It is well-known that our modern world is afflicted by stress. Several well known remedies are known to the pandemic: sleep, exercise, not working too much, etc. These are all great, but at the end of the day many of us are going to be stressed, and for some of us the stress is worth it in order to get more done.

Adaptogens are one of the most popular kinds of herbal supplements taken. They include Rhodiola Rosea, Ashwagandha Root, and Ginseng. However, there are more than 15 herbs that can be considered adaptogenic. While they all work in various ways and have different effects, the common effect that classifies an herb as an adaptogen is the reduction of stress. The effects occur on a cellular level and are scientifically observable: One study found that administration of Ashwagandha Root led to a 15-28% reduction in cortisol in stressed-out humans. Cortisol is, by the way, one of the main hormones in our bodies that is responsible for stress.

Some adaptogens, such as Rhodiola Rosea function as antidepressants as well as energy-boosters. Rhodiola Rosea is particularly exciting due to its potential a life-extender. A few years ago a study done on fruit flies found that Rhodiola Rosea increased their lifespans by 25%. There's no saying how this would carry over to humans but it makes logical sense that by reducing stress we can increase the length as well as quality of our lives.

While adaptogens are respected in traditional medicine from around the world, from Aryuvedic Indian medicines to the freezing climate of Siberia and Scandinavia where Rhodiola Rosea is found, they are currently being put under the scientific lens. The mechanisms by which adaptogens operate in the body are still being discovered as well as the body of potential uses for these ancient herbs.

Personally I take Rhodiola Rosea in the form of a capsule in the morning to help wake me up and power through a stressful day of classes and work, and in the evening I take capsules of Ashwagandha Root to wind down and recover from mental and physical stress. Though the efficacy of herbs largely depends on the individual, it is my belief that almost anyone can benefit from adaptogenic herbs. That is, unless you live a life devoid of stress, which is practically no one. Since I began using adaptogens I have found my productivity to be increased and stress levels far lower.