In contrast to conventional stimulants, such as sympathomimetics (e.g., ephedrine, fenfluramine, phentermine, prolintane) and general tonics, the adaptogens don't possess addiction, tolerance and abuse potentials, they don't impair mental function and lead to psychotic symptoms in long term use, Table 4.
Adaptogens, by instead supporting the body's stress response, are not supposed to make you crash. They are claimed to have no side effects, no negative impact on sleep, and no risk of creating addiction, tolerance, or abuse.
How long should I take adaptogens? Studies show that adaptogens work best for a short duration (less than six months) because your body could build a resistance to adaptogens and their intended effects, proving them ineffective over time.
Many people take adaptogens almost every day, while others will take them several times a day based on their needs (check with a professional for guidance about what's right for you).
Not everyone needs to cycle any or all adaptogens. Especially because adaptogens, ashwagandha being one of the most commonly studied, takes up to 4 weeks to achieve full effect on the body and has shown to be effective when used long term consistently.
Robinett recommends taking a break from ashwagandha once you've been taking the herb for about a year, to check in with your body and assess your needs. “The goal with plant-based medicine is to repair our system and get back to a place where we're balanced on our own,” she says.
Some of the most powerful adaptogens include Panax ginseng root, Rhodiola rosea root, Eleutherococcus senticosus root, astragalus root (Astragalus membranaceus), ashwagandha root (Withania somnifera L.), and schisandra fruit (Schisandra chinensis)—which I'll discuss in this article.
It benefits the immune system and it can improve mood, focus, and decrease anxiety, and works as an antidepressant due to its adenosine concentration. It behaves in a similar way to a steroid hormone due to its similar molecular structure, and increases estrogen, progesterone and testosterone production.
Adaptogens do not increase the levels of cortisol and NO in the human body under acute physiological loads [6, 31, 61]. Plant-originated adaptogens, for example, Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.)
For example, one herbal adaptogen is said to raise or lower the level of estrogen in different biochemical settings. Proponents of adaptogens suggest that these chemical actions could help the entire body (from the brain to the immune system) function optimally.
Ashwagandha is commonly called “Indian winter cherry” or “Indian Ginseng” and is used in Indian traditional medicine (Ayurveda) for its wide-ranging benefits. Yes, taking ashwagandha daily is safe, but people should never take it beyond the recommended doses or periods.
When taken by mouth: Ashwagandha is possibly safe when used for up to 3 months. The long-term safety of ashwagandha is not known. Large doses of ashwagandha might cause stomach upset, diarrhea, and vomiting. Rarely, liver problems might occur.
Experts recommend ingesting adaptogenic herbs in small doses each day over the course of six to 12 weeks (unless you're directed otherwise by your doctor). Taking larger doses in a single sitting may result in adverse effects, such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness or headaches.
You could end up doing more harm than good. Ashwagandha, for example, may increase thyroid hormone levels, which could cause fatigue, anxiety, shortness of breath and other problems.
Do Adaptogens Really Help with Hormone Imbalance? Yes, adaptogens are great for treating hormone imbalance. Adaptogenic herbs help manage oxidative stress in your body, lower your cortisol levels, support your adrenal system, optimize thyroid function, and boost energy levels as well as low libido.
Ashwagandha is a popular adaptogen with many health benefits. Most people take ashwagandha as a capsule or powder that can be taken at any time of the day.
Taking too many adaptogens may raise your risk of side effects. If you're taking multiple supplements that contain multiple adaptogens or vitamins or if your levels of a particular vitamin or mineral are already high, this could potentially lead to harmful effects.
Rhodiola: This powerful adaptogen helps directly increase key brain chemicals involved in mood, such as dopamine and serotonin.
While Ashwagandha's benefits are many, for some people, the herb may delay or prevent the healing process. The adaptogenic properties may be most beneficial for people in mild stages of adrenal fatigue. In others, the herb may trigger an adrenal crisis.
Ashwagandha and Its Bioactive Chemicals: Things to Know
For this reason, it is a powerful anti-stress, antioxidant and adaptogenic herb. In addition, it enhances: Hormone balance. Therefore, it is a highly effective supplement for improving fertility and maintaining female reproductive health.
The phytoestrogens found in these foods include isoflavones and lignans. 1 Herbs with high phytoestrogen content include alfalfa , hops , licorice , thyme, and verbena.
Adaptogens are herbs, roots, or plants that modulate the stress response, which lowers cortisol levels and can benefit weight loss. In addition to lowering cortisol, adaptogens help weight loss by reducing inflammation, boosting cellular metabolism, and reducing appetite hormones.
Most adaptogens can be taken at any time of day, but you might want to use the more sleep-friendly ones, like ashwagandha, in the evening, and the energizing ones, like eleuthero, during the day, recommends Beakley.
If your primary concern is anxiety, getting a full night's sleep, or just overall relaxing, ashwagandha is the better choice. If physical stamina and higher energy levels are what you're looking for, choose rhodiola. Of course, you can always combine ashwagandha and rhodiola for the max amount of benefits.
Ashwagandha is a powerful herb that has many benefits for women. It can help to improve vitality, strength, and energy. Additionally, ashwagandha can help to balance hormones, reduce stress and anxiety, and promote overall health and well-being.