Adaptogens are a category of plants that work in a general and gentle way to support the body’s natural response to stress. Whether the stressor is external (e.g., demanding job, financial worries, caring for parents/children) or internal (e.g., poor diet, lack of sleep), adaptogens can help bring your body back into balance.
Some adaptogens are calming, some are mildly stimulating, some support concentration and working memory, while others help support a healthy immune response.
They work through your endocrine and nervous systems to help you cope with stress. Check out this fun chart from adaptogen researcher Alexander Panossian.
Panosyan A., Vikman G. influence of adaptogens on the central nervous system and molecular mechanisms associated with their stress-protective activity. 2010
