What are adaptogens, and what do they do?

Follow any health and wellness account on social media, and chances are you’ll skim a caption or two raving about the medicinal powers of what are called adaptogens . Sound familiar? The word is almost as trendy as the herbs it refers to—and equally as confusing. To clear the smoke, we’re breaking down what exactly these magical plants are, and if you should be taking them, too. According to The Plant-Powered Dietitian, Sharon Palmer , MSFS, RDN, adaptogens are botanicals and herbs that originated in Ayurveda, the ancient Indian medicine practice. In this Eastern traditional system, it is believed that health is rooted in the mind, body, and soul. “It involves what you eat, as well as when, how, and why you eat, and uses diet, yoga, herbs, and spices to restore balance with the body,” Palmer says, adding that adaptogens are said to balance hormones and combat stress and fatigue. However, most of the claims about adaptogens being natural healers are made based on personal experience. Scientifically, there isn’t a lot of concrete evidence to support them. “Small studies have shown that some adaptogens can lower cortisol, the hormone released during stress,” Palmer explains, “but this issue is very complex. Our hormones are very complex, and the idea of “balancing them” by taking a supplement is not well founded in science.” Though more research needs to be done on the subject, research experts have collected exemplify adaptogens’ abilities to improve the body’s natural response to stress, as well as help maintain balance in the body, and provide protection against stress responses like fatigue, depression, inflammation, and even disease long-term, adds Dr. Josh Axe, D.N.M., C.N.S., D.C., founder of Ancient Nutrition , DrAxe.com , and author of the best-selling book Keto Diet . “When your body undergoes any type […]

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