Adaptogenic herbs have become more and more popular as more people are turning to natural supplements to help support overall health. At Dr. Vim’s, we sell teas made with adaptogenic herbs like holy basil and supplement blends using adaptogens like KSM 66 ashwagandha, rhodiola rosea and ginseng. But, what are adaptogenic herbs? If you are new to adaptogens, and what they can do for your health, keep reading.

Adaptogens are a class of healing plants, and they can help your body respond to chronic stress. One of the most interesting things about adaptogenic herbs is the fact that they don’t have just one specific action. Instead, they respond to what the body needs and they work to restore overall balance.

Let’s look a little deeper at how adaptogens act in the body. When the body is under stress, we typically go through three stages, the alarm phase, a phase of resistance, and a phase of exhaustion. We obviously want to prevent the phase of exhaustion as best as we can. When supplementing with adaptogens, they work to help lengthen that phase of resistance allowing the body to better respond to whatever stressor is going on.

These herbs are so great because many of us deal with day to day stress. Stress is an inevitable part of life, but when we deal with chronic stress, cortisol levels can spike, both our immune system and blood sugar levels may become out of balance, and our mood suffers. Chronic stress can also lead to inflammation, and with inflammation at the root of nearly all disease today, it is so important to take the steps needed to get stress under control and to help the body get into a state of homeostasis.

There are a number of different adaptogenic herbs, all of them offer something slightly different. Here are some of the most well-known adaptogens.

Holy Basil: Holy basil is an excellent adaptogenic herb that can help restore a sense of calm while also giving you a natural energy boost. Sipping on an herbal tea, like our Dr. Vim’s Tulsi Holy Basil Tea during times of stress can help promote emotional wellbeing while also supporting mood and healthy blood sugar levels.

Ashwagandha: One of the adaptogenic herbs used in both our men’s and women’s adrenal products is excellent for reducing stress as well as helping to balance cortisol levels, fight adrenal fatigue, and depression.

Panax Ginseng: Ginseng is one of the more commonly known adaptogens, and is most well-known for promoting a sense of calm and also supporting memory. 

Licorice Root: Licorice root is commonly used to help support hormone levels which is an important part of restoring overall balance in the body. It can be especially helpful for regulating cortisol levels, which is a stress hormone that can become out of balance during periods of chronic stress.

Rhodiola: Rhodiola is commonly used among athletes or those who are looking to improve energy levels and combat fatigue. This adaptogen has also been known to help boost mental performance.  

While each adaptogen offers something slightly different, adaptogens, in general, have been found to hold anti-fatigue properties, have antidepressive effects on the body, and even hold some impressive neuroprotective properties.

No matter what adaptogen you choose to use, they all hold health-supporting benefits. Since adaptogens respond to what your body needs, they can help you achieve balance, support normal cortisol levels, and support a healthy stress response.