Adaptogens Explained: A Natural Way to Build Resilience
Chronic stress has become a defining feature of modern life, affecting everything from sleep and mood to energy and immune health. As more people seek natural ways to support their bodies, adaptogens have emerged as a powerful tool rooted in traditional herbal medicine.
What are adaptogens?
Adaptogens are a class of non-toxic herbs and mushrooms that help the body resist and recover from physical, emotional and environmental stress. Unlike stimulants that force the body into action, adaptogens gently support balance in the body's stress response system, particularly the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. They help regulate hormones like cortisol and improve the body’s ability to adapt to stress over time.
How do they help?
When the body is under constant stress, cortisol levels can remain elevated, leading to fatigue, anxiety, poor sleep and hormonal disruption. Adaptogens work to modulate this response, promoting greater resilience and restoring internal balance.
Popular adaptogens include:
Ashwagandha: Known for its calming effects on anxiety, sleep improvement and thyroid support.
Rhodiola rosea: Enhances mental clarity and reduces physical and mental fatigue.
Reishi Mushroom: A calming adaptogen that supports restful sleep and immune function.
Schisandra Berry: Traditionally used for liver detoxification and increasing endurance.
Eleuthero (Siberian Ginseng): Improves stamina, energy and general stress resilience.
How to use them
Adaptogens are available in teas, tinctures, capsules and powders. They are most effective when taken consistently and alongside healthy lifestyle practices. While they are generally well tolerated, it is important to choose the right adaptogen for your individual needs by seeking guidance from a healthcare practitioner particularly, if you are pregnant, taking medication, or managing a chronic condition.
Adaptogens can offer a gentle, solution to managing stress and improving overall vitality. When chosen wisely, they can become an integral part of a balanced wellness routine.
Curious about where to start? Checkout some of our most popular mushroom blends stocked in-store and online
