Adaptogen Supplements

Enhance Everyday Wellbeing with Adaptogen Supplements

Adaptogens are natural, botanical ingredients, such as herbs or roots, used to help you adapt and cope with stress, and support balance and wellbeing from the inside out.

They've become an increasingly popular addition to many wellness routines, bridging ancient wisdom and modern health goals to support your body's natural resiliency.

Adaptogen supplements come in a range of forms, and utilise effective ingredients such as ashwagandha, elderberry, rhodiola, holy basil and maca. Adaptogen supplements come in forms like capsules, powders, teas or tinctures, and are used alongside a good diet, sleep, and self-care can have stress-balancing effects and offer energy support.

They have a long history in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine, and today modern wellness experts often combine adaptogens with other nutrients to support energy, focus and recovery as part of a holistic routine.

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Adaptogen Supplements

About Adaptogen Supplements

The name 'adaptogens' was first coined in 1947, simply highlighting these mighty botanicals' ability to help our body adapt to stress. In our hectic modern life, adaptogens can offer a gentle daily boost, helping you to resist stress, boost attention and mental endurance and reduce fatigue. If your goal is to restore balance, adaptogens could offer some gentle support.

Adaptogens not only have their place in your wellness routine, but in your beauty routine too. In skincare, they help to soothe inflammation, strengthen your skin barrier and can even help to support your skin's ability to repair itself. 

Importantly, adaptogens aren’t a quick fix, but part of a holistic lifestyle approach.

What We Say...

"Adaptogens allow you to blend ancient wellness wisdom with modern routines. In practice, we find they feel most effective when taken as part of overall self-care, say, alongside a balanced diet, exercise, and good sleep. It’s like giving your body gentle support to adapt to daily challenges, rather than looking for a quick fix.”

-Kimberley, Clinic & Customer Experience Manager

What NOA Thinks About Adaptogens

Megan Hallett, Head of Nutrition at NOA, says:
"Adaptogens are traditionally used to help the body respond to stress, and how you're coping day to day often comes down to more than one thing at once, energy, thyroid function and blood sugar all play a part. A NOA blood test looks across these areas, so you get a fuller picture of what might be driving how you feel before deciding what to add in."

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Adaptogens in Modern Wellness & Skincare

Today, adaptogen supplements are a key part of holistic wellness routines. People incorporate them into daily habit stacks – for instance, adding powdered herbs to smoothies, taking capsules with breakfast, or brewing adaptogenic teas. As our modern lifestyles are often high-stress, the small, simple self-care practice of adding adaptogens into your daily routine can help you to feel more grounded and balanced, no matter what life throws at you.

Importantly, adaptogens aren’t a quick fix, but part of an all-around lifestyle approach and should be utilised alongside a healthy diet, getting enough rest, a healthy, balanced diet as well as stress management techniques. Functional ingredients such as adaptogens, mushrooms, collagen and magnesium can work well together, and are often combined in herbal blends to support energy, recovery, focus, and overall balance.

Adaptogenic skincare is powered by the very same herbs and fungi that have been implemented into wellness routines for centuries. These ingredients can support you from the inside out, helping your skin's response to stressors such as pollution. UV exposure, lack of sleep and hormonal shifts.

The Best Ingredients in Adaptogen Supplements

Adaptogens come from diverse sources. Some commonly utilised wellness adaptogens include:

Ashwagandha: A cornerstone of Ayurvedic medicine, ashwagandha has been used for thousands of years to promote relaxation and stress resilience. It can help you to handle daily stressors by adapting how your brain responds to stress.

Rhodiola: A herb from Arctic and mountainous regions, traditionally used by Vikings and in Siberia to boost stamina and endurance, Rhodiola can be used to support mental and physical fatigue, and is often a good supportive measure during particularly busy or stressful periods.

Holy Basil: In Ayurvedic medicine, this popular adaptogen has been referred to as the "elixir of life", due to its ability to calm the mind. It's also used in modern wellness to increase focus, decrease anxiety, and boost overall wellness. You'll often find it combined with other adaptogens in premium blends.

Schisandra: A berry used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, this fruit is widely taken to increase endurance and improve mental clarity - perfect for busy days. In adaptogenic formulas, you'll usually find the berries dried or in extract form.

Lion’s Mane Mushroom: Lion's mane is a medicinal mushroom that is typically used alongside adaptogens to support brain health. It contains compounds that may stimulate nerve growth in the brain, and reduce inflammation, helping to improve cognitive function, memory and focus.

Reishi Mushroom: Often called the “mushroom of immortality”, reishi is an adaptogenic fungus valued for promoting calm and immune balance, especially when the body is combating multiple stressors.

Cordyceps Mushroom: A fungus used in Tibetan and Chinese medicine to boost energy and resilience. Cordyceps has been shown to reduce the effects of stress on the body, which makes it a popular choice for busy professionals and athletes.

Each of these powerhouse adaptogens is typically available in concentrated formats, such as powders or in blends alongside complementary vitamins and minerals.

