What are adaptogens?

Adaptogens are stress-busting botanicals (herbs, mushrooms, roots) that help the body adapt to stress and restore balance. Adaptogens may seem like a new trend, but they have been used since ancient times in Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Adaptogens promote overall health and well being by helping the body to cope with stress, reduce anxiety, improve sleep, increase energy levels, enhance mental clarity, and support the immune system. Here are 10 adaptogens we love!

1. Ashwagandha

This adaptogenic herb has been used in Ayurveda since ancient times and clinically shown to help lower blood pressure, reduce mood disturbances, regulate cortisol levels, and enhance the body’s resilience to stress. We use certified organic ashwagandha sourced from Oshala Farm in our De-Stress Blend and Shuteye Chai.

2. Astragalus

This adaptogenic legume has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine since ancient times to help protect and support the immune system thanks to its potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. We use certified organic astragalus sourced from Oshala Farm in our Immunity Blend.

3. Chaga

This adaptogenic mushroom has been used by indigenous communities for centuries to relieve stress. Chaga is also a natural biological response modifier and a source of over 200 phytonutrients that help boost the immune system. We use certified organic chaga from Hamilton’s Mushroom Extracts in our Shuteye Chai.

4. Ginkgo 

This adaptogenic botanical is widely used to help boost cognition and memory. We use certified organic ginkgo sourced from Mountain Rose Herbs in our Brain Blend.

5. Gotu Kola

This adaptogenic herb (known as the “herb of longevity” in Traditional Chinese Medicine) helps calm the brain, enhance cognition, and support deep, restful sleep. We use certified organic gotu kola sourced from Mountain Rose Herbs in our Brain Blend and Shuteye Chai.

6. Licorice Root

This adaptogenic root has been used in Ayurveda since ancient times to help boost GABA levels in the brain, stimulating relaxing alpha waves that promote rest and relaxation. It’s also a source of nearly 300 flavonoids known for their anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-viral properties. We use certified organic licorice root sourced from Mountain Rose Herbs in our Shuteye Chai.

7. Lion’s Mane

This adaptogenic mushroom crosses the blood-brain barrier to help improve neurogenesis, which plays a critical role in repairing brain cells as you age. We use certified organic lion’s mane sourced from Hamilton’s Mushroom Extracts in our Brain Blend.

8. Red Raspberry Leaf

This adaptogenic botanical is commonly used to nourish the uterus and strengthen and tone the pelvic floor for less physical pain and discomfort. We use certified organic red raspberry leaf sourced from Foxtrot Farmin our Balance Blend.

9. Reishi

This adaptogenic mushroom (known as the “mushroom of immortality” in Traditional Chinese Medicine) helps reduce stress and bring deep, restful sleep. We used certified organic reishi sourced from Hamilton’s Mushroom Extracts in our Shuteye Chai.

10. Siberian Ginseng (Eleuthero)

This adaptogenic shrub has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for millennia to increase mental alertness and improve memory. We use Siberian ginseng in our Brain Blend.