Using Adaptogenic Herbs to Reduce Stress, Boost Energy

Last updated August 5, 2024.
Edited and medically reviewed by Patrick Alban, DC. Written by Deane Alban.

Adaptogenic herbs can both calm and energize. Their unique abilities help counteract stress and improve mood, mental clarity, and physical stamina.

" It doesn’t matter whether your stress is caused by a demanding boss, a hectic schedule, a noisy workplace, illness, or environmental toxins — adaptogens can help.

You’ll feel a surge of these hormones if you’ve had a close call while driving or are being chased by a wild animal (let’s hope not!).

But once the crisis is over, these chemicals soon dissipate.

Cortisol, on the other hand, is constantly being released in response to low-grade stressors.

While physical exercise can help dissipate cortisol, if you are stuck at a desk or in traffic, cortisol builds up.

Chronically high cortisol is extremely hazardous to your health. 

It can cause you to age prematurely.

Anxiety, mood swings, forgetfulness, brain fog, concentration problems, insomnia, weight gain, and psychiatric disorders are linked to chronically elevated cortisol. 

Cortisol is created in the adrenal glands, which also produce numerous other hormones that regulate metabolism, immune system, blood pressure, response to stress, and other essential functions.

If these glands are constantly pumping out cortisol, they eventually get worn out from excessive demand.

Overworked adrenal glands will leave you feeling wired but tired.

The Benefits of Adaptogenic Herbs for Stress

If you struggle with stress, high cortisol, or worn-out adrenals, adaptogenic herbs might be the answer.

9 Top Adaptogenic Herbal Supplements

Currently, a few dozen herbs qualify as adaptogens.

There is no official list of adaptogenic herbs, but the following herbs are well-regarded, well-researched, and generally easy to find.

And, while all adaptogens improve your resilience to stress, some target specific problems like fatigue, memory loss, or anxiety better than others.

It’s one of the most popular herbal remedies worldwide.

Ginseng has been used medicinally in Asia for over 5,000 years.

It’s sometimes called “true ginseng” to distinguish it from other ginseng varieties.

Or it may be called Asian, Chinese, or Korean ginseng depending on where it’s grown. 

Ginseng is one of the most widely studied herbal remedies.

In South Korea alone, 1,000 researchers are devoted to the study of ginseng and annually publish more than 100 research papers. 

Ginseng has a long list of proven health benefits in addition to stress reduction.

Best uses: Improves mood, cognitive performance, sleep, energy, sexual function, and immunity.

American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius)

American ginseng belongs to the same genus as true ginseng (Panax) but is a different species.

American ginseng bestows all the benefits of true ginseng and maybe more.

In a surprising twist, American ginseng is now considered the best in the world and is preferred to Asian ginseng, even by the Chinese. 

American ginseng, especially that grown in Wisconsin and Canada, is known for its superior quality. 

Ginseng grown in North America not only meets the most rigorous purity standards but is also prized for its proven ability to enhance brain function.

Best uses: Enhances memory and mental clarity while reducing stress.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

Ashwagandha is one of the most important Ayurvedic herbs.

Its name literally means “smell of a horse” (it does smell a bit horsey).

This name serves a dual purpose since it is said to bestow the strength and stamina of a horse on anyone who uses it.

All adaptogens reduce cortisol, but ashwagandha’s ability to do so is superior to that of other adaptogens. 

Best uses: Relieves anxiety, insomnia, and stress-related depression. 

Bacopa (Bacopa monnieri)

Bacopa is another highly esteemed Ayurvedic herb used to enhance memory, learning, and concentration.

Besides reducing cortisol, it works by balancing the brain chemicals dopamine, serotonin, and GABA.

This herb is especially good for age-related mental decline.

It is exceedingly safe, making it ideal for vulnerable populations, including children and the elderly. 

It can protect the brain from damage now and from degenerative brain diseases later in life. 

This versatility makes it a popular addition to both nootropic (brain-boosting) formulas and memory supplements.

Be patient when using bacopa; it can take 2 to 3 months before you experience its full benefits.

Best uses: Manages memory loss, lack of focus, anxiety, and insomnia. Slows age-related mental decline.

Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum)

Holy basil is yet another herb used in the Ayurvedic healing tradition.

It can be consumed either as a supplement or as a tea known as tulsi tea.

Because it fosters relaxation and well-being as well as yoga, tulsi tea has been called “liquid yoga.”

It’s one of the most revered plants in India — tulsi means “the incomparable one.”

Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus)

Siberian ginseng is in the same plant family as Asian and American ginseng, making it a ginseng “cousin.”

Siberian ginseng’s benefits are very similar to those of true ginseng.

It’s widely used in Russia and has long been a favorite of their athletes to increase physical performance.

After the nuclear accident in Chernobyl, some who were exposed to radiation were given Siberian ginseng to offset its effects. 

Best uses: Boosts immunity against colds and flu, increases overall physical stamina. 

Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis)

Schisandra (or schizandra) is a brilliant red berry that is sometimes called “five flavor fruit” because it simultaneously tastes sweet, salty, bitter, pungent, and sour. 

It has a long history of medical use throughout Russia and Asia, most notably for liver health and mental performance.

Chinese folklore claims that it “calms the heart and quiets the spirit.”

Best uses: Alleviates symptoms of menopause, promotes liver health, and boosts memory. 

White Mulberry (Morus alba)

White mulberry is a small ornamental tree native to China that’s widely cultivated to feed silkworms.

15 Lesser-Known Adaptogenic Herbs

There is no official list of adaptogens; every researcher, author, and natural health authority gets to decide which herbs they think meet the adaptogen criteria.

Below are some additional herbs that are not as well known as the ones above, but are considered by some to be adaptogenic.

We’ve also listed the most notable feature or benefit of each.

Not All Herbal Remedies Are Adaptogens

Note that not all healing herbs are adaptogens.

There are many herbs that have remarkable qualities but fail to qualify as an adaptogen, usually because they are stimulating, sedating, or mildly toxic to some people.

For example, licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is sometimes listed as an adaptogen, but I don’t think it qualifies since it raises (rather than normalizes) blood pressure.

This can be good if your blood pressure is low, but dangerous if your blood pressure is high.

Adaptogen Side Effects and Warnings

If these herbs sound too good to be true, you might wonder if there are any side effects or situations when you shouldn’t use them.

There are a few. 

It’s generally recommended that adaptogenic herbs be avoided by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding since these herbs have not been adequately studied for safety in these circumstances.

And if you take any prescription medications, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any adaptogenic herbs since there is always a chance of negative interactions.