What do matcha drinks, ’shroom shakes, coconut butter, ashwagandha powder and ginseng root juice have in common? Besides dominating your social feed, they are all adaptogens – and given the whirlwind start to 2022 and the never-abating pandemic disruptions we could use some of their calming magic.

What are adaptogens?

Broadly speaking, adaptogens are non-toxic herbs, mushrooms or plant extracts that help calm you down or perk up, depending on the ones you use. Whilst they are now surging in Western wellness concepts, Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine have used them in potion, powder and topical form for centuries and their healing powers are well established in these cultures. Hong Kong-based Functional Health Medicine Coach Shuchita Singh, who practices with the Integrated Medicine Institute, advocates their use “for anyone who is overwhelmed, over-tired and over-worked. The easiest way to understand them, is that they help your body adapt to the daily stressors of life.”

Whether boosting the body internally or externally, they act non-specifically – meaning they don’t target a particular issue or an organ but tweak the overall hormonal production and physiological responses to ensure an optimal functioning, both physically and mentally.

Sounds like magic. But is it really? The adaptogen market is booming, but these invisible shields are largely an evidence-free industry, and there is debate among proponents about which substances can even be considered adaptogens. Is there a veneer of science to this stress-fixing fad?

Also Read: Do essential oils really work? Here’s what science says…

How do Adaptogens Work?

Naturally, these must be safe and non-toxic. Adaptogens work to support the adrenal glands, allowing the cells to eliminate toxins and use oxygen more efficiently, while targeting the body’s immune and stress responses to create a fine balance. Balance is the key here.

What makes these super herbs and substances intriguing is the way they function: unlike medicines such