What Works Well with Adaptogens

Adaptogens often fit into a broad wellness regimen. Some complementary supplements and nutrients that pair nicely include:

Vitamin B Complex: B vitamins (like B6, B12, folate) are essential for energy production and nervous system health. A B complex supplement can support energy metabolism and mood, making it a good partner for adaptogens during busy periods. See our Vitamin B Complex collection.

Magnesium: This mineral helps muscles relax and supports calm sleep. Magnesium glycinate or citrate, alongside adaptogens like ashwagandha or holy basil, may help soothe occasional tension and improve sleep quality.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fish oil or algae oil supplements, omega-3s have anti-inflammatory properties and support brain health. They can work synergistically with cognitive adaptogens, like lion's mane, to support mental clarity and mood.

Vitamin D: Crucial for immune function and mood regulation, vitamin D supplementation is especially important during the colder winter months when we don't get as much sunshine. It pairs well with adaptogenic herbs for broad stress support solutions.

Probiotics: A healthy gut microbiome can influence stress and mood via the all–important gut–brain axis. Probiotic supplements support digestion and immunity, complementing adaptogens’ stress-balancing effects.

By combining adaptogens with these foundational supplements, you can create a robust routine that supports your daily wellness.

Incorporating Adaptogens into Your Routine

Adaptogens work best when part of a balanced lifestyle. They complement habits like a nourishing diet, regular exercise, mindfulness or meditation, and proper sleep. For example, taking an adaptogen capsule with breakfast can become a self-care ritual, just like making a cup of herbal tea or doing a morning stretch.

You might also combine adaptogens with other daily supplements. Pairing adaptogens with consistent routines makes their effects more supportive. As with any supplement, consistency is key. It may take several weeks to notice effects like better stress tolerance, improved energy, or enhanced focus. Keep a simple health diary: note any mood or energy changes as you try adaptogens. Over time you’ll get a sense of which herbs seem helpful for your needs.

Start slowly and pay attention to how your body reacts. Common side effects are often mild if they occur at all. If you experience any unusual symptoms after taking an adaptogen, stop use and always seek the advice of a medical professional.

Always check with a healthcare professional before starting any herbal supplement, especially when taking prescription medication.

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Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT ARE ADAPTOGENS, AND HOW DO THEY WORK?

Adaptogens are natural herbs, roots or mushrooms known for their balancing effect on the body’s stress response. They help the body adapt to stress by gently modulating hormones and metabolic pathways, promoting a steady, healthy response to physical and mental stressors.

WHEN SHOULD I TAKE ADAPTOGENS, AND HOW LONG BEFORE I NOTICE THE BENEFITS?

Adaptogens are typically taken daily, often in the morning or early afternoon. The effects of adaptogens usually build up over time, so it's important to try them out for a couple of weeks to see if you notice any benefits like improved stress tolerance or energy.

CAN I TAKE MULTIPLE ADAPTOGENS TOGETHER?

Yes, many supplements combine adaptogens. It’s generally safe to combine them since they tend to have complementary actions.

ARE ADAPTOGENS THE SAME AS NOOTROPICS?

While there is certainly some overlap, the uses for adaptogens are broader. Nootropics usually refer to substances specifically for cognitive enhancement, while many adaptogens do have postive cognitive effects, not all adaptogens target the brain directly, so would not be considered a nootropic.

CAN I TAKE ADAPTOGENS IF I'M PREGNANT OR BREASTFEEDING?

For those trying to conceive, pregnant or breastfeeding, caution is advised when adding any new supplements into your routine; although they are natural, they can interact with other medications, so it's important to always consult your doctor.

DO ADAPTOGENS HELP WITH SLEEP OR ENERGY?

Adaptogens such as ashwagandha and reishi promote relaxation and so can help you drift off to sleep, while others like rhodiola or cordyceps boost stamina.

HOW DO I KNOW WHICH ADAPTOGEN TO CHOOSE?

Consider your main goal. For stress and anxiety, ashwagandha or holy basil might be helpful. For fatigue or focus, try rhodiola or lion’s mane. Cordyceps can be good for endurance. You can also use blends that cover a range of effects, though if you're unsure, get in touch, and our wellness experts can guide you.

ARE ADAPTOGEN SUPPLEMENTS VEGAN AND ALLERGEN-FREE?

Many adaptogen supplements are plant or mushroom-based and are naturally vegan and gluten-free. Always check the label for specific products.

I FEEL FINE, DO I NEED ADAPTOGENS?

Adaptogens are an optional wellness tool. If you have a well-balanced life and no stress issues, you may not need them. However, many people find adaptogens helpful to maintain their health proactively, especially during demanding periods. They may not be essential, but they can offer gentle support.

CAN I MIX ADAPTOGEN POWERS INTO MY FOOD OR TEA?

Yes, many adaptogen powders (ashwagandha, reishi, etc.) can be mixed into smoothies, coffee, or tea. This is a convenient way to take them, especially if you dislike swallowing pills. Many adaptogens have an earthy taste, so it's a good idea to start small to ensure you like the taste.