lifestyle

All About Adaptogens

Published on August 09, 2019


It’s true – we’d be lost without adaptogens. Not only do adaptogenic herbs and mushrooms nourish the body, they also support optimal health. This helps you stay centered so you can thrive in your daily life.* By supporting mood, energy levels, and overall immune function, adaptogens help you adapt and find balance amidst life’s stressors.*

Some adaptogens stimulate the body and support mental performance, while others calm the body and soothe the adrenals.* Adaptogens can also support the body’s natural circadian rhythm (also known as your body’s internal clock) to help you find a restful night of sleep.*

The good news is that adaptogens can easily fit into your daily routine. You can take them on the go in a convenient capsule or liquid extract format, blend them into your morning smoothie, use them to make an energy-boosting, caffeine-free snack, or drink them in a nourishing nighttime tea.

Wondering Where to Start? Discover Some of Our Favorite Adaptogens

Ashwagandha

Known for its grounding and stress management properties, Ashwagandha supports the nervous system and eases stress.* This revitalizing Ayurvedic herb promotes vitality and helps support the immune system.* As a nourishing tonic, Ashwagandha has also been traditionally used to help manage feelings of occasional anxiousness and help maintain a natural sleep cycle.* Learn more about why we love Ashwagandha.

Holy Basil

Holy Basil, also known as Tulsi, is a rejuvenating Ayurvedic herb that supports a bright outlook.* Our Holy Basil Leaf is traditionally used for maintaining emotional well-being and supporting a positive mood.*

Maca

Maca is a superfood that has been cultivated as a root crop for over 2,000 years and is an increasingly popular adaptogen. It helps to maintain energy levels so you don’t crash, and supports a healthy libido.* Learn more about the benefits of this amazing herb.

Eleuthero

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Eleuthero is used to invigorate Qi (chi or energy), nourish the body, and balance vital energy.* Eleuthero helps support healthy energy and stamina. It is traditionally taken to maintain balance and harmony during moments of stress*

Schisandra

Schisandra berries contain a blend of five distinct flavor properties, which correspond to the five phases or Elements of Traditional Chinese Medicine: Sour (Wood), Bitter (Fire), Sweet (Earth), Acrid (Metal) and Salty (Water). It is considered a Harmonizing Tonic because of this balance. Schisandra berries support the body’s natural resistance and adaptation to stressful influences, including mental endurance, and help maintain overall metabolic efficiency.*

Reishi

Often referred to as the "mushroom of immortality" in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Reishi is a popular adaptogenic mushroom. It is used to maintain healthy energy levels, as well as overall wellness and immune health.* We love Reishi, and we are happy to have it in our new Mushroom & Herbs powders, Mind Spring™, as well as several of our Mushroom + Herbs capsules.

American Ginseng

American Ginseng has a long history of medicinal use. Native Americans regularly used American Ginseng, and it’s mentioned as one of the Seneca tribe’s top five medicinal plants. Today, it can be used to maintain normal levels of stamina.* There has also been some research investigating American Ginseng’s role in helping to support normal blood sugar levels.*

Looking for a Product That Has It All?

Adrenal Health® Daily Support

Adrenal Health Daily Support is our best-selling formula to help maintain energy & vitality.* With five adaptogens including Rhodiola, Holy Basil, Ashwagandha, and Schisandra, Adrenal Health can help balance the body when you are feeling overwhelmed.*

Listen to the Wellness Mama Podcast to Learn More About Adaptogens

Our Scientific Advisory Board member and GaiaKids® formulator, Dr. Mary Bove, partnered with Katie Wells to talk all about adaptogens in the Wellness Mama podcast. Listen now to learn even more about the benefits that adaptogens have to offer.