All About Adaptogens | Are Adaptogens right for me?
My journey into herbal medicine began with a deep fascination for adaptogens and how beautifully they support different constitutions. It’s something I experienced firsthand in my own healing. That lived transformation became the foundation of my folk herbal practice, inspiring me to study plant energetics, teach herbal first aid, and support my community with accessible, constitutionally-aware remedies.
Lets highlight how incredible developing a relationship with some of these herbal allies can be.
What exactly are adaptogens, and how do they work?
Adaptogens are generally non-toxic, produce a nonspecific defensive response to stress, and have a normalizing response on the body. They work by regulating two master control systems in the body, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) and the sympathoadrenal system (SAS), and on a cellular level to prevent cortisol-induced mitochondrial dysfunction.
The HPA axis regulates your endocrine function, nervous system, immune system, cardiovascular function, digestion, and your physiological response to stress. The SAS is responsible for our fight-or-flight response.
What are a few common types of adaptogens, and how can they be beneficial?
My all-time favorite adaptogen is Holy Basil (or Tulsi). It’s in the mint family, so it’s easy to grow on your property or in a large planter, too! It’s a warm and pungent herb that does a fabulous job as a carminative (helping with digestion). It’s also my favorite herb to recommend to folks who are looking for an immune modulator (both for those with a weak immune response, and an excess immune response, like auto-immune conditions) or an adrenal tonic (perfect for those of us feeling burnt out, or even suffering from stress-induced hypertension). I’ve also seen it work beautifully with clients who are experiencing SAD (seasonal affective disorder) or mild depression.
While not an herb, my second favorite is the Reishi mushroom. Both the fruiting body and the mycelium can be used to energetically benefit your body and mind. This adaptogen is also an immune modulator, a nervine (helping the nervous system), and a cardiovacular tonic. I like to recommend this mushroom for folks going through chronic stress, heartbreak, anxiety, insomnia, and those with a flat emotional response. In regard to heartbreak, this mushroom does a wonderful job at aiding in nightmares, disturbing dreams, and distraction. It aids your heart’s energetic center and helps you become more in tune with your spirit. It anchors you down to the Earth and promotes a feeling of contentment and grounding.
Are adaptogens safe? Are there any risks or precautions to consider?
Considering any herb as “safe for everyone” can be a dangerous statement. Each person’s constitution can interact differently with one herb from the next. Even altering something as small as when you take it, whether it’s morning or night, greatly impacts how you feel. Ashwaganda, for example, has studies showing that it does a great job at lowering cortisol. However, when you take it consistently in the morning, it can lead to fatigue and/or emotional blunting. However, when you take it at night, when your cortisol naturally dips a bit, studies show it can help you get a more restful sleep, and have a positive impact on stress levels the following day because of how it impacts your cortisol threshold.
It’s also important to use a site like drugs.com to see if the herb you’re taking has any interactions with prescribed medications, or check for well-documented studies. Just because you know someone who had good results with introducing an herb to their lifestyle, doesn’t always mean it’ll translate the same way for you. Always go low and slow. There’s no need to mega-dose an herb right off the bat.
Overall, though, adaptogens are one of the safer herbs to integrate into your wellness routine. They’re some of the more documented herbs because of their popularity and long-term studies.
Who should consider trying adaptogens?
If you’re not in a hurry, adaptogens might be for you. Folks who aren’t looking for an allopathic “treat this with this” kind of approach. Adaptogens typically take over a week to show any benefits, and the full effects often become apparent after a month or so, sometimes even longer. Adaptogens are best for someone who has patience and can easily work adaptogens into their routine, because they need to be taken consistently to see their benefits.
It also helps if you have a decent grasp on checking in regularly with your emotions, symptoms, and lifestyle. Sometimes, it takes some tweaking to find the right herb for your constitution, so taking more or less can sometimes make a huge difference. Pairing adaptogens with a healthy lifestyle, with healthy foods, regular light exercise, and proper sleep hygiene can make or break your experience with the energetics of said herb.
Are Adaptogens right for me?
The only way I’ll refer someone to an herb is if they’re a client of mine. That way, we can check for contraindications and go about choosing herbs that are best suited for your unique constitution. Building a formula and protocol that’s completely tailored to your lifestyle and state of being is the best place to start.