Stress is a part of modern life—but constant fatigue, irritability, and burnout don’t have to be. Increasingly, people are turning to natural adaptogens like ashwagandha and rhodiola rosea to help the body cope with stress and maintain mental balance.
But how exactly do these ingredients work?
🌿 What Are Adaptogens?
Adaptogens are herbal substances that help the body resist physical, emotional, and environmental stress. Instead of stimulating or sedating the nervous system like caffeine or medication, adaptogens work by supporting the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis—your body's main stress response system.
🧘♂️ Ashwagandha: The Calm Root
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), especially in its KSM-66 extract form, has been shown to:
Reduce cortisol levels (the body’s main stress hormone)
Improve mood and sleep quality
Support cognitive function under stress
In fact, a double-blind placebo-controlled study published in the Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine found that ashwagandha significantly reduced stress in adults after just 60 days of use.
🏔 Rhodiola Rosea: The Mood Lifter
Rhodiola is traditionally used in Eastern Europe and Scandinavia for fatigue, anxiety, and mood support. Research shows rhodiola may:
Reduce fatigue caused by stress
Improve mental performance and alertness
Support emotional resilience
One study published in Phytomedicine found that rhodiola extract improved symptoms of burnout, including lack of focus and low mood, in just one week.
💊 How to Supplement Effectively
For optimal results, look for supplements that:
Use standardized extracts (like KSM-66 ashwagandha or rhodiola 3% rosavins)
Combine multiple adaptogens for synergistic effects
Include supporting nutrients like zinc, vitamin D3, or B6
Sources:
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Panossian, A., Wikman, G. (2010). Effects of Adaptogens on the Central Nervous System and the Molecular Mechanisms Associated with Their Stress-Protective Activity. Pharmaceuticals.