Adaptogens are an increasingly popular and widely discussed topic. It’s a term that has only recently entered many people’s lives—something that sounds familiar but not everyone can clearly explain. Covering all adaptogens would be quite complex, so we’ve highlighted some of the most commonly encountered ones. Some are called the “Gift of the Gods” by locals living in the coldest parts of Siberia, others are known as Ayurvedic tonics in India, used to nurture youthfulness.
What are adaptogens? Are they really that beneficial? How can their use improve our daily lives? When and which adaptogens should we take? If I use them all at once, could it harm my body?
What Are Adaptogens?
Adaptogens are herbs that support the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which helps the body adapt to new situations, manage stress, and maintain homeostasis. When you experience stress, it affects the whole body because it releases the stress hormone cortisol. Cortisol in small doses was once very useful: from a historical perspective, it encouraged action and survival — helping ancestors flee from predators. However, in the modern world, it can do more harm than good. Stress now often comes from work, personal life, or health problems, not life-or-death situations.
Adaptogens help balance hormones and respond to sudden changes in hormone and chemical levels in the body. They “adapt” to your body’s reactions, which are influenced by factors such as diet, emotional state, and physical health.
How Do Adaptogens Work?
Many moving parts help your body function optimally. The HPA axis, along with the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) and hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axes, must work harmoniously to maintain balance. This delicate equilibrium controls mood, metabolism, energy, immunity, and libido. When this hormonal axis is unbalanced, it can lead to issues such as adrenal fatigue, thyroid imbalances, or libido changes.
Simply put, when your body is busy producing cortisol in response to stress, it halts the production of other hormones, disrupting the body’s balance. Adaptogens entering the system help restore hormonal balance by stimulating or reducing hormone production as needed.
Can You Take Several Adaptogens Together?
A common question for those exploring adaptogens is whether they can be taken simultaneously. The answer is yes! Different adaptogens complement each other well. For example, the energizing effect of cordyceps does not cancel out the calming effect of ashwagandha. Each adaptogenic herb has unique strengths and can work synergistically. So if you can afford it and stay within recommended doses (always consult a healthcare professional), feel free to combine them.
Why Is Taking Adaptogens Important?
Whether stress strongly affects your life or only appears occasionally, it definitely impacts your health. High cortisol levels harm the body and suppress other hormone production, leading to fatigue, poor skin and hair health, and frequent illnesses due to a weakened immune system. Stress often has long-term consequences and shouldn’t be ignored. Avoiding stressful situations isn’t always possible either.
Since each adaptogen has its own benefits (almost like superpowers), they can help not only with stress but also with other issues. Whether you experience stress symptoms (which don’t always have to be intense—even travel or flying causes stress) or simply want to improve your health, adaptogens can help.
Examples of Popular Adaptogens:
Chaga
Chaga is a medicinal mushroom also called the black birch fungus. Used in Eastern and Northern European folk medicine since the 16th century, it is known for its strong health benefits. Despite being a parasitic fungus growing on tree trunks, it transforms under sunlight into a dark, almost black substance with a bright orange interior. Only chaga harvested from living birch trees has medicinal properties. Found mostly in northern latitudes due to the ideal climate, chaga contains over 200 bioactive compounds and antioxidants.
Common uses:
- Boosting immunity
- Reducing stress effects
- Fighting inflammation
- Decreasing bacteria
- Protecting the liver and detoxifying
Ashwagandha
Also known as Indian ginseng or sleep-inducing vitex, ashwagandha is one of the most popular adaptogens and a common starting point for many. Derived from a plant root mainly found in India and North Africa, it is used to treat various conditions.
Benefits include:
- Regulating blood sugar
- Lowering cortisol levels
- Increasing testosterone and muscle mass
- Reducing inflammation
- Combating fatigue
- Lowering cholesterol and triglycerides
- Enhancing memory
Cordyceps
This adaptogenic mushroom grows on insects like ants and caterpillars, eventually consuming them! Cordyceps increases oxygen absorption in red blood cells, giving a big energy boost to those who take it. Athletes often use cordyceps to improve performance.
Key benefits:
- Enhancing workout performance
- Fighting inflammation
- Supporting heart health
- Helping regulate blood sugar
Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus)
Named for its resemblance to a lion’s mane, this mushroom is mainly known for boosting brain health. If you feel foggy or have trouble focusing, Lion’s Mane might become your new best friend. It also supports immunity but is primarily used to enhance cognitive function.
Benefits:
- Improving memory
- Enhancing recognition, cognition, and concentration
- Protecting the brain from injuries
- Strengthening immunity
Reishi
Known as the “mushroom of immortality,” reishi grows in hot, humid Asian climates. It’s often included in blends aimed at immunity, relaxation, and recovery. Like ashwagandha, reishi reduces cortisol and fights fatigue but also has unique properties.
Benefits:
- Strengthening the immune system
- Reducing inflammation and oxidative stress
- Anti-aging and youth preservation
- Mood regulation and improvement
- Helping with neurological disorders
- Supporting liver and kidney health
Maca
Maca root, native to the Andes in Peru, is a powerful plant with a long history of health benefits. Growing at high altitudes, maca helps travelers adapt to altitude changes by minimizing side effects.
Benefits:
- Supporting hormonal balance
- Increasing libido
- Boosting daily performance
- Enhancing memory
- Reducing stress damage
- Improving mood and emotional balance
