports the body’s ability to deal with stress.
• It lets the body return to a state of homeostasis (stable state).

What Does an Adaptogen do?

Studies suggest that adaptogens interact with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which initiates the body’s reaction to stress and plays an important role in keeping the body in a balanced state.

Let’s understand this with an example. If you are stressed, your body starts producing more cortisol (the stress hormone). An adaptogen may help reduce cortisol levels in this situation. Similarly, cortisol levels are low in your body if you are experiencing fatigue. Here, adaptogens help increase cortisol levels, thus helping your body come back to a stable state. 

How do Adaptogens Help?

Stress affects your body in more ways than you think. Adaptogens can be a helping hand for your body in managing stress. The growing research on adaptogen benefits shows that they may assist in the following ways:

• May help manage stress
• May help support focus
• May help reduce fatigue and support energy levels
• May help support emotional stability
• May help support immune system function

Adaptogen Supplements

There are a variety of daily wellness supplements available, which include one or more of adaptogens to help your body manage stress and stay balanced. Listed here are adaptogens that have been traditionally used for their stress-managing properties and are widely included in adaptogen supplements:

• Siberian ginseng: It has been traditionally used as a tonic to support recovery from fatigue, and to support mental and physical performance after periods of exertion.

• Schisandra: It is a fundamental herb in Chinese medicine and has been used traditionally in Chinese herbalism. Eventually, Schisandra was recognised as an adaptogen and is now widely used for its ability to support stress resilience and reduce fatigue.

• Licorice root: It has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda for thousands of years for its ability to balance cortisol levels and support energy through periods of stress.

• Ashwagandha: It has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine for its role in helping the body to adapt to stress. It has been traditionally used in convalescence for people who are stressed and exhausted.

• Mushrooms: Some mushrooms are considered adaptogens due to their stress-handling properties. E.g.,
  • Chaga mushroom may help with stress resistance and support immune system function.
  • Cordyceps may help support physical performance and mental clarity during stressful conditions.
  • Reishi may help support immune system function and overall well-being.
  • Lion’s mane may help with mood regulation and reduce stress and fatigue.

Some of the popular adaptogen supplements that are made with these adaptogens or their combinations include:

• Morlife Adaptogenic De-Stress Powder: Made with a combination of ginseng, licorice, and B vitamins, this powder may help support mood, fight fatigue, and help with stress adaptation.
• Tonika Sleep Organic Adaptogen Powder: It contains ashwagandha, and reishi and turkey tail mushrooms, which may help balance cortisol, support restful sleep, and manage stress.
• Tonika Wake Organic Adaptogen Powder: Formulated with a blend of cordyceps, chaga, and lion’s mane mushrooms, it may help support energy and immunity.

While adaptogens may provide support in managing stress, it is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional before starting to use any new supplement for safe use and tailored guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions regarding adaptogens and adaptogen supplements:

Q. Can adaptogen supplements help with sleep?

A. Adaptogen supplements may help with sleep, as many of them are designed to lower cortisol levels and support the body’s stress response. Read Which Natural Supplements are the Best for Better Sleep & Stress Relief to learn more about what can help with sleep.

Q. Are adaptogens safe for everyone?

A. They are generally well-tolerated by healthy adults. However, pregnant or breastfeeding women, or those with specific medical conditions or taking medications, should consult a healthcare provider before using adaptogens to avoid potential interactions or contraindications.

Q. How to take adaptogens?

A. They are available in different forms for convenient use, like powders that can be added to food or beverages, capsules, and tinctures. Get the one that suits your requirements and preferences, read the product label for usage directions and speak to a healthcare professional if in doubt.

Q. Which is the best adaptogen supplement for me?

A. It depends on your goal, like stress support, or energy, mood, or immune support. Speak to your healthcare provider to get guidance for selecting the adaptogen that may work the best for you.

Before we Part

Adaptogens have been traditionally used for centuries to help the body deal with stress and get back to a normal state. Studies often list multiple adaptogen benefits, and there are a variety of supplements available that may work as a helpful addition to the diet for a healthy stress response, when used under a healthcare professional’s guidance. Browse the collection of adaptogen supplements available at healthsupplements.com.au, and get everything you need to support your body in handling stress.

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and not medical advice. If you have health conditions or take medication(s), talk to a healthcare professional before starting to take new supplements.