How do adaptogens work

Supplements in general are also notoriously under-regulated and, in many cases, dubiously effective and potentially dangerous. You should talk to your doctor before adding adaptogens to your diet or routine.

Write to Jamie Ducharme at jamie. By Jamie Ducharme. What are adaptogens? They work by reducing or calming negative reactions to stress and preventing the onset of exhaustion. The stimulatory and stress-protection effects of these herbs are common to all adaptogens.

Certain adaptogenic herbs have also been shown to support a healthy inflammatory and immune response. For personal advice, please consult with a medical professional. Forbes Health adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. Lauren Perez, a freelance writer in New York City, believes in feeling good in your body and making that experience accessible to everyone across generations.

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Getty Creative. Table of Contents What Are Adaptogens? What Are Adaptogens? How Do Adaptogens Work? Several clinical studies found ashwagandha can help reduce anxiety when compared to a placebo or other treatments—often significantly. Tulsi is known to promote focus and alleviate anxiety. One clinical trial found it significantly diminished generalized anxiety disorder in patients, as well as their associated stress and depression.

In two separate preliminary studies, researchers administered Rhodiola to doctors on night duty and students during an exam period. Results suggest Rhodiola can significantly reduce fatigue when compared to placebos. However, more research is still needed. Ginseng most commonly refers to either American ginseng or Asian ginseng also known as red or Korean ginseng , and has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years in parts of Asia.

Both species of ginseng have resulted in significantly reduced fatigue levels among participants across several clinical trials. At least one study of American ginseng also supports its use in reducing cancer-related fatigue, especially in patients receiving cancer treatments. For Immune Health Tulsi , in addition to its anti-stress benefits, can also give your immune system a boost by helping regulate its responses. In one study, healthy participants experienced increased production of certain hormones and types of cells central to the immune system after receiving doses of an alcoholic extract of tulsi on empty stomachs.

Reishi mushrooms , scientifically known as Ganoderma lucidum, are a fungus adaptogen. Experts concluded that reishi mushrooms work best in tandem with other cancer treatments and cannot be deemed effective for tumor shrinkage when used alone. Supplements, including adaptogens, are not regulated by the U. This puts the responsibility on the consumer to ensure they are buying products that are pure, safe and effective. Any type of herbal supplement can interact with other supplements, over-the-counter medications, or prescription drugs.

Be sure to consult with your healthcare provider before taking adaptogens. While some adaptogens are said to have health-promoting abilities, some can produce side effects, particularly if taken for too long or in too high of doses.

There are very few long-term studies that have examined the safety of taking specific adaptogens over time and there are very few well-known side effects of taking adaptogens. Some people experience stomach upset from taking certain types of adaptogens, others may have allergic symptoms.

Licorice root may cause elevated blood pressure and hypokalemia low potassium levels when taken over a long time-span. Those with high blood pressure may want to avoid it. Employing other measures like meditation or mindfulness practice to lower the impact of stress on the body is also important.

Although it's easy to simply take a supplement every day, adaptogens and other natural supplements without lifestyle changes may not be enough to make a long-term impactful difference. More scientific evidence is needed to definitively prove this and the other health-promoting claims of adaptogens.

Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Panossian A, Wikman G. Pharmaceuticals Basel ; 3 1 Ajala TO. Understanding the Stress Response. Harvard Health Publishing. Published March Cleveland Clinic. Updated August 15, Your Privacy Rights.