Our productivity-driven world can be a stressful place to navigate. Deadlines, finances, health, relationships, and politics are just a few of the pressures that can leave us feeling drained. When the going gets tough, leaning on adaptogens can help us build resilience and even thrive amidst the stressors of modern life.
Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your health care practitioner before adding any new herbs to your wellness routine.
What Are Adaptogens?
Adaptogens are a class of herbs and mushrooms that help the body adapt to stress. They do so by modulating hormonal and physiological functions, building our capacity for balance when we’re faced with biological, chemical, and physical stressors. This includes nourishing the adrenal glands, calming the central nervous system, balancing the endocrine system, fortifying immunity, and restoring energy and mental alertness (1).
In 1969, Brekhman and Dardimov published the formal definition of an adaptogen. To qualify as a true adaptogen, an herb or mushroom must:
- Support the body’s stress response in a non-specific way, increasing resilience to a full spectrum of stressors.
- Normalize and maintain homeostasis within the body, promoting balance when equilibrium is off.
- Not interfere with or pose any harm to the normal functioning of the body (2).
History of Use
The term “adaptogen” was first coined in 1958 by Lazarev, a Soviet toxicologist. At that time, the Soviet military was looking to supply their forces with a natural stimulant that increased resistance to stressful conditions while building endurance and performance. Extensive studies were done on schisandra berries to potentially serve this purpose (2).
While the term is relatively new, adaptogens have a rich history of use in various traditional healing systems around the world. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), tonic herbs like reishi are used to restore deficiencies and harmonize qi (life force or energy). In Ayurveda, adaptogens can be likened to rasayanas, which are a class of herbs that maintain resilience, promote balance, and support vitality (2). Indigenous peoples in Canada use adaptogenic herbs like rhodiola to resist stress while building energy and strength (3).
Modern scientific research has confirmed that these herbs are effective at activating the adaptive stress response in the body, signaling pathways that allow us to cope. Further research is being conducted to understand the potency of different combinations of these herbs, and how this can support healthy aging (2).
Our Top Adaptogens for Building Resilience
Some adaptogens support relaxation and sleep, while others are more stimulating. Because each adaptogen has its own multidimensional healing capabilities, it’s important to consult with your health care practitioner for guidance on which ones suit your wellness needs best.
Ashwagandha
One of the most highly valued herbs in Ayurveda, ashwagandha revives the adrenal glands, softening the highs and lows of stress (4). This herbal ally is known to relax an anxious mind and reduce cortisol levels (5), and can even improve memory, executive function, and focus (6).
Reishi Mushroom
In TCM, the historical use of reishi dates back over 2,000 years. This functional mushroom regulates cortisol levels to create a more balanced, resilient response to stressors (7). Reishi is also packed with powerful polysaccharides and phenols that fortify a weakened immune system and soothe inflammation, supporting overall vitality (8).
Eleuthero Root
Eleuthero is also commonly known as Siberian Ginseng. It contains an active compound that stimulates the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that helps moderate motivation, attention, and deep, restful sleep (9). This herb gently wakes us up and energizes our system while guiding us to feelings of grounded clarity.
Schisandra Berry
Considered one of the sacred berries of the East, schisandra is known as “wǔ wèi zi” in Chinese, meaning ‘fruit of five tastes’. This herb has been shown to strengthen antioxidant activity within mitochondria, invigorating qi and providing a gentle boost of energy (10). This herb works to buffer the impact of stress by balancing the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis (11).
Rhodiola
This energizing adaptogen helps our mind and body build resilience to chronic stress and burnout, especially when we feel emotionally or physically drained (12). Much like schisandra, rhodiola also balances the HPA axes (11). Rhodiola can uplift our mood, concentration, and emotional stability as we move through uncertain times (13).
Create a Stress-Soothing Ritual
These herbs flawlessly cushion the physical, emotional and mental impacts of stress, adapting their benefits to create overall harmony. Create a soothing, resilience-boosting ritual with our Adapt Artisan Tea. This loose-leaf herbal tea blend is packed with all the adaptogens featured above to nurture your inner sunshine and restore balance with every sip.
Looking for more stress-busting remedies? Explore our Stress Support Wellness Collection.
