Adaptogenic Herbs 101 
 
If you are interested in natural and holistic remedies for things like chronic pain, 
soreness, and your immune system, then adaptogenic herbs might be perfect for you.

Some experts call adaptogens "herbal medicine" due to the high amount of healing 
benefits they encompass. Adaptogens counteract a lot of the stress in your body, which 
in turn can lead to many issues with your physical and mental health, including 
neurological systems, your endocrine system, and immune system.  
 
Keep reading to learn more about these types of herbs and how they can help you.  

 
1. How Exactly Do Adaptogens Work? 
 
Adaptogens work by helping to balance the adrenal, pituitary, and hypothalamic glands. 
These glands work in your body's stress responses. When you go through stress, your 
body goes through three steps: 
 
 
Step 1: The alarm phase 
Step 2: The resistance phase 
Step 3: The exhaustion phase 
 
As your body deals with stressors such as strenuous exercise, it expels hormones that 
increase the performance of your muscles and lets you concentrate on the task at hand. 
You actually resist the stressor. As a result, you actually feel more energy due to the 
boost that your body gets. This helps you fight the stressor.  
 
When you get tired, you start to go into the exhaustion phase. At step two, the 
resistance phase, it gets stretched out a bit more. This powerful part allows you to stay 
in this helpful stage a bit longer.  
 
Adaptogens have some of the following effects on your body: 

Antidepressive effects
Antifatigue effects
Central nervous system stimulant
Neuroprotective effects






2. The Benefits of Apaptogenic Herbs 
 
When added as a supplement with medications for certain health issues, adaptogens 
could really help with well-being. In the past, they have helped people with heart health 
issues as well as some neurological problems.  
 
Adaptogens also help with mental clarity for people with all kinds of health issues. For 
example, Arctic root can help people with depression boost their productivity levels 
without any of the toxic side effects that those on antidepressants can often experience. 
Arctic root can also help people heal from the flu at a faster rate.  
 
Schisandra, another adaptogen, helps people who deal with exhaustion and low mental 
energy. It has also been helpful in people with schizophrenia, some neurological issues, 
as well as lung functioning. While Schisandra is a stimulant, the body doesn't get used 
to it at a fast rate. For this reason, you can use this adaptogen at the exact same doses 
as you do the others.  
 
Adaptogens can be used to alleviate fatigue. They can also be helpful for dealing with 
the symptoms of many acute and chronic issues when used alongside other types of 
treatment. While most physicians may not be quick to prescribe adaptogens for random 
reasons, it might be helpful to take them if you deal with low levels of energy as a result 
of a medical issue.  

 
3. Tips for Using Adaptogenic Herbs 
 
Can anyone take adaptogenic herbs for complementary treatment of their health 
issues? Most people can take these types of herbs without ill effect. The only group of 
people that should be careful are pregnant or breastfeeding women. The usage of 
adaptogens has not been adequately studied in this group.  
 
Another group that should take some caution before taking adaptogens are those on 
prescription medicines. If you fall into this group, you should talk to your physician as 
negative interactions can always happen.












4. Types of Adaptogenic Herbs

Adaptogenic herbs are botanicals that naturally provide a number of health benefits. 
They are especially helpful in treating mental and physical stress. These herbs provide 
energy, strength, mental focus and clarity without the use of synthetic supplements or 
medications. The following herbs provide adaptogenic benefits: 

 
1. ELEUTHERO 
 
What is Eleuthero?
 
Eleuthero, also known as Siberian Ginseng, has been used in China as a traditional 
herbal remedy for over 2,000 years. It is native to northern China, North and South 
Korea, southeastern Russia, and Japan. Traditionally, eleuthero has been used as a 
stimulant and to boost the immune system.  
 
Health Benefits of Eleuthero
 
Eleuthero provides a wide variety of health benefits. These include: 
 
Improving Mental Functioning
 
Eleuthero works to increase blood flow to the brain. This helps to improve mental 
functions such as concentration, focus, reasoning, and memory.  
 
 
Eliminating Fatigue and Boosting Energy
 
Eleuthero has long been used as a natural stimulant. It increases energy levels and its 
naturally occurring compounds work to relieve exhaustion. 
 
