We all struggle with stress and fatigue from time to time, and there’s nothing wrong with needing a little extra support when these times pop up. Adaptogens are a popular solution. According to the Cleveland Clinic, adaptogens are any type of plant or mushroom that helps your body manage and maintain a healthy balance while you’re dealing with physical or mental stressors. Many adaptogens support improved stress response, better mental health, and (ultimately) a return to a balanced, healthy state.
I’ve been sharing about different adaptogens all year, and this is part three of our adaptogen series, featuring rhodiola, tulsi, and reishi mushrooms — three adaptogens you definitely don’t want to miss out on! Here’s what they are commonly taken for and what research has shown about their purported benefits.
Rhodiola
Rhodiola has traditionally been used to treat stress-induced depression and fatigue, stimulate the nervous system, and enhance productivity and physical performance. Modern studies have shown many promising results with rhodiola and its impact on stress, cognitive abilities, and productivity.
One study demonstrated that the rhodiola plant simultaneously stimulated cognitive abilities while calming the mind, which presents unique benefits for immediate mental and memory performance. The study also concluded that this could be good for the long-term preservation of certain brain functions.
Another study examined the effects of administering rhodiola extract to 56 healthy male and female physicians between the ages of 24 and 35. The physicians in the rhodiola treatment group noticed a statistically significant improvement in fatigue and mental performance and an overall therapeutic effect on stress symptoms. Overall, participants experienced “clinically relevant improvements in stress symptoms and stress-related disabilities in work, social and family life.”
In addition, I found a study on 100 people with chronic fatigue symptoms who took 400 mg of rhodiola daily for eight weeks. These individuals showed sizable improvements in fatigue, quality of life, mood, stress symptoms, and concentration — which started after only one week of treatment and continued throughout the eight weeks!
Interested in supporting your mind and body with rhodiola? Here are a few of my favorite rhodiola herbal solutions:
- Rhodiola Rosea Capsules: Our capsules encourage healthy stress response, improved energy, and heightened endurance levels to support you during taxing times.
- Expanded Memory Powder: If you love your morning shakes, this shake formula is an excellent option for boosting your memory, brain function, and endurance. Plus, it has a delightful taste! We love the touch of maple syrup in this blend.
- Sagittarius Tea: If you need help supporting your energy levels, look no further than our Sagittarius Tea, which we’ve crafted to support the constantly on-the-go Sagittarians or anyone looking to emulate their high energy levels. Combine rhodiola with delicious coffee-flavored rooibos, vanilla honeybush, ginkgo, and other supportive ingredients for a perfect “pick-me-up” tea.
Tulsi (Holy Basil)
If you’re looking for an adaptogen that encourages lessened anxiety, stress, and depression, tulsi is an excellent choice.
Research has shown that tulsi has anti-anxiety and anti-depressant-like properties, including one study that even concluded that tulsi might be an effective treatment for generalized anxiety disorder. Participants were quizzed with a rating scale every day of the study, which tracked their stress and mental health symptoms, which tulsi was shown to improve.
In addition, the Cleveland Clinic reports that tulsi could improve energy levels and help with physical and emotional stress management.
Tulsi makes a robust, peppery tea, but can also be taken in capsule form. Here are a few of our top-recommended tulsi herbal remedies and teas:
- Tulsi Leaf Tea: Our Tulsi Leaf Tea is perfect for invigorating the mind and body when you need a boost of energy. Drink one cup as needed.
- Magic Tulsi Tea: This tea blend contains ginger root, tulsi, cinnamon, anise, and safflower petals, among other healthful ingredients. It’s chock full of antioxidants and polyphenols to support you as you go about your busy day.
- Adapto-Gen Capsules: If you prefer taking a capsule, try our Adapto-Gen Capsule blend, which is carefully formulated with tulsi, ashwagandha, schisandra, and other potent adaptogens to promote a healthy stress response and improved energy and stamina. The added ginger gives you the extra support of an encouraging digestive aid and enhanced inflammatory response.
Learn more about the differences between “regular” basil and holy basil, aka tulsi, in our previous article.
Reishi
Mushrooms, like reishi, get a lot of buzz for their touted benefits, and some of them, like reishi, are genuinely marvels. Reishi is said to support a healthy immune response, balance mental and physical stress, and soothe an overactive immune system.
This mushroom has long been recognized as medicinal, and current research continues to expand on its potential benefits. A randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled study on reishi investigated its effects on fatigue and overall well-being. In eight weeks, the reishi group had significantly lower scores in fatigue and symptom severity.
Another study on breast cancer survivors looked into reishi’s impact on fatigue, which is often prevalent during endocrine treatments. This pilot study found that reishi may improve fatigue and overall quality of life. No significant adverse effects were noted either.
Try these incredible reishi products out if you’re looking to support your immune system and stress management:
- Reishi Mushroom Capsules: These capsules contain pure reishi, which can be taken once to twice daily or as your healthcare provider instructs. The touted benefits of reishi are incredible, including encouraging a healthy physical and mental stress response, improved cardiovascular health, and a balanced immune system. They're a great choice during cold/flu season!
- Mega Mushrooms Capsules: This potent mushroom blend contains popular, supportive options like lion’s mane, chaga, reishi, and maitake. If you’re interested in supporting your immune system, overall well-being, and stress response and providing your body with a boost of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, these capsules are an easy, all-in-one option.
Thanks for reading! I hope this article gave you fresh inspiration for how to use these adaptogens to support your health and goals.
Well Wishes,
Herbalist Natalie
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Natalie Hajdu-Voakes is a consulting Herbalist with over 27 years of hands-on experience and the owner of The Herb Stop. |