My Favorite Adaptogens for Stress
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Adaptogens are herbs and mushrooms that work with your body to help it adapt to stress, regulate cortisol, and support your energy without the crash. They’ve been used for centuries in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine — but they’re finally getting the attention they deserve in the burnout generation (hi!).
In this post, I’m breaking down the best adaptogens for stress — what they do, how to use them, and the exact ones I keep in rotation.
Whether you’re new to herbal support or already have a dusty jar of ashwagandha in your cabinet you don’t know what to do with — this is for you.
What Are Adaptogens?
Let’s start with the basics — adaptogens are your new herbal besties. Think of them as nature’s chill pills that help your body adapt to stress, gently regulate cortisol, and support your nervous system. But unlike caffeine or sugar, they don’t give you a buzz — they offer steady calm.
Adaptogens have been part of holistic medicine traditions like Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries. When used consistently (not bulk multivitamins-day), they help your body handle both busy and burnout — without crashing.
Here’s what’s truly magical about them:
- Support the HPA axis (your stress response system), helping cortisol rise when needed and drop when it’s safe.
- Boost resilience, so you feel more grounded even when life gets messy.
- Balance your energy — not go-go-go or crash-land, but something steadier.
- You can use them daily — in your morning tea, moon milk, or even your coffee.
Want to see how they actually come together in your slow living life? Check out The 8 Best Adaptogens for Hormone Balance for a full breakdown or 5 Best Adaptogens for Sleep That Really Work to explore the night-time heroes you didn’t know you needed.
The Best Adaptogens for Stress
1. Ashwagandha
If I had to pick one adaptogen to keep in my calm kit forever, it would be this one.
Ashwagandha is best known for helping lower cortisol levels, ease anxiety, and support deeper, more restorative sleep. It’s been studied like crazy, and it’s one of the few herbs that genuinely helped me stop waking up at 2 a.m. thinking about emails I forgot to send.
I use it most often in my nighttime routine — usually mixed into warm moon milk (you can grab my exact recipe here).
Pro tip: Ashwagandha pairs beautifully with magnesium glycinate and a
weighted blanket (check out my fave weighted blankets here).
How I use it:
- ½ tsp of ashwagandha powder in warm almond or cashew milk
- Add cinnamon + a tiny bit of raw honey or date paste
- Froth and enjoy!
2. Reishi
Reishi is a mushroom, but don’t let that scare you. It’s not the trippy kind — it’s the calm-the-chaos, smooth-the-edges, sleep-like-a-queen kind.
It’s incredible for people who feel “tired but wired” — the ones who can’t shut down even when everything’s turned off.
Want to see how I use it in my nighttime rituals? It’s featured in my 5 Best Adaptogens for Sleep guide.
How I use it:
- Add a tsp of reishi powder to moon milk or cacao before bed
- You can also take it as a tincture if you’re not into powders
3. Tulsi (Holy Basil)
Tulsi is grounding and gentle. It helps with blood sugar, mood swings, and mental fog, especially mid-afternoon when you’re tempted to grab your third iced matcha.
It’s also incredibly hormone-friendly and pairs beautifully with a journaling break or a 10-minute forest bathing walk. (You can read more about how I use nature for nervous system support in this forest bathing post).
How I use it:
- A bag or loose-leaf Tulsi tea in the afternoon
- Add lemon balm or lavender if you want extra calm
4. Rhodiola
Rhodiola is one of the more energizing adaptogens — best for mental focus, stamina, and emotional balance during high-stress or high-output weeks. It works beautifully when you’re pushing through a project, PMS-ing, or just trying to not lose your mind.
That said, it’s not one I use daily. It’s more like my “I have to be sharp and not snap at anyone” backup plan.
How I use it:
- Capsule or tincture in the morning with food
- Only for a week or so at a time, when I really need the support
5. Licorice Root
Licorice root is one of the more nurturing adaptogens, especially if your cortisol is bottomed out from long-term burnout (think: can’t get out of bed tired, not just “a little blah”). It helps your body hold onto cortisol a little longer, which can be helpful if you’ve pushed yourself into total depletion.
I only use this one in cycles, and it’s not for everyone — it can raise blood pressure and isn’t recommended if you’re pregnant or on certain medications. But when used properly, it can be a gentle reset.
How I use it:
- In adrenal support tea blends (paired with ashwagandha or schisandra)
- 1–2 weeks max when I feel dragging exhausted
Always check with a practitioner before using licorice root consistently — it’s powerful but not for everyday.
6. Schisandra
This one doesn’t get enough credit. Schisandra is an adaptogenic berry known for helping with emotional balance, liver support, and skin clarity. It’s especially great if stress shows up as irritability, tension, or hormonal skin flare-ups.
It has a tart, earthy flavor — not sweet like it sounds — but it pairs well in teas or tinctures. If I feel PMS-y and overstimulated, this one comes out of the herbal cabinet.
How I use it:
- As a liquid tincture (because the powder is strong!)
- Great in warm water with lemon or blended into an herbal tea mix
7. Maca
Okay, maca is technically more of a hormone-balancing root than a true adaptogen, but I’m including it because it’s so popular in the wellness world — and people constantly ask about it for stress, energy, and libido.