Heals Wounds
 
Since eleuthero boosts the immune system, the body's natural healing processes work 
more quickly. The herb also contains compounds that have been proven in studies to be 
very effective in the prevention of ulcers.  
 
Menopause Relief
 
Eleuthero extracts have been shown to bind to the receptor sites of estrogen. This 
means that it can help to decrease the undesirable effects of estrogen withdrawal in 
menopausal women.  


 
Repair and Prevent Nerve Damage
 
Research has proven that eleuthero works to encourage the regeneration of nerves 
following damage as well as synapse regrowth in lab rats with nerve damage. 
 
Decreases Effects of Osteoporosis
 
Eleuthero has been shown for many years to be effective at boosting bone and muscle 
strength. A 2013 study showed a nearly 17% increase in the bone density of lab rat 
femur bones when the rats have been given 100mg of the herb daily for a period of 8 
weeks.  
 
How is Eleuthero Used?
 
Eleuthero in powder form can be mixed with water or juice and ingested. A daily dosage 
of 1-2g is recommended, divided evenly into 2-3 doses and taken between meals. 
 
 
2. MACA 
 
What is Maca?
 
Maca or Maca Root is also called Peruvian Ginseng. It is native to the Peruvian Andes 
mountains in South America. It has long been used for its traditional medicinal benefits. 
One of the most recent benefits of Maca was discovered in a 2016 study when it was 
found that the root improves the quality of semen in infertile but otherwise healthy adult 
males.  
 
Health Benefits of Maca
 
Maca root is available in many supermarket produce sections and health food stores. It 
has been shown in multiple studies to deliver several health benefits such as: 
 
Menopausal Stress Relief
 
Women suffering from the stressful effects of menopause have reported that adding 
small amounts of Maca Root powder to their diet helps relieve anxiety, fatigue, and the 
overall unpleasantness of menopause.  
 
Improves Mental Functioning
 
Maca has been proven to improve mental focus, memory, and has shown promise in 
delaying the onset of debilitating mental conditions and diseases.  

 
Improves Overall Health
 
Maca contains iron which enriches the blood, lowering the risk of anemia. The natural 
vitamin content works to ward off illnesses, viruses, the flu, colds, etc. There are claims 
that Maca decreases the risk of prostate disease in males.  
 
Relieves Depression
 
Maca naturally increases energy levels and encourages hormonal changes in order to 
improve mental outlook and mood. A number of individuals who have suffered from 
depression and who have taken Maca on a regular basis show improvement and 
outlook. 
 
Increases Bone Density
 
Maca has been proven to increase bone density and strength. Many people believe that 
daily use of the root helps to prevent osteoporosis. 
 
How is Maca Used?
 
Maca is most commonly used in powder form once it has been harvested and dried. 
The powder can be added to food or stirred into tea or soup. It can even be fermented 
and brewed into a weak form of beer. 
 
 
3. RHODIOLA ROSEA 
 
What is Rhodiola Rosea?
 
Rhodiola Rosea is found in the frigid mountains of Asia and Europe. It is also known by 
the names Golden Root and Arctic Root. It is an especially potent herb, containing over 
140 active ingredients. Rhodiola Rosea has long been used in Scandinavia and Russia 
to treat conditions such as depression, anxiety, and associated fatigue. 
 
Health Benefits of Rhodiola Rosea
 
With its vast number of active ingredients, Rhodiola Rosea offers a wide range of health 
benefits, including: 
 
Decreases Anxiety and Stress
 
Test studies have shown that Rhodiola Rosea significantly improves the unpleasant 
symptoms associated with stress, such as anxiety, fatigue, and exhaustion. Test 
subjects who also suffered from depression reported improvements in those symptoms 
as well. 
 
Improves Mental Functioning
 
Testing on 56 doctors who work the night shift showed that the herb reduced mental 
fatigue by 20% and greatly improved energy levels. The same testing performed on 
military cadets showed increased mental focus, reduced mental fatigue, and even 
improved overall exam scores by 8%. 
 
