What Are Adaptogens?

Stress is baked into modern life. Between work, social expectations, and the never-ending buzz of your phone, your body rarely gets a chance to hit reset. That’s where adaptogens come in. These herbs, roots, and fungi have been used for centuries to help the body respond to stress in a more balanced way. Today, they’re making their way into teas, tinctures, powders, and daily wellness routines everywhere.

In this post, we’ll break down what adaptogens are, how they’ve been used across cultures, and how teas like Adaptogen Reset make them easy to enjoy without overhauling your life.

Adaptogens are natural substances, usually herbs or plant-based compounds, that are believed to support the body’s stress response. The term itself is relatively new (20th century), but the concept is ancient. Many herbs now classified as adaptogens have deep roots in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), where they’ve been used for generations to help the body stay balanced during times of emotional, physical, or environmental stress*.

Rather than targeting a specific condition, adaptogens are thought to work more broadly, supporting the entire body's ability to respond to stress. They’re often described as helping the body return to a balanced state, a concept known as homeostasis.

Not all herbs are adaptogens. For an herb or plant substance to be considered an adaptogen, it generally needs to:

• Be non-toxic at normal doses

• Support the body’s systems in responding to mild stressors

• Help restore balance without overstimulation or sedation

Before adaptogens became a buzzword in wellness circles, they were revered tools in traditional medicine systems. In Ayurveda, herbs like ashwagandha, tulsi (holy basil), and licorice root have long been used to support the nervous system, promote longevity, and strengthen the body’s natural defenses.

• Ashwagandha is classified as a rasayana, or rejuvenator, often given to people recovering from illness or managing chronic fatigue. It’s believed to promote vitality, reduce anxiety, and balance hormones.

• Tulsi, or holy basil, is known for helping the body regulate stress and boost immune system support.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), mushrooms like reishi and berries like schisandra have been used for centuries to help protect the body from long-term depletion. These herbs were chosen not just for their effects on the body’s stress response, but also for their ability to balance energy (or "qi") and nourish the mind and spirit.

Adaptogens were never intended to be a quick fix. In both traditions, they’re often taken over time to build resilience and restore balance.

While their use dates back thousands of years, adaptogens entered the modern scientific conversation during the mid-20th century. During and after World War II, Soviet scientists began studying plants and natural substances that could help soldiers, pilots, and athletes perform better under physical and psychological stress. They were searching for what they called a "stress-protective effect": something that could help the body respond more effectively to intense conditions without overstimulating or sedating it.

This research, much of which focused on herbs like rhodiola rosea, eleuthero, and Panax ginseng, led to the coining of the term "adaptogen" in the late 1940s. These scientists proposed that adaptogenic substances could increase resilience and help the body recover from chronic stress, fatigue, and extreme environments. Their work paved the way for more modern research, which now explores how adaptogens interact with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, support immune system function, and influence cortisol levels.

Today, that research continues. Adaptogens are now a key part of many herbal medicine traditions and wellness routines worldwide, appearing in teas, capsule form supplements, powders, and even functional foods. The interest sparked by Soviet-era scientists helped bridge the gap between ancient herbal wisdom and modern science, shaping how we understand these plants today.

Your body responds to stress through a system called the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. This complex network controls your release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline.

Adaptogens are believed to work by influencing how the HPA axis responds, helping your body manage cortisol levels and recover more efficiently after stress. Some adaptogens may also affect neurotransmitters and inflammatory pathways.

In early research and clinical trials, adaptogens have been associated with effects like:

• Reduced feelings of stress and fatigue

• Improved concentration

• Immune system support

• Support for balancing hormones

While the science is still catching up, a systematic review of adaptogenic herbs suggested they may have a role in supporting how the body responds to ongoing stress.

Looking for an easy way to explore adaptogens without heading to your local vitamin store or taking everything in capsule form? Adaptogen Reset is an herbal tea designed to bring together some of the most studied and traditionally revered adaptogens in one easy-to-sip daily ritual.

It features:

• Ashwagandha (Ayurvedic calming root)

• Reishi mushroom (a mushroom adaptogen from Eastern medicine)

• Schisandra berry (a "five-flavor" fruit used in TCM)

• Maca root (Peruvian herb known for endurance)

• Dandelion root, cinnamon, ginger, clove, slippery elm (supportive herbs and spices)

Drinking adaptogens in tea means your body receives them in a gentle, slow-release format that supports a daily wellness routine. Plus, it’s grounding, tasty, and caffeine-free!