I’ve found maca most helpful for supporting energy and mood during the luteal phase (hello, PMS). It works best when taken regularly with food and can help your body produce more of what it needs when you’re running low.
How I use it:
- In smoothies or energy bites — it has a nutty, malty flavor
- Best paired with warming herbs like cinnamon or ginger
How to Start with Adaptogens
So now you’ve met the herbs, maybe you’re feeling a little inspired… and a little overwhelmed.
Do you need all of them? Do they go in tea or smoothies or tinctures or… capsules? Do you need to quit coffee now? (No, you don’t.) Let’s keep it simple.
Here’s how I started using adaptogens in a way that actually fit into my slow, intentional rhythm.
1. Start With Just One or Two
Pick 1–2 adaptogens based on what your body is asking for right now.
| If you feel… | Try this: |
|---|---|
| Anxious, buzzy, can’t wind down | Ashwagandha or Reishi |
| Brain-fried & moody | Tulsi or Schisandra |
| Flat-out exhausted | Licorice Root or Maca |
| Burned out but still busy | Rhodiola (gently!) |
2. Choose Your Favorite Format
There’s no “best” way — just the one you’ll actually use.
- Teas → best for grounding, slow rituals
- Powders → easy in moon milk, smoothies, or warm tonics
- Tinctures → fast, great for on-the-go
- Capsules → if you’re not into earthy flavors (no shame)
Want a no-fuss bedtime blend? Here’s my moon milk recipes that use adaptogens in the coziest possible way.
3. Make It a Ritual
Try this:
- A cup of tulsi tea with your journal in the morning
- Reishi cacao while your phone’s off
- Ashwagandha moon milk in your favorite mug after screen time ends
Pair your herbs with calm. That’s where they shine.
4. Give It Time (But You’ll Probably Feel It Sooner Than You Think)
Adaptogens work best over time, by gently building resilience. But many women (myself included) feel shifts in mood, sleep, or cravings within a week or two of consistent use.
FAQs: Adaptogens for Stress & Nervous System Support
What are adaptogens and how do they help with stress?
Adaptogens are a class of herbs and mushrooms that help your body respond more gracefully to stress. Instead of numbing you out or giving you a fake energy spike, they support your adrenal glands and help regulate cortisol — the hormone that goes haywire when you’re in fight-or-flight mode 24/7. When used consistently, adaptogens can help calm your nervous system, balance your mood, and make you feel like you’re finally not just “coping,” but actually handling life again.
What are the best adaptogens for stress and anxiety?
Some of the best adaptogens for stress and anxiety include ashwagandha, reishi, tulsi (holy basil), and schisandra. These herbs are especially soothing for a wired-but-tired nervous system. Ashwagandha helps lower cortisol and calm anxious thoughts, reishi supports deep rest and emotional recovery, tulsi is grounding and great for mood swings, and schisandra is perfect for emotional clarity and focus. Think of these as your herbal support squad for calm, steadiness, and resilience.
How long does it take for adaptogens to work?
Adaptogens are slow and steady by nature — they’re not meant to be a quick fix. Most people start to feel a gentle shift within 1 to 2 weeks of consistent use, but deeper results often show up around the 3- to 6-week mark. The key is consistency. These herbs build resilience in your system over time, helping you handle stress better without relying on willpower or caffeine.
Can I take adaptogens every day?
Yes, many adaptogens are safe to take daily, especially when you choose high-quality, organic sources and stick to the recommended dose. Herbs like ashwagandha, reishi, and tulsi are often used long-term to support everything from sleep to hormone health. That said, it’s always good to check with your practitioner — especially if you’re pregnant, nursing, or on medications — and to rotate your herbs seasonally to avoid over-dependence.
What’s the best way to take adaptogens?
Adaptogens can fit into your life in whatever way feels most natural. You can sip them in teas, stir powders into your morning smoothie, add tinctures to warm water, or take them in capsule form if you’re not a fan of the earthy flavor. I personally love incorporating them into slow rituals like moon milk, herbal tonics, or afternoon tea. The method matters less than the consistency — find what feels good, and let it become part of your rhythm.
Are adaptogens safe for hormone balance?
Yes — many adaptogens are actually known for their hormone-supportive benefits. When your body is constantly stressed, cortisol can throw off estrogen, progesterone, and even thyroid function. Adaptogens like ashwagandha, maca, tulsi, and schisandra help reduce stress and regulate the systems that keep your hormones stable. If you’re working on cycle health, fertility, or even stress-related hair shedding, adaptogens can be a beautiful part of your toolkit.
Can adaptogens help with burnout and fatigue?
Absolutely. If you’re running on empty, certain adaptogens are incredible for helping your body bounce back. Rhodiola, maca, and licorice root are especially helpful for physical and mental fatigue. They support your adrenal glands and help rebalance cortisol so you can rebuild your energy reserves — without reaching for another double shot of espresso. I call them my herbal scaffolding for burnout recovery.
What’s the difference between adaptogens and other supplements?
Unlike synthetic supplements or stimulants that force your body into action, adaptogens work with your body’s natural rhythms. They’re not here to override your stress signals — they’re here to soften them. The beauty of adaptogens is that they meet you where you are and bring your system toward balance, whether that means calming you down or gently energizing you. No crash. No jitters. Just steady, grounded support over time.
