Adaptogens are said to boost the body’s natural ability to handle stress by adapting to meet its needs.  Seventy plants bring balance to the body,  just like  a thermostat controls temperature; they turn up your energy when you’re fatigued and help you relax as well as  when you’re restless.

The word was coined in 1940 but adaptogens are used for centuries in ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine.

Widely marketed adaptogens include Ashwagandha, Rhodiola, Holy basil, Ginseng, Maca, Reishi Cordyceps mushrooms.

Scientists aren’t sure-how exactly adaptogens work yet but compounds in these plants thought to increase or decrease different cellular responses to bring the body into balance.

Adaptogens could say/ impact how much of fight or flight hormone cortisol is released helping to reduce stress. 

They could urge cells to produce more neuropeptide Y which plays a big role in regulating mood and appetite and helping the body adapt to physical stressors like exercise

The evidence for most widely used adaptogens in suggestive but far from decisive because of lack of research and a lack of funding for such research.

Treat these like any other new medical intervention with hope, respect and caution.

Bottom Line: Adaptogens may help ease stress inside and out as part of an overall healthy life style.