Which Adaptogen Is Best For You?
Adaptogens are a unique class of herbs and mushrooms that help the body adapt to stress, support energy levels, and promote overall resilience to stress. There are quite a few options like ashwagandha, rhodiola, and eleuthero. Even milder ones like tulsi and astragalus. With so many to choose from, how do you know which one is right for you?
The best adaptogen depends on your individual needs, whether you're looking to boost mental clarity, enhance physical endurance, or support a balanced mood. Here is a guide to find your best match.
Physical Endurance
Eleuthero Root (Siberian Ginseng) is ideal for those who exert more energy than the average person. Athletes, fitness buffs, labor workers, and those alike can all benefit from eleuthero.
It increases oxygen utilization in muscles, which can improve endurance during prolonged physical activity. It also reduces the impact of physical stress and allows for longer, more sustained exertion. Additionally, eleuthero has been shown to support recovery by reducing inflammation and aiding in muscle repair after intense exercise.
Anxiety & Poor Sleep Quality
Ashwagandha Root, along with being an adaptogen, it is also a nervine and sedative. This makes it a choice adaptogen for reducing anxiety, improving sleep quality, and balancing cortisol levels.
Ashwagandha is often regarded as a rasayana in Ayurvedic medicine, meaning it is a rejuvenating herb that supports longevity and overall health.
Some may experience paradoxical effects, feeling more anxious or wired instead of calm. Discontinue use if this is the case.
Cognitive Function
Rhodiola Root is known for its stimulating properties, and is often used to enhance physical endurance, cognitive function, and mental clarity. It improves concentration, memory, and mood, while also increasing the body’s resistance to physical exhaustion.
Hypertoxicity & Immune Health
Schisandra Berry is revered in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for its ability to harmonize the body's systems and restore balance.
It is considered a tonic herb that supports not just stress adaptation, but also liver health, detoxification, and immune function. This makes it the ideal choice if physical and mental stress is correlated with hypertoxicity and/or poor immune function.
An Overall Adaptogen
Asian Ginseng Root carries a little of every function. It promotes strength, stamina & endurance, increases energy levels, improves physical performance, and enhances cognitive function.
It is also known for its ability to increase libido and enhance sexual function, which adds another dimension to its role as an energizing and revitalizing herb.
Ginseng is often considered more stimulating. So, it may be more suitable for individuals needing a more robust boost to both mental and physical performance. However, due to its stimulating nature, it may not be the best choice for individuals who are overly sensitive to stimulation or those with certain conditions, such as high blood pressure.
Low Libido
What sets Maca Root apart from other adaptogens is its ability to support hormonal balance. Maca is especially well-known for its role in promoting reproductive health and boosting libido in both men and women. It is ideal for if stress/anxiety and low libido are correlated.
It is also commonly used to alleviate menopause symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and fatigue.
Stress & The Gut
Tulsi (Holy Basil) is ideal for when stress or anxiety is impacting digestion. Its carminative properties, combined with its adaptogenic properties, helps to correct nervous and/or sluggish digestion, aiding in the relief of nausea, gas, bloating, and indigestion.
It also has hypoglycemic properties, making it the ideal choice when chronic stress and high cortisol leads to elevated blood glucose levels.
Respiratory Support
Cordyceps not only has the ability to enhance physical endurance and increase energy levels, but it also has an affinity for the respiratory system. It can improve lung function and oxygen uptake, making it useful for individuals with respiratory conditions or those engaging in high-altitude activities.
Immune Support
Astragalus Root is a mild adaptogen that is known for its immune-modulating properties. This makes it the ideal stress support when dealing with illness.
It enhances the body's defense mechanisms by stimulating white blood cell activity. It is often used as a long-term tonic to strengthen immunity and prevent illness, rather than just managing acute stress.