Adaptogens: Herbs For Balance And Stress Relief



Adaptogenic herbs act to bring the body back in balance, increasing the body's resistance to stress and adversity by a non-specific, wide range of actions. The same herb may have a calming effect or energizing effect depending upon the condition of the body, or the amount of the herb taken. The most widely used adaptogens come to use from the traditions of Chinese medicine; Panax ginseng and Eleuthero.


  • Herb Properties
  • Herbs Alphabetical by Common Name


    • See List Herbs by Botanical Name
  • Ashwagandha root Ashwagandha root, Withania somnifera : Ashwaganda, Ajagandha, Indian ginseng, Winter cherry
    Hardy annual/Tender perennial : It is often touted as the Indian version of ginseng because, like ginseng, ashwaganda is revered as a non-specific tonic, an adaptogen that is used alone or as an ingredient in compounds designed to target a variety of conditions....
  • Astragalus root Astragalus root, astragalus membranaceus : Huang qi , yellow leader
    herbaceous perennial : Astragalus is especially useful for strengthening the body against viral infections of the respiratory tract and heart. ...
  • Dong Quai Dong Quai, Angelica sinensis : Chinese Angelica, Dang-gui
    Herbaceous perennial : Since ancient times, dang-quai has been an important herb for women. For menopausal women it addresses symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats and mood swings...
  • Eleuthero Root Eleuthero Root, Eleutherococcus senticosus : Siberian ginseng, Ci-wu-jia, Wu Jia Shen Jing
    herb : Eleuthero is used to increase energy and vitality and to treat respiratory and other infections. In traditional Chinese medicine, eleuthero is considered good for vital chi ...
  • Fo-Ti Root Fo-Ti Root, Polygonum multiflorum : He-shou-wu
    Vine : Fo-ti, as it is known here in the west is most famous for its reputed ability to restore color to gray hair and as a fertility tonic. ...
  • Ginseng root Ginseng root, Panax ginseng : Ren-shen, X-yang-shen, Asian ginseng, Korean ginseng
    Herbaceous perennial : Ginseng is one the best known and widely prescribed herbs in Chinese medicine as a general adaptogenic and restorative tonic. ...
  • Holy Basil Holy Basil, Ocimum sanctum : Tulsi, Tulasi, Indian Basil
    Herb : Holy Basil has been used for thousands of years in the traditional medicinal of India, Ayurveda. Known to Hindus as Tulsi ...
  • Hyssop Hyssop, Hyssopus officinalis :
    Woody perennial : An aromatic and medicinal herb, Hyssop is a good expectorant and antiviral commonly used to treat respiratory conditions such as influenza, sinus infections, colds and bronchitis ...
  • Jiaogulan Jiaogulan, Gynostemma pentaphyllum : Jiao Gu Lan, Amachazuru, Herb of Immortality, sweet tea vine
    Perennial vine : Jiaogulan (Jiao Gu Lan)is an adaptogen and antioxidant with properties similar to that of ginseng....
  • Lemon Lemon, Citrus limonum :
    Fruit Tree : Lemon is used in herbal medicine to help build immunity against colds, influenza, and other viral infections. Lemon has high vitamin C content, antibacterial and astringent properties...
  • Maca root Maca root, Lepidium peruvianum : Maca, Peruvian ginseng, maka
    herbaceous biennial plant : Maca root is being effectively administered to both men and women to help increase libido, men's sperm activity, and to assist both sexes with issues regarding their physical endurance and threshold....
  • Maitake mushroom Maitake mushroom, Grifola frondosa : Hen of the Woods
    Mushroom : Maitake mushroom's use as an adaptogen arose in classic Chinese and Japanese medicine. Maitake mushrooms extracts have shown to increase activity of immune cells in laboratory tests....
  • Oats Oats, Avena sativa L. : Groats. Oatmeal. Oatstraw
    : Oats have always had a reputation as a wholesome, healthy food. The grain is a rich source of complex sugars used by the body. Green oatstraw teas, oatstraw glycerin tincture, and oatmeal poultices and baths...
  • Peppermint Peppermint, Mentha piperita : Yerba Buena
    Perennial Herb : Peppermint has an antispasmodic effect that soothes stomachaches and relieves gas. Peppermint oil is cooling and analgesic, relieving heat and inflammation while it increases blood flow to the painful area....
  • Rhodiola Rhodiola , Rhodiola rosea : Golden Root, Roseroot, Aaron's Rod
    Flowering perennial : Rhodiola is an adaptogen, and acts in a similar fashion as ginseng. Rhodiola extracts may help those suffering from mild to moderate depression....
  • Schisandra Schisandra, Schisandra chinensis : Magnolia vine, wu-wei-zi, Schizandra
    : Schisandra is a well known in Chinese medicine as an adaptogenic herb used to improve mental function, reduce tiredness, and improve endurance....
  • Suma Root Suma Root, Pfaffia paniculata : Brazilian ginseng
    Vine : Suma root has the ability to act as an adaptogen, helping the body to cope with stress, increasing energy levels and resistance to disease. ...
  • Valerian root Valerian root, Valeriana officinalis :
    Perennial Herb : The Greeks used valerian roots to help them fall asleep, and that use holds up under scientific scrutiny today. For insomnia and nervous anxiety ...