adaptogens
Resilience-boosting botanicals
Adaptogens are herbs and substances claimed to help the body resist physical and mental stress.
The term comes from alternative medicine, where plants like ashwagandha, ginseng, and rhodiola are said to normalize body functions and strengthen systems compromised by stress.
Scientific evidence for these claims remains limited, though the concept has gained mainstream popularity in wellness culture: I've been adding adaptogens to my morning smoothie.
Ayurvedic adaptogenic root
- ginsengPerennial with tonic root
- cordycepsParasitic fungus infecting arthropods
- reishiMedicinal bracket fungus
- holy basilSacred aromatic mint-family herb
astragalus · maca · chaga · lion's mane · moringa · licorice root · sea buckthorn
Reduction of mental tension
- resilienceCapacity to recover quickly
- energyPower to do work
- staminaCapacity for sustained effort
- enduranceSustained effort capacity
recovery · calm · focus · clarity · sleep quality · immune boost · cognitive function · mental clarity
Biological internal stability maintenance
- cortisolAdrenal steroid regulating stress
- stress responseBody's reaction to threat
- hormonal balanceProper gland secretion levels
- endocrineInternally secreting gland system
hypothalamus · adrenal · regulation · modulation · equilibrium · nervous system · neurotransmitters · immune function
Indian traditional medicine system
- TCMClassic film network
- traditional medicineInherited therapeutic practices
- herbalismPlant-based healing tradition
- tonicInvigorating medicinal drink
qi · folk medicine · indigenous · ancestral · shamanic · ethnobotany · decoction · remedy
Herb steeped in alcohol
- extractConcentrated derived substance
- powderFine dry particles
- capsuleEnclosed dose container
- teaSteeped leaf beverage
elixir · supplement · standardized · dried root · concentrate · blend · formula · dosage
ashwagandha
Ayurvedic adaptogenic root
- ginsengPerennial with tonic root
- cordycepsParasitic fungus infecting arthropods
- reishiMedicinal bracket fungus
holy basil · astragalus · maca · chaga · lion's mane · moringa · licorice root · sea buckthorn
stress relief
Reduction of mental tension
- resilienceCapacity to recover quickly
- energyPower to do work
- staminaCapacity for sustained effort
endurance · recovery · calm · focus · clarity · sleep quality · immune boost · cognitive function · mental clarity · relaxation
homeostasis
Biological internal stability maintenance
- cortisolAdrenal steroid regulating stress
- stress responseBody's reaction to threat
- hormonal balanceProper gland secretion levels
endocrine · hypothalamus · adrenal · regulation · modulation · equilibrium · nervous system · neurotransmitters · immune function · inflammation
ayurveda
Indian traditional medicine system
- TCMClassic film network
- traditional medicineInherited therapeutic practices
- herbalismPlant-based healing tradition
tonic · qi · folk medicine · indigenous · ancestral · shamanic · ethnobotany · decoction · remedy
tincture
Herb steeped in alcohol
tea · elixir · supplement · standardized · dried root · concentrate · blend · formula · dosage · bioavailable
- wellnesshealthy, wellness, fitness, exercise, nutrition
- food trendsfusion, cronuts, oat milk, kombucha, cauliflower rice
- health supplementssupplements, vitamins, herbs, probiotics, herbal remedies
- supplementsmultivitamins, multivitamin, vitamin, vitamin B6, minerals
- Wellness Foodssuperfoods, probiotics, antioxidants, organic, plant-based
- energizerscoffee, caffeine, energy drinks, energy drink, espresso
adaptogensstressors
Agents causing tension
stimulants · amphetamines · cortisol · sedatives · depressants
adaptogenssedatives
Drugs that calm
stimulants · depressants · amphetamines · narcotics · barbiturates
adaptogenstoxins
Harmful biological substances
poisons · carcinogens · pollutants · neurotoxins · immunosuppressants