adaptogen
Botanical stress buffer
An adaptogen is a natural substance—typically an herb or plant extract—claimed to help the body resist physical, chemical, or biological stress.
The term comes from alternative medicine rather than mainstream pharmacology.
Ginseng, ashwagandha, and rhodiola are commonly marketed as adaptogens: She takes adaptogens for stress relief.
The concept lacks rigorous scientific validation.
Ayurvedic adaptogenic root
- ginsengPerennial with tonic root
- holy basilSacred aromatic mint-family herb
- cordycepsParasitic fungus infecting arthropods
- astragalusAnkle's main hinge bone
reishi · maca · licorice root · moringa · chaga · lion's mane
Addressing interconnected wholes
- vitalityCapacity for spirited existence
- nourishmentFood that sustains life
- well-beingState of health, contentment
- tonicInvigorating medicinal drink
rejuvenation · longevity · self-care · natural · herbal · supplement · functional · integrative
Adrenal steroid regulating stress
- calmFree from agitation
- relaxationState of being unwound
- anxietyPersistent apprehensive distress
- de-stressReduce mental tension
soothing · unwind · tension · burnout · fatigue · adrenal · nervous system · fight-or-flight
Biological internal stability maintenance
- equilibriumState of balance
- regulationOfficial rules governing conduct
- modulationVarying signals to transmit
- harmonyAgreement or musical blend
stability · normalization · calibration · feedback · buffering · bidirectional · restoration · optimization
Sustained effort capacity
- staminaCapacity for sustained effort
- recoveryRegaining what was lost
- hardinessAbility to endure adversity
- robustnessResistance to failure
tolerance · resistance · fortitude · vigor · strength · perseverance · bounce-back · coping
ashwagandha
Ayurvedic adaptogenic root
- ginsengPerennial with tonic root
- holy basilSacred aromatic mint-family herb
- cordycepsParasitic fungus infecting arthropods
astragalus · reishi · maca · licorice root · moringa · chaga · lion's mane
holistic
Addressing interconnected wholes
- vitalityCapacity for spirited existence
- nourishmentFood that sustains life
- well-beingState of health, contentment
tonic · rejuvenation · longevity · self-care · natural · herbal · supplement · functional · integrative · preventive
cortisol
Adrenal steroid regulating stress
- calmFree from agitation
- relaxationState of being unwound
- anxietyPersistent apprehensive distress
de-stress · soothing · unwind · tension · burnout · fatigue · adrenal · nervous system · fight-or-flight · overstimulation
homeostasis
Biological internal stability maintenance
- equilibriumState of balance
- regulationOfficial rules governing conduct
- modulationVarying signals to transmit
harmony · stability · normalization · calibration · feedback · buffering · bidirectional · restoration · optimization · recalibration
endurance
Sustained effort capacity
- staminaCapacity for sustained effort
- recoveryRegaining what was lost
- hardinessAbility to endure adversity
robustness · tolerance · resistance · fortitude · vigor · strength · perseverance · bounce-back · coping · durability
adaptogenstressor
Strain-inducing factor
toxin · destabilizer · immunosuppressant · sedative · stimulant
adaptogensedative
Drug promoting calm
stimulant · depressant · tranquilizer · hypnotic · amphetamine