What are Adaptogens?

Unlocking nature’s support systems

If you have scrolled through wellness social media feeds or browsed the aisles of a modern health food store recently, you’ve likely encountered the buzzword "adaptogen." It’s appearing on everything from smoothie packets to supplement bottles, often accompanied by promises of balanced energy and stress relief.

While their popularity is currently skyrocketing, adaptogens are not a new fad. They are rooted in ancient healing traditions, such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, now supported by modern scientific research. 

But beyond the marketing hype, what are adaptogens, and how do they work within the body?

Adaptogens defined

At its core, an adaptogen is a natural substance—usually an herb, root, or fungus—that helps the body adapt to stress and exerts a normalizing effect upon bodily processes.

The concept was first formalized in the mid-20th century by scientists seeking substances that could increase human resistance to fatigue and stress without the crash associated with stimulants. 

For a substance to be classified as a true adaptogen, it generally meets three criteria:

1. It is non-toxic at normal therapeutic doses.
2. It produces a non-specific state of resistance in the body to various physical, chemical, or biological stressors.
3. It has a normalizing influence on physiology, helping to restore homeostasis (balance), regardless of the direction the stressor has pushed the body.

Think of adaptogens as a thermostat for your stress response system. If your system is turned up too high (anxiety, frantic energy), they help turn it down. If it's turned down too low (fatigue, brain fog), they help boost it up.

Highly effective adaptogens

While the list of traditional adaptogens is specific, the modern conversation around natural stress support has expanded to include compounds that uniquely support the body’s ability to maintain balance. Below is an overview of six powerful natural substances that are highly effective for wellness.

Functional Mushrooms

Functional mushrooms are perhaps the most well-recognized category of classic adaptogens. They have been used for millennia to support longevity and vitality. Here are the three species we offer here at NALA Health and Recovery: 

Reishi: Often called the "Mushroom of Immortality," it is revered for its grounding properties, helping to calm the nervous system and support immune function.

Lion’s Mane: Famous for its neuroprotective properties, it supports cognitive function, focus, and nerve health.

Shiitake: A powerhouse for cardiovascular and immune health. It strengthens the body’s defense system, and helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels.

Seamoss

Irish Seamoss is a type of red algae that has gained immense popularity as a nutritional powerhouse. While perhaps not a direct modulator of the stress response in the way Reishi is, Seamoss supports the body’s foundation, enabling it to handle stress better. It is often cited as containing 92 of the 102 minerals the human body needs. Its high iodine content supports thyroid function (crucial for energy regulation), and its prebiotic nature supports gut health, which is intrinsically linked to mental well-being.

Shilajit

Shilajit is a sticky, tar-like resin found primarily in the rocks of the Himalayas, formed by the slow decomposition of plants over centuries. In Ayurvedic tradition, it is considered a "rasayana," or rejuvenator. Shilajit is incredibly nutrient-dense and rich in fulvic acid, which aids in the absorption of minerals at a cellular level. It is used to combat fatigue, support mitochondrial energy output, and enhance overall physical vitality during times of stress.

Read all about the origins, harvesting, beneficial minerals, and common uses of Shilajit in our blog, What is Shilajit?

Kava (Piper methysticum)

Native to the Pacific Basin, Kava is a root celebrated for its ability to induce relaxation and mental clarity without the sedation associated with alcohol or pharmaceuticals. The active compounds, kavalactones, interact with the nervous system to provide significant anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effects. It is an excellent tool for unwinding the mind after a stressful day while remaining mentally sharp.

Have a deeper look into the history, chemistry, and uses of Kava in our blog, What is Kava?

Cannabinoids

Cannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds found primarily in the cannabis plant, including CBD (cannabidiol) and THC, among countless minor cannabinoids like CBG and CBN. While not always classified under the traditional definition of an adaptogen, they function similarly by interacting with the body's Endocannabinoid System (ECS). The ECS is a master regulatory system responsible for maintaining homeostasis in mood, sleep, pain perception, and immune response. By supporting the ECS, cannabinoids help the body manage its reaction to systemic stress.

Terpenes

Terpenes are the aromatic oils that give plants their distinct scents. In nature, they protect plants from environmental stressors. For humans, terpenes offer varied therapeutic benefits, often influencing the body synergistically alongside cannabinoids (known as the "entourage effect"). Different terpenes offer different adaptogenic-like properties; for example, linalool (found in lavender) promotes relaxation, while limonene (found in citrus) may uplift mood and relieve stress.

How to find the best adaptogens for your body 

Finding the right combination for your unique wellness goals often requires some experimentation. We recommend "starting low and going slow" when introducing new compounds to your routine. 

To stay up to date with cutting-edge natural products and to find the highest quality sourcing of these powerful ingredients, visit NALA Health & Recovery. Our team can help guide you toward the best natural solutions for your specific needs.



Alkemy Protocol Service

Attend NALA’s weekly webinars to skip the experimentation phase entirely. Sign up for a fully guided wellness plan with one-on-one consultations and a bundle of adaptogens identified to meet your specific needs. 

Register for the next webinar

Conclusion 

Stress will happen, but how your body responds to it is manageable. Whether you are looking to calm a racing mind, boost energy levels, or support long-term cognitive health, nature offers powerful tools.

Source Citations 

Panossian, A., & Wikman, G. (2010). Effects of Adaptogens on the Central Nervous System and the Molecular Mechanisms Associated with Their Stress—Protective Activity. Pharmaceuticals, 3(1), 188–224. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph3010188

Liao, L. Y., He, Y. F., Li, L., Meng, H., Dong, Y. M., Yi, F., & Xiao, P. G. (2018). A preliminary review of studies on adaptogens: comparison of their bioactivity in TCM with that of ginseng-like herbs used worldwide. Chinese medicine, 13, 57. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13020-018-0214-9

Carrasco-Gallardo, C., Guzmán, L., & Maccioni, R. B. (2012). Shilajit: a natural phytocomplex with potential procognitive activity. International journal of Alzheimer's disease, 2012, 674142. https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/674142

Singh, Y. N. (1992). Kava-kava (Piper methysticum): a potent anxiolytic plant from the South Pacific. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 37(1), 13–45. https://doi.org/10.1016/0378-8741(92)90003-a

Pacher, P., Bátkai, S., & Kunos, G. (2006). The endocannabinoid system as an emerging target of pharmacotherapy. Pharmacological reviews, 58(3), 389–462. https://doi.org/10.1124/pr.58.3.2

Spim, S. R. V., et al. (2021). "Effects of Shiitake Culinary-Medicinal Mushroom Lentinula edodes (Agaricomycetes) Bar on Lipid and Antioxidant Profiles in Borderline High Cholesterol Individuals: Double blind Randomized Clinical Trial." International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms, vol. 23, no. 7, pp. 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1615/IntJMedMushrooms.2021038553.

Handayani, D., et al. (2011). "Dietary Shiitake Mushroom (Lentinus edodes) Prevents Fat Deposition and Lowers Triglyceride in Rats Fed a High-Fat Diet." Journal of Obesity, vol. 2011, Article ID 258051. https://doi.org/10.1155/2011/258051.