Best Adaptogens for Anxiety and Stress (Updated for 2023)

What are Adaptogens

Adaptogens are plants and extracts traditionally used in Asia for centuries to improve physical and mental health. Recently, they have been gaining popularity in the western world for reducing stress and anxiety. These herbs have been used for thousands of years as natural supplements to help reduce stress and boost mood.

The 5 Most Effective Adaptogens for Anxiety and Stress

A compilation of the paramount adaptogens for anxiety and stress has been documented. A subset of these adaptogens are recognized as renowned herbal supplements that can be effortlessly procured from any local health food store or pharmacy, whereas the remainder of them can only be obtained through an exclusive online platform. Without a doubt, every single one of them has been validated to be efficacious in diminishing anxiety and stress symptoms. A few of the most impactful ones are enumerated below for your perusal:

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb well-known for reducing stress and improving mental and physical performance. It is available as a supplement or as a tea. Studies have shown that it can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression as well as improve energy levels and increase libido.

It can be taken in capsule form or made into tea. It is essential for the body and brain, so it’s an excellent alternative to modern medication and aids in improving your overall well-being and health. Also, it’s one of the best herbs for reducing anxiety and treating depression. Other benefits of Ashwagandha are its ability to relieve stress and fatigue, reduce inflammation and improve cognitive functioning.

Rhodiola Rosea

Numerous adaptogens exist in the world, and one of them is Rhodiola Rosea. This particular herb is renowned for its unique ability to mitigate stress and anxiety symptoms while concurrently heightening one’s mood and energy levels. Moreover, Rhodiola Rosea has been proven to have a positive impact on sleep quality, as well as decreasing fatigue and irritability.

Research has indicated that Rhodiola Rosea has the capacity to amplify mental focus and concentration, and in addition, alleviate fatigue. The herb can be ingested as a daily supplement or as a tea for optimal benefit. It is also crucial to highlight that Rhodiola Rosea is an ideal alternative to conventional medication for anxiety and depression, given that it has been determined to have no detrimental side effects.

Holy basil

Holy basil has been used for centuries by Ayurvedic medicine practitioners to treat various ailments, including stress, anxiety, and depression. It is considered an adaptogen because it has specific properties that help the body adapt to external stressors and support a healthy stress response.

It has been shown to reduce cortisol production in the body, which positively affects the nervous and immune systems and reduces the stress we feel daily. It can also stimulate the production of dopamine, serotonin, and other neurotransmitters essential in regulating our mood and reducing stress levels.

Maca

Maca root is an excellent plant food used by people throughout South America for hundreds of years. It is very high in fiber and has several other health benefits. For example, Maca is known for reducing depression and anxiety and supporting healthy sexual function for both men and women.

It also has many anti-aging properties and can promote healthy skin and muscle development. People use Maca in various ways, including as a powder that can be mixed into smoothies, soups, or juices or added to a herbal blend such as Golden Root Powder. It can also be taken in capsule form.

Because it has a powerful effect on mood, many people take it regularly. In contrast, others take it when faced with specific stresses such as exam time, a challenging deadline at work, or a stressful relationship. Some people even use it to help them get through difficult periods in their lives, such as grief, depression, or periods of prolonged stress.

Licorice root

Glycyrrhiza glabra, commonly known as licorice root, is a plant native to southern Europe and certain parts of Asia. This plant has been employed for thousands of years by the Chinese and Japanese to alleviate an array of health issues such as inflammation, asthma, digestive disorders, high blood pressure, and even the common cold. It also contains flavonoids, which are compounds that possess antioxidant properties that defend the liver against harmful toxins and reduce inflammation in the body.

In addition to its antioxidant properties, licorice root is jam-packed with vital vitamins and minerals that work together to avert premature aging and maintain the body’s optimal functionality. One of the crucial characteristics of licorice root is its ability to ameliorate feelings of anxiety and stress. It is also reputed to augment memory and concentration, intensify energy levels, and decrease fatigue.

Regular consumption of licorice root has also been shown to encourage weight loss and bolster the health and function of the digestive system. Notably, it has been demonstrated to be beneficial in decreasing blood sugar levels in individuals suffering from type 2 diabetes and increasing libido in both men and women. Multiple studies have revealed that licorice root is a viable alternative to conventional prescription sleep aids and can be safely used to manage sleep-related problems such as insomnia and jet lag.

Apart from being used as a supplement, many individuals also integrate licorice root into their daily diet by blending it into smoothies and juices or merely indulging in its delightful-tasting tea. Nevertheless, moderation is vital when consuming licorice root as it can be addictive.

People with kidney or liver disease should not take licorice root without consulting their doctor first, as it could exacerbate these conditions.

Pregnant women should also avoid taking it unless directed by their healthcare provider, as there is a small risk of miscarriage associated with its use.

Main benefits of taking adaptogens

People use adaptogens for a variety of purposes. For example, some people take it to increase energy and prevent tiredness. In contrast, others use it to help counteract the effects of stress. Other popular uses for adaptogens are improving concentration, reducing stress, and improving mood.

One of the most well-known herbs in this category is ginseng. Traditional Chinese medicine has been used for hundreds of years to treat various conditions, including fatigue and depression. However, many modern studies have confirmed that it does not have any beneficial properties that cannot be found in other common foods and herbs, such as green tea.

For this reason, the use of ginseng as a remedy is outdated, mainly in the West today. However, it is still very popular in some Asian countries where it is considered to have special healing powers.

There is also evidence that it can be dangerous for people with certain medical conditions, so people with high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes should avoid taking it unless directed to do so by their physician.

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Adaptogens for Stress

Many people experience periods of stress and anxiety caused by work pressures and family problems. The increased stress hormones released by the body in response to stress can have a detrimental effect on mental and physical health.

According to research carried out by the University of Sheffield in the UK, regular consumption of adaptogens can help prevent the body from overreacting to stressful events and reduce the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline production.

Taking an adaptogen daily can relieve stress and help you cope with pressure more effectively.

Adaptogens for Anxiety

The human brain produces a hormone called serotonin, which regulates mood and emotional responses. Problems with the production of this hormone have been linked to feelings of anxiety and depression. However, a recent study by the University of Maryland in the USA found that extracts from the herb Rhodiola Rosea, also known as golden root or roseroot, had beneficial effects on mood and anxiety in people with major depression.

Studies have also found it helpful for treating anxiety disorders and panic attacks. However, it should be used with caution as it can sometimes lead to drowsiness. As a result, you should only take an adaptogen supplement before bed if you have insomnia. It should not be taken during the day unless you require a medical condition.

Adaptogens have gained popularity in recent years as people have become more interested in taking natural alternatives to conventional medication to treat various health problems.

Some excellent adaptogenic supplements available on the market can enhance mental performance and improve overall health and energy levels to help you deal with stress more effectively. However, it is essential to consult a qualified healthcare professional before taking any supplement to ensure it is safe and appropriate.