Adaptogens are natural substances, often derived from plants or fungi, that are believed to help the body cope with stress and promote overall well-being. They are thought to enhance the body's ability to adapt to physical, mental, or environmental stressors, restoring balance and homeostasis (internal stability). The concept of adaptogens originates from traditional medicine, particularly in Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), where they were used to increase vitality and resilience. However many of these compounds are now being explored for their scientifically backed effects on the body.
Key Characteristics of Adaptogens
Stress Reduction
Adaptogens are primarily known for their ability to help the body manage stress—both acute and chronic. They help regulate the body’s stress response by influencing key systems, such as providing scavenging compounds for damaging molecules known as free radicals.
Improved Mental and Physical Performance
Adaptogens may enhance cognitive function, energy levels, and physical performance, particularly in stressful situations or demanding environments.
Homeostasis Restoration
These substances are believed to help restore balance to the body’s systems. For example, they may help balance hormone levels, support the immune system, and promote better mood regulation.
Non-Specific Effects
Adaptogens are typically described as "non-specific," meaning that they don't target one specific issue, but rather promote general health and resilience by helping the body adapt to a variety of stressors.
Common Adaptogenic Herbs and Mushrooms:
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) – A well-known herb used in Ayurveda for reducing stress, improving sleep, and enhancing vitality.
Reishi (Ganoderma luccidum) – A medicinal mushroom known as the “mushroom of immortality” for its strong immune modulating effects.
Kinnikinnick (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) – Known for its purported ability to treat UTI’s and lung conditions.
Cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris) – A popular fungi adaptogen that is thought to improve mental clarity, energy, and immune function.
Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis) – A berry used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to improve endurance, cognitive function, and stress resilience.
Turkey Tail Mushrooms (Trametes versicolor) – A medicinal mushroom with potential adaptogenic properties, particularly in enhancing immune function and reducing inflammation.
How Adaptogens Work
Adaptogens interact with the body's hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and other aspects of the body’s systems involved in stress response and cellular repair. They can help modulate the release of stress hormones such as cortisol, reduce inflammation and the levels of free radicals in circulation while helping to maintain balance in other biological systems to help the body adapt and recover from stress.
The biological basis of how these different adaptogens may be interacting with the body is dependent on the quality and type of adaptogen. For instance, various medicinal mushrooms have been sought after for hundreds of years for their purported health benefits. Modern day research continues to back up these long held beliefs and have further reinforced the potential and place of adaptogenic substances from natural sources.
Adaptogens are natural compounds found in fungi and plants that can support the body's resilience to stress, improve mental and physical performance, and restore balance to the immune system. Check out our products page for various adaptogenic fungi for more information on how you can incorporate these products into your daily routine.
If you're interested in adding medicinal fungi to your diet, consider consulting with a healthcare provider if you're pregnant, breastfeeding or have any underlying health conditions to determine the best approach for your individual health.