Posted by Martha Bolt
on May 15, 2026
Stress is a constant part of modern life for most people. Where it is work pressure, poor sleep or mental overload, stress can disrupt your wellbeing, mood and even your hormones.
Herbal remedies are on the rise as the new helping hand for stress relief including a small group of fungi and herbs known as adaptogens.
Adaptogens are natural substances that help your body adapt to stress and restore balance. Among the most popular are ashwagandha, ginseng and reishi mushroom. While they are all adaptogens, they don’t all work the same way!
In this guide we will be breaking down each adaptogen, its benefits and how to choose the best option for your needs.
What is an adaptogen?
An adaptogen is a herbal remedy that allows your body to adapt to stress – whether it is physical or emotional. Most adaptogens are taken for anxiety due to their powers of lowering levels of cortisol.
They do this by supporting the body’s stress-response system, particularly the HPA axis. This system controls your release of cortisol, the stress hormone.
Instead of forcing changes like pharmaceutical drugs, adaptogens aim to help regulate cortisol levels, improve resilience to physical and mental stress and promote hormonal balance over time.
Think of them as system stabilizers, rather than stimulants or sedatives.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is one of the highest researched adaptogens and is well known for its stress relieving properties. Often used for hormonal help, ashwagandha calms the nervous system and reduces overactive stress signals from the brain. This allows your body to rebalance hormones naturally.
Ashwagandha’s key benefits are:
- Improving sleep quality
- Reducing cortisol levels
- Supporting testosterone in stressed individuals
- Helps recovery and muscle growth
Ginseng
Ginseng is an adaptogen that may help support the immune system and reduce pain and inflammation by acting as a natural anti-inflammatory. It also may be a natural energiser, so perfect if you want a hit of energy without the caffeine. Derived from its roots, which are dried and often grounded into a powder, ginseng comes in many different types including American and Asian. In addition to its previously mentioned properties, Ginseng is also believed to combat stress and boost your nervous system.
Ginseng’s Key benefits are:
- Boosts energy and reduces fatigue
- Supports the immune system
- Helps with mental alertness
Reishi Mushroom
Reishi Mushroom is a potent medicinal mushroom, used as an adaptogen to help with stress and resetting the nervous system. Most supplements come in the form of mushroom powder which can be mixed into drinks, however it is not uncommon to take reishi in the form of a tincture or capsule. Reishi is believed to be a natural antioxidant and may help by boosting energy, supporting the immune system and enhancing sleep.
Reishi Mushrooms’ key benefits are:
- Helps with Anxiety, sleep and insomnia
- Immunity and inflammation
- Supports cardiovascular health
So… Which one is for me?
As with all herbal remedies, it will be totally different depending on the person. As a general rule of thumb, Ashwagandha is a calming, stress relief that may help with anxiety and cortisol control. Ginseng is uplifting and may boost energy and can help with fatigue and cognitive function. Reishi Mushroom is a calming sedative that may help with immune support and sleep.
Paring Adaptogens with CBD?
Adaptogens and CBD can absolutely be paired together! CBD interacts with the bodies Endocannabinoid system which intern can help with stress, sleep, anxiety and any unwanted tension. When paired, they may compliment each other. With CBD providing a more immediate calming effect and your chosen adaptogen may support long term resilience to stress.
