Adaptogens are substances that help the body manage stress and restore balance after a stressful situation. They are active ingredients in certain plants and mushrooms that may impact how the body deals with stress, anxiety, and fatigue. Adaptogens are sold as teas, tinctures, powders, and capsules. The goal of taking adaptogens is to return the body back to a state of balance (homeostasis) . The herbal action in adaptogens increases or decreases chemical reactions within the body. For example, if a person is stressed (elevated cortisol), an adaptogen will respond by reducing cortisol levels. If a person experiences chronic fatigue with low cortisol levels, an adaptogen will increase the level of cortisol in the body.
Adaptogens are herbs, roots, and other plant substances (like mushrooms) that help the body regulate in many ways, including improving mood, balancing hormones, fighting fatigue, and boosting the immune system. There are many herbs and mushrooms that qualify as adaptogens, and what experts know about most of them is still limited. Some examples of adaptogens include:
- Ashwagandha
- Rhodiola
- Ginseng
- Holy basil
- Licorice root
- Cordyceps
- Reishi mushroom
While growing research shows that adaptogens help the body regulate in many ways, including improving mood, balancing hormones, fighting fatigue, and boosting the immune system, more research is needed to confirm their possible health benefits. It is important to talk to a doctor before trying an adaptogen product or any new supplement, especially if a person has a health condition or takes medication. The FDA doesn’t regulate supplements as strictly as drugs, so it’s important to get a doctor’s approval before taking them.
