Adaptogens: The ancient herbs that banish stress + anxiety

Stress and anxiety is something that almost all of us face. While it may be impossible to remove all of the stressors from our lives, there are natural tools we can use to help us find more resilience in the face of these stressors.

One of the tools I love to use as a Nutritional Therapist and Herbalist are adaptogens - ancient herbs that have been used for centuries to manage stress and promote well-being. But what exactly are adaptogens, and how do they work you may ask?

In this guide to adaptogens, we’ll explore what makes these plants unique, how they can help your body adapt to stress, and highlight some of the most popular adaptogenic herbs, including ashwagandha, rhodiola rosea, and ginseng.

What are adaptogens?

Adaptogens are a special category of herbs (and sometimes mushrooms!) that help your body achieve homeostasis - a balanced state of physical and mental well-being.

These powerful herbs support your nervous system and enhance your body's ability to adapt to various stressors, whether they’re physical, emotional, or environmental.

Unlike typical supplements, which often target specific symptoms, adaptogens can help your entire body respond to stress more efficiently.

One of the key benefits of adaptogens is their ability to help regulate the stress response by interacting with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, a central part of your body’s nervous system.

By regulating the release of cortisol, your primary stress hormone, adaptogens can prevent the harmful effects of chronic stress, such as fatigue, anxiety, and hormonal imbalances.

How do adaptogens work?

Adaptogens work by influencing your body’s ability to cope with stress. When faced with a stressful situation, your body typically goes through three stages:

1. The alarm phase
2. The resistance phase
3. The exhaustion phase

Adaptogenic herbs help your body stay in the resistance phase longer, preventing the exhaustion phase, which can lead to burnout and other negative health effects over time.

Certain adaptogens, like rhodiola rosea and panax ginseng, have been shown to have a stimulating and adaptogenic effect on the body.

It’s important to note that adaptogens work best when taken consistently over time, and they can be found in various forms, such as tinctures, powders, and capsules depending on your preference.

Key adaptogens everyone should know

While there are many, many different types of adaptogens, a few stand out for their unique benefits and popularity. Let’s take a closer look at three of the most well-known adaptogens:

1. Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is a powerful adaptogen that has been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for centuries, it also happens to be one of the most widely studied adaptogens so far. It’s best known for its ability to reduce stress and anxiety by lowering cortisol levels by up to 30%! (1)

Ashwagandha is also believed to improve sleep quality, enhance memory, and boost the immune system.

You can find a powerful dose of Ashwagandha in the Jennah Organics Hormone Balance Supplement, alongside other natural stress reducing and mood boosting ingredients.

2. Rhodiola Rosea

Rhodiola rosea is another potent adaptogen that grows in the cold regions of Europe and Asia. It’s known for its ability to enhance mental performance and reduce fatigue, making it a favourite among those looking to improve their resilience against stress-related burnout.

Rhodiola rosea has been studied extensively, and a double-blind cross-over study found that it can significantly reduce the fatigue of students caused by stress during examination periods. If you’re looking to boost your mood and stay focused, rhodiola rosea is a great choice. (2)

3. Ginseng

Ginseng is a popular adaptogen with a long history of use in parts of Asia and India. There are different types of ginseng, including American ginseng and Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng).

Ginseng is known for its ability to increase energy levels, improve cognitive function, and reduce stress. It’s long been used in traditional medicine to reduce fatigue and support overall vitality. (3)

Final Thoughts

Adaptogens are incredible herbs that offer a natural way to manage symptoms of stress while also improving our resilience to these stressors. By supporting the nervous system and a variety of mechanisms involved in the body’s stress response, adaptogens can help you achieve better balance and resilience.

Whether you choose ashwagandha for its calming effects, rhodiola rosea for its ability to enhance focus and energy, or ginseng for its revitalizing properties, these ancient herbs so much to offer!