The Herbal Action of the Week: Adaptogens
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There are certain herbs that herbalists reach for when life feels like it is pulling us in a hundred different directions.
Adaptogens are one of those groups of herbs.
They are often recommended when the body and mind are under prolonged stress — the kind of stress that slowly wears down our resilience over time.As I continue studying herbalism, I like exploring herbs not just individually but also by their herbal actions. This week I’ve been learning more about adaptogenic herbs and how they support the body during times of physical and emotional strain.
What Are Adaptogenic Herbs?
Adaptogens are herbs that help increase the body’s resistance to a wide range of stressors.
These stressors can include:
• physical stress
• emotional stress
• environmental stress
• illness or fatigue
Adaptogens work by supporting the body’s ability to adapt to change and restore balance, which is where their name comes from.
Many adaptogenic herbs help regulate the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, which plays a major role in the body’s stress response and cortisol regulation.Rather than forcing the body in one direction, adaptogens gently help bring the body back toward homeostasis, or balance.
An Adaptogenic Extract I’ve Been Looking At
One of the things I appreciate about liquid herbal extracts is how easy they are to take. Instead of swallowing capsules, extracts can simply be added to water, tea, or juice.
I recently came across an adaptogenic blend from MaryRuth Organics that combines several well-known stress-support herbs.
MaryRuth’s Organic Ginseng Vitality Liquid Extract (Alcohol-Free)
→ You can find it here
This extract includes several traditional adaptogenic herbs:
• Asian Ginseng Root
• American Ginseng Root
• Ashwagandha Root
• Eleuthero Root (Siberian ginseng)
• Maca Root
Each of these herbs has historically been used to support energy, resilience, and stress recovery.
Why Ginseng Has Been Used for Stress Support
Ginseng has long been valued in herbal traditions for its ability to support the body during times of physical strain and fatigue.
According to the book The Green Pharmacy, ginseng helps the body maintain balance during stress by influencing cortisol regulation and supporting immune function.
Compounds called ginsenosides appear to help regulate immune responses — sometimes stimulating immune activity and other times calming it depending on the body’s needs.
Ginseng has also been studied for potential benefits in athletic endurance and physical performance, though these effects often appear after consistent use over several weeks.
Ashwagandha: One of the Most Well-Known Adaptogens
Ashwagandha is another herb included in the vitality blend and one that many herbal beginners start with.
In Ayurvedic medicine, ashwagandha has traditionally been used as a rejuvenating herb that supports the nervous system, endocrine system, and overall vitality.
Some research and traditional use suggest it may help:
• support adrenal function
• regulate the body’s stress response
• stabilize mood
• support healthy blood glucose levels
If someone prefers to begin with a single adaptogenic herb, ashwagandha can be a simple starting point.
MaryRuth’s Organic Ashwagandha Liquid Extract (Alcohol-Free)
→ You can find it here
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is sometimes referred to as Indian ginseng because of its reputation for supporting energy and resilience.
The book The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies notes that people who consumed ashwagandha regularly for eight weeks experienced improved joint function and reduced inflammation in some studies.
Other herbal sources suggest it may also support learning and memory retention, especially in aging populations.
Adaptogens and the Stress Response
What many adaptogenic herbs share is their ability to support the body’s stress response system.
They help the body better handle physical, emotional, and environmental stress by supporting communication between the:
• hypothalamus
• pituitary gland
• adrenal glands
When these systems function well together, the body can better regulate cortisol and maintain balance even during challenging seasons.
A Few Books That Have Shaped My Herbal Studies
If you’re interested in learning more about herbal medicine, these books are what I am studying this month~
The Green Pharmacy – James A. Duke
→ You can find it here
The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies – Claude Davis & Nicole Apelian
→ You can find it here
The Male Herbal – James Green
→ You can find it here
Each of these books explores traditional herbal knowledge and the ways plants have been used to support health for generations.
A Gentle Reminder About Herbs
Herbs often work best when used consistently over time rather than expecting immediate results.
Many herbalists recommend trying an herb for at least two weeks before deciding whether it’s helpful for your body.
And of course, herbs are powerful plant medicines.
I’m not a medical doctor, and herbal information shared here is for educational purposes only. Always speak with a qualified healthcare professional before starting new herbal supplements, especially if you have medical conditions or take medications.
A Simple Starting Point
If adaptogenic herbs are new to you, starting with a single herb like ashwagandha can be a gentle introduction.
Over time, you may begin exploring other adaptogens and discovering which herbs your body responds to best.
Herbalism often begins exactly this way — one plant, one cup of tea, one small step toward supporting the body more naturally.
These techniques work beautifully alongside therapy, medication, and other anxiety management strategies.
Healing doesn’t happen all at once.
Sometimes it begins with something small — a cup of tea, a quiet moment, or a plant that reminds us the body knows how to find its way back to balance.
Wherever you are in your journey, I’m glad you’re here.
Warmly,
Jerica – Founder of Sovereign Becoming
