10 Best Adaptogens for Stress
Many of us try to squeeze a lot into each day — we work eight hours and then we still have to hit the gym, cook (or order) dinner, catch up on chores, go out with friends, and still try to get a little R&R. That’s a tall order even for the most organized person we know. With all of that going on, stress is just a part of life nowadays.
If you’re anything like us, you’ve probably wondered if there’s a supplement you could take to help your nervous system chill the heck out. And, as it turns out, there is. Welcome to the amazing world of adaptogens! Read on to learn more about these helpful herbs, as well as which ones you can take and how to take them.
What Are Adaptogens?
Adaptogens are herbs, roots, and mushrooms that can help your body adapt to stress (get it?) by bringing your systems back into balance. They work with your hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis — which is basically your body's internal stress thermostat — to regulate hormones like cortisol.
Unlike a triple-shot of espresso, adaptogens won’t spike your energy and then crash you. Instead, they smooth out your energy and stress levels so your body doesn’t hit the panic button over every little thing.
Top 10 Adaptogens for Stress
Are you ready to add a dose or two of relaxation to your morning routine? Read on for our top 10 stress-relieving adaptogens.
1. Lion’s Mane Mushroom
Lion’s Mane is a shaggy fungus known for its brain-encouraging and mood-supporting abilities. These benefits are all thanks to its ability to support the nervous system. Research suggests that lion’s mane may reduce feelings of anxiety, opens in a new tab by encouraging the growth of nerve cells and protecting your brain from stress-related damage. It can also support laser-sharp focus, opens in a new tab.
2. Ashwagandha
This ancient Ayurvedic herb is famous for lowering cortisol levels and taking the edge off chronic stress. Studies show it can improve sleep, opens in a new tab, boost mood, and even help tame anxiety. Ashwagandha, opens in a new tab has been used for over 3,000 years, so clearly it knows what it’s doing.
3. Holy Basil
Known as “tulsi” in Ayurvedic medicine, this leafy adaptogen is an Olympic-level stress buster. It helps regulate cortisol, supports your immune system, and even has antioxidant properties to fight off cellular damage. Studies show it may reduce anxiety and improve mood.
4. Rhodiola
This cold-climate root helps improve focus, stamina, and resilience under pressure, kind of like caffeine — but without the crash. Studies show Rhodiola may also reduce symptoms of burnout, opens in a new tab, improve physical endurance, and balance stress hormones. It's the kind of support you want when your inbox has 78 unread emails and your brain is threatening to unionize.
5. Schisandra
Schisandra is a tiny red berry with big adaptogenic energy. Used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, it supports liver function, helps balance hormones, and can make your body more stress-resilient. It’s also thought to improve endurance and mental performance, making it a great choice for brain-foggy mornings.
6. Reishi Mushroom
Known as the “mushroom of immortality” in ancient Eastern medicine, reishi is a powerful adaptogen that supports immunity, helps manage stress, and may even help with sleep, opens in a new tab. It works by calming the nervous system and modulating cortisol, so you can go from “AHH!” to “ahhh” without needing a nap or a meltdown.
7. L-Theanine
Found naturally in green tea, L-theanine can support feelings of relaxation without causing drowsiness by supporting alpha brain waves, opens in a new tab. It also pairs especially well with caffeine to take the edge off the jitters while keeping you sharp.
L-theanine can also support focus, reduce feelings of anxiety, and support sleep quality, which is why it’s another star ingredient in all of our mushroom blends, opens in a new tab.
8. Eleuthero (Siberian Ginseng)
Don’t let the name confuse you. Eleuthero isn’t true ginseng, but it definitely helps to send stress to the curb. This root has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries to help the body resist physical and mental stress. It’s known to boost energy, opens in a new tab, reduce fatigue, and support the immune system (because stress loves to wreck that, too).
9. Astragalus
Astragalus is best known for its immune-boosting properties, but it also helps the body manage stress by supporting adrenal function and reducing inflammation. It’s also packed with antioxidants that protect your cells from stress-induced damage.
10. Lemon Balm
This citrusy-smelling herb from the mint family has been used for centuries to calm the mind, promote sleep, and ease anxiety. It works by increasing levels of GABA, opens in a new tab, a calming neurotransmitter, in the brain. It may help reduce symptoms of stress and improve cognitive performance.
How To Take Adaptogens for Stress
Adding adaptogens to your routine is a great move, but let’s not stop there. To really kick stress to the curb, combine them with lifestyle upgrades.
Prioritize sleep like it's your side hustle, move your body daily (even if it's just a walk to the fridge), and reduce processed foods that fuel inflammation. Mindfulness, breathwork, and limiting your screen time can also help regulate your nervous system.
No matter which adaptogens you choose, it’s important to make sure you choose supplements made with the highest-quality ingredients. Additionally, no adaptogen works overnight. You’ll need to find a supplement that you’ll remember to take every day, as many adaptogens work best by building up in your system.
This is exactly why we made our Mushroom Coffee+. It’s a ridiculously easy way to get the stress-fighting duo of L-theanine and lion’s mane mushroom in one delicious, robustly flavored cup.
Just add hot water and you’ve got yourself a delicious, jitter-free brew that can support focus, mood, and nervous system health. As a bonus, you can easily turn it into a tasty latte, opens in a new tab or smoothie.
The Bottom Line
Stress may be part of modern life, but it doesn’t have to run the show of your day. Adaptogens can be a natural, science-backed way to help your body stay balanced and resilient.
Whether you're sipping mushroom coffee or unwinding with lemon balm tea, small changes can lead to big shifts. To learn more about how to support your physical and emotional health, visit the Everyday Dose blog, opens in a new tab today.
Sources:
Siberian ginseng Information | Mount Sinai - New York, opens in a new tab
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