An ancient root from Ayurvedic herbal medicine, ashwagandha is known for supporting the body's reaction to chronic stress. It may help regulate stress hormones, and in small clinical trials, has been shown to reduce anxiety and support mood stability.

A staple of Eastern medicine, reishi is traditionally used to boost the immune system, promote longevity, and combat fatigue. It’s a popular choice in modern herbal supplements, especially for those looking to support sleep or immunity during busy seasons.

This tart, adaptogenic berry has been used in TCM to support liver function and stress relief. It's one of the few adaptogens that may help with endurance and increase focus, especially during long periods of work or study.

From the Andes of Peru, maca is known for helping with fighting fatigue, stamina, and balancing hormones. Often used in capsule form, it can also be blended into teas and smoothies.

Used in Ayurveda to support the nervous system and lower stress levels, tulsi is believed to help the body regulate mood and reduce ongoing symptoms of daily stress.

This herb grows in cold climates and has been studied for its ability to reduce fatigue, especially in high-stress environments. It’s sometimes explored in research for helping the body deal with extreme mild stressors, though data is still poorly documented.

Another classic adaptogen, Panax ginseng has been studied for potential effects on depression, improved concentration, and chronic fatigue. It’s widely used in herbal medicine to support vitality and stamina, but it’s not suitable for everyone.

Adaptogens come in many forms:

• Herbal tea (our favorite!)

• Tinctures

• Powders or capsules

• Added to other foods like smoothies or soups

Normal doses support gentle, long-term use. Adaptogens aren’t a “stress vaccine” or permanent solution, but they can be part of a daily rhythm that helps your body recover and restore.

Absolutely. Tea is one of the most traditional and gentle ways to take adaptogens. The heat from brewing helps release the beneficial plant compounds, and the ritual itself helps your nervous system calm down. Drinking adaptogens in tea format also supports the body's systems without being overstimulating.

Unlike high-dose extracts, tea lets you introduce adaptogenic substances slowly and consistently, a great choice for beginners. You’ll find blends that include roots, mushrooms, and spices that work together to help the body return to balance.

Adaptogens are not all the same, and they’re not right for everyone. Some interact with current medications, especially those related to mood, immunity, or hormone balance. It’s a good idea to talk to your primary care physician if you:

• Are pregnant or nursing

• Take medications for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, anxiety, or blood pressure

• Have congestive heart failure or other heart conditions

Some herbs and plant adaptogens may affect the way the body processes medications. As with any herbal supplement, quality and sourcing matter, so research specific brands and look for whole herbs and transparent ingredients.

Adaptogens tend to work best when taken consistently, not in bursts. You might not feel anything overnight, but over time, many people report better focus, stress relief, and improved daily resilience. Paired with healthy meals, movement, and rest, adaptogens can support a well-rounded wellness routine.

Start small. A daily tea is one of the easiest ways to get started, especially one designed to support the entire body’s ability to respond to stress without overstimulating.

Adaptogens are about helping your body cope with everyday stress and restore balance over time. These herbs and plant substances have been used for centuries — long before they were trending — and they continue to show a positive effect in supporting how the body responds to the demands of daily life and helping to decrease anxiety.

Whether you’re drawn to ashwagandha’s grounding energy, reishi’s immune support, or the all-in-one ritual of a blend like Adaptogen Reset, sipping your way to more balance can start with something as simple as boiling water.

• UCLA Health – What are adaptogens and should you be taking them?

• Mayo Clinic –  Can ashwagandha supplements help with stress and anxiety relief?

• Cleveland Clinic – Adaptogens

• VA Whole Health Library – Adaptogens

• National Institutes of Health – Ashwagandha: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals

• ScienceDirect – Systematic review of adaptogenic herbs for stress

• PubMed Central – Panossian & Wikman: Effects of Adaptogens on the Central Nervous System and Their Stress-Protective Activity

*Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Adaptogens are not a substitute for medical care. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before adding herbal supplements to your routine, especially if you have existing health conditions, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are taking medication.