Could Help to Control Diabetes
 
Rhodiola Rosea has been shown to lower the blood sugar of diabetic lab rats. It does 
this by increasing the blood's glucose transporters which carry glucose throughout the 
body. 
 
May Fight Cancer
 
One of the components of this herb is Salidroside, which has shown promise in test 
tube experiments in inhibiting the growth of cancer cells.  
 
 
4. HOLY BASIL 
 
What is Holy Basil?
 
Holy basil was originally only found in India, but today it can be found in West Africa, 
Australia, and in some countries in the Middle East. The Hindus consider holy basil to 
be a sacred plant. The Hindus gave it the name Tulsi, which translates to "the 
incomparable one."  
 
Health Benefits of Holy Basil
 
The seeds, stems, and leaves of the plant are used to make medicines. These 
medications provide a wealth of health benefits including: 
 
Fever Reducer
 
Although a fever is not an illness in itself but rather a symptom, holy basil contains 
phytonutrients and essential oils that can fend off viral, fungal, and bacterial infections. 
When these ailments invade the body, holy basil helps to fight them off and keep fevers 
at bay 
 
Protects Against Lung Disorders
 
Holy basil contains within its essential oils compounds like eugenol, vitamin C, cineole, 
and camphene, which are all extremely effective at fighting off lung infections and 
clearing away congestion in the lungs. These compounds are also highly effective at 
fighting lung infections and clearing away congestion in the lungs. These compounds 
are also highly effective in healing lungs that have been damaged by smoking.  
 
Prevents Heart Disease
 
The vitamin C, eugenol, and other antioxidants found in holy basil are well-known for 
protecting the heart against damage from harmful free radicals. They are also effective 
in reducing cholesterol levels, which is also very beneficial to the heart. 
 
May Prevent Certain Cancers
 
There is evidence to indicate that holy basil may retard the growth of certain forms of 
cancer, such as oral cancer. The phytochemicals and the apoptotic properties of the 
ursolic acid contained in the herb work to effectively battle the disease. 
 
Reduces Kidney Stone Development
 
Since holy basil is a mild diuretic and detoxifier it is effective in reducing the level of uric 
acid in the body. This acid is the main component in the formation of kidney stones. The 
acetic acid along with other compounds found in the herb work to help dissolve kidney 
stones. Holy basil has a mild painkilling effect that also helps relieve the pain and 
discomfort of kidney stones.  
 
Headache Relief
 
Holy basil contains carvacrol, camphene, methyl-chavicol, cineol, and eugenol, which all 
have strong anti-congestive, analgesic, disinfectant, and sedative properties which are 
helpful in alleviating headaches caused by sinus pressure, cough and cold, migraine, 
and high blood pressure. 
 
How is Holy Basil Used?
 
The recommended dosage of holy basil leaf extract is as follows:
 
1,100 - 2,200mg for persons 150 lbs. 
1,500 - 2,900mg for persons 200 lbs. 
1,800 - 3,600mg for persons 250+ lbs. 
 
 
5. PANAX GINSENG 
 
What is Panax Ginseng?
 
Panax ginseng is also commonly known as Asian Ginseng or Chinese Red Ginseng. It 
is native to far eastern Siberia, Korea, and northeastern China. The herb contains a 
number of active substances, the most significant of which are panaxosides and 
ginsenosides. 
 
 
Health Benefits of Panax Ginseng
 
Panax ginseng is considered to be a medication for the general well-being since it 
provides benefits to so many areas of the body. Its benefits include: 
 
Aids in Diabetes Management
 
Scientists discovered in a series of 16 controlled, randomized studies that the herb 
greatly improves fasting blood glucose.  
 
Helps Treat Erectile Dysfunction
 
Testing has shown that after taking Panax ginseng for 8 weeks, men who suffer from 
erectile dysfunction showed marked improvement in their condition, and the 
improvement continued as long as the herb was used.  
 
Improves Cognitive Performance
 
Clinical trials have shown that the herb relieves mental fatigue and significantly 
improves memory, focus, and concentration.  
 
How is Panax Ginseng Used? 
 
The recommended dosage of Panax ginseng is 200 - 400mg per day for general 
medicinal purposes and prevention. Studies have indicated that taking 400mg daily 
delivers the greatest benefit to cognitive functioning.  
 
 
6. SCHISANDRA 
 
What is Schisandra?
 
Schisandra is a climbing vine plant native to Russia and China. It thrives in virtually any 
type of soil and its fruit is used for a wide variety of medical purposes. The berry of the 
plant is referred to as the "five flavor berry." This is because it contains all five flavors 
that are considered to be basic to Chinese herbal medicine. They include sour, salty, 
spicy, sweet, and bitter. A fruit that posses all of these flavors provides health benefits 
to all five of the body's yin organs: heart, liver, kidneys, spleen, and lungs. These health 
benefits include: 



 
Relief From Hypertension
 
A 2009 study found that a number of Schisandra extracts reduced pressure in the 
cardiac blood vessels of lab rats. They also resulted in lower blood pressure and 
improved circulation. 
 
Increases Energy and Battles Fatigue 
Schisandra is most popular for its abilities to naturally increase energy levels and 
reduce both mental and physical fatigue. This is thanks to the plant's ability to stimulate 
the adrenal gland to produce hormones that improve muscle strength, sugar 
metabolism, heart rate, and blood pressure. These changes result in an increase in 
energy, stamina, mental sharpness, and feelings of inner peace and well-being. 
 
Reduces Damage from Hepatitis
 
The fruit extracts of Schisandra reduce levels of the enzyme glutamic-pyruvic 
transaminase (SGPT)in the blood of people with hepatitis. The enzyme SGPT indicates 
the level of liver damage in someone with hepatitis. Schisandra has been proven to 
decrease these levels by decreasing and preventing liver damage.  
 
Fights Off Alzheimer's Disease
 
A 2017 study found that the herb contains an enzyme that blocks the creation of 
excessive amounts of amyloid peptides in the brain. Amyloid peptides are one of the 
principal components that cause the formation of amyloid plaque, which is found in the 
brains of individuals who suffer from Alzheimer's disease.  
 
Protects Against Liver Disease
 
Pollen extracted from the Schisandra plant acts as a powerful antioxidant effect on the 
toxic properties that cause liver damage in individuals with hepatitis, both acute and 
chronic.  
 
How is Schisandra Used? 
 
Dried Schisandra berries can be purchased at many health food stores and online and 
eaten as they are. Schisandra is also available in powder, tablets, capsules, and 
extracts that are taken orally. The most commonly recommended dosage is 500 - 
2,000mg daily. The powder, seeds, and dried berries can be brewed into tea. 
 




 
7. ASHWAGANDHA 
 
What is Ashwagandha? 
 
Ashwagandha is commonly known as Indian Ginseng, Winter Cherry, or Poison 
Gooseberry. It has been used in traditional Indian medicine for centuries.  
 
Health Benefits of Ashwagandha  
 
Ashwagandha provides both physical and mental health benefits. It is one of the 
healthiest medicinal herbs known to man. Its benefits include: 
 
Reduced Blood Sugar Levels
 
Studies have shown that ashwagandha increases insulin secretion and improves 
muscle cells' sensitivity to insulin. These test indications, along with independent 
information provided by users of the herb indicate that it decreases blood sugar levels in 
healthy individuals as well as those who have diabetes.  
 
Kills Cancer Cells
 
Studies have proven that this plant helps to induce apoptosis, which destroys cancer 
cells.  
 
Reduces Cortisol Levels
 
Cortisol is called the "stress hormone" because the adrenal glands produce and release 
it as a natural response to stress. This also occurs when blood sugar levels are too low. 
When cortisol levels become dangerously high, which can often lead to increased blood 
sugar levels, Ashwagandha helps to reduce those elevated levels.  
 
Fights Off Depression
 
A controlled study showed that among a group of 64 adults suffering from depression 
who took 600mg of a high concentration of the herb over a 60-day period reported 
nearly an 80% decrease in feelings of depression. 
 
How is Ashwagandha Used?
 
Ashwagandha benefits have been shown to be most effective in daily doses of 500 - 
600mg taken for at least 30 days.

