Adaptogenic Herbs
🌿 Adaptogens — Nature’s Balancers
Adaptogens are a special class of herbs that help the body resist physical, chemical, and emotional stress.
They work by supporting the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and balancing cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone.
Rather than stimulating or sedating, adaptogens bring the body back to homeostasis — helping you adapt to challenges more effectively.
Adaptogens don’t mask symptoms. Instead, they strengthen the body’s capacity for resilience, improving energy, focus, and recovery over time.
They can calm when you’re anxious and energise when you’re fatigued — always aiming for balance.
🌱 Common Adaptogenic Herbs
1. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
Calms the nervous system, improves sleep, and supports adrenal function.
Promotes resilience to chronic stress and helps regulate thyroid hormones.
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2. Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea)
Enhances stamina and endurance while reducing fatigue and anxiety.
Improves oxygen use, mood balance, and cognitive clarity.
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3. Panax Ginseng (Panax ginseng)
Classic energising adaptogen that enhances strength, libido, and vitality.
Supports mental focus, immune health, and physical performance.
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4. Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus)
Gentle tonic for sustained energy and immune support.
Used to increase endurance, recovery, and mental alertness.
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5. Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis)
Five-flavour berry that sharpens focus, improves liver function, and balances hormones.
Traditionally used in Chinese medicine for longevity and vitality.
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6. Holy Basil / Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum)
Sacred Ayurvedic herb that supports calm energy, emotional clarity, and immune resilience.
Known for uplifting the mood and balancing the stress response.
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7. Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus)
Strengthens immunity and stamina while improving recovery from stress or illness.
Tonic for long-term vitality and adrenal health.
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8. Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
Balances cortisol and nourishes the adrenal glands.
Soothes mucous membranes while enhancing endurance and hormonal balance.
whilst recently licorice has been listed as an adaptogen this information should be considered.
⚖️ Why Licorice Is Sometimes Considered an Adaptogen
Licorice supports the adrenal glands and helps maintain cortisol levels in people who are chronically stressed or fatigued.
It contains glycyrrhizin, which slows the breakdown of cortisol, effectively prolonging its action in the body.
This can feel balancing in cases of adrenal fatigue or burnout — when cortisol levels are abnormally low.
⚠️ Why It Can Also Raise Blood Pressure
That same glycyrrhizin compound can cause sodium retention and potassium loss, which leads to elevated blood pressure and fluid retention.
So while it’s restorative for some, it can tip the scales in others — especially those who already have normal or high cortisol and blood pressure.
🌿 The Balanced View
Licorice acts adaptogenically only under certain conditions — mainly hypoadrenal (low-cortisol) or chronic stress states.
It’s not a “broad-spectrum” adaptogen like Rhodiola or Tulsi, which gently regulate up or down as needed.
To avoid side effects, many herbalists recommend deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) for gut support or short-term use only when adrenal support is needed. Read More →
9. Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis)
Medicinal mushroom known for enhancing oxygen utilisation and stamina.
Supports immune health and physical recovery.
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10. Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)
“The mushroom of immortality” — deeply calming and immune-strengthening.
Helps reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and support cardiovascular health.
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11. Maca (Lepidium meyenii)
Andean root that balances hormones, boosts libido, and improves energy and mood.
Supports endocrine and reproductive health.
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12. Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica)
Supports focus, mental calm, and micro-circulation.
Used for nervous system repair and subtle rejuvenation.
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13. Jiaogulan (Gynostemma pentaphyllum)
Known as the “Herb of Immortality,” supporting endurance, blood pressure, and heart health.
Balances stress response and promotes longevity.
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