Adaptogens are a special class of herbs and natural compounds. They help your body adapt to stress in a healthy way, increasing your physical and mental energy levels.
How often should you take adaptogens?
It depends on the person and the adaptogen. Some people can benefit from taking them every day, while others may only need to take them once or twice a week. Others prefer to use them only when they or their bodies need an extra boost.
Some people find that taking adaptogens every day can help keep their energy levels and stress low, while others prefer to cycle their use. Cycling involves taking an adaptogen once a week or two weeks (depending on the herb). This helps build up a tolerance for the herb and allows your body time to process it fully before you ingest more of it again.
As you can see, there are a lot of factors that go into determining how often to take an adaptogen. The best thing you can do is listen to your body and make sure you’re taking it at the right time for your goals. If you’re still unsure, ask your doctor or another trusted health professional.
Some adaptogens you can try include: Reishi, Chaga, andLion's Mane.You can add these into your coffee, protein shakes or even soups.
Experiment for yourself and find the ones that work best for you.
FAQs
According to Cabral, there are three main categories of how often and in what amounts to take your adaptogens: every day, every other day, and only when absolutely needed. You can also choose to take adaptogens every day for two weeks, then step away from your supplement for two days.
How often should you take adaptogens? ›
According to Cabral, there are three main categories of how often and in what amounts to take your adaptogens: every day, every other day, and only when absolutely needed. You can also choose to take adaptogens every day for two weeks, then step away from your supplement for two days.
Should you take adaptogens at night or morning? ›
While some adaptogens are more stimulating and most appropriate to take in the morning or early afternoon, others have a more calming effect and are best taken later in the day or evening when you want to wind down.
What is the most effective way to take adaptogens? ›
Adaptogens are herbs, roots and other plant substances (like mushrooms) that help our bodies manage stress and restore balance after a stressful situation. People take adaptogens as herbal supplements in capsule form, drink them in teas or in a powder added to soups, smoothies and other foods.
Can you take too much adaptogens? ›
"[To be considered an adaptogen], it must be considered generally safe, non-toxic, and non-habit forming, it must have a nonspecific effect on the body, and it must help normalize systems and bring balance to the body," he explains. But, he adds, "You can have too much of anything.
What is the most powerful adaptogen in the world? ›
Ginseng is one well-known adaptogen, and Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) is considered by many to be the most potent.
What is the king of the adaptogens? ›
Overall Wellness
In our opinion, red ginseng could be considered the king of all adaptogens because of its ongoing use as a primary energy tonic by Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners for more than 5,000 years.
How long does it take for adaptogens to kick in? ›
The time it takes to notice the effects of adaptogens can vary depending on the person, the specific adaptogen, and the way it's used. Some people may begin to feel a difference within a few days, while others may not feel the effects for several weeks or months.
Can you take adaptogens long term? ›
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.
Do you need to take a break from adaptogens? ›
It is recommended to change the adaptogen you're taking every 6-8 weeks, or take a break.
Adaptogens are well tolerated by adults, but some noted common side effects include: Nausea. Diarrhea. Dry mouth.
Which adaptogen is best? ›
3. Top eight global frontrunners of herbal adaptogens
| S. No. | Adaptogen | Action |
|---|
| 1 | Ashwagandha | Improves muscle strength, endurance, and quality of life |
| 2 | Astragalus | Improves endurance and muscle recovery |
| 3 | Cordyceps | Improves endurance and energy |
| 4 | Ginseng | Enhances muscle strength, endurance, and muscle recovery |
4 more rowsYes, some adaptogens can give you a buzz. These include green tea, holy basil, ginseng, cordyceps mushrooms, Schisandra berries and maca root. Medicinal mushrooms and maca root are well known for giving you an energy buzz without the anxiety or accelerated heart rate that caffeine often entails.
Do adaptogens cause weight gain? ›
Key Takeaways. Adaptogens are compounds found in plants and some fungi that are believed to help your body increase resilience to stress, reduce inflammation, improve metabolism, moderate appetite, and potentially help with weight loss.
Can you become dependent on adaptogens? ›
For people who are healthy and do not take medications, the risk of any serious harm is low. Most of the studies on adaptogens do not highlight any major adverse effects or serious health risks when taken at normal dosages. Also, they do not have any known intoxicating or addictive properties.
Who shouldn't take adaptogens? ›
Pregnant and breastfeeding women. Diabetics. People with high or low blood pressure. People with stomach ulcers or history of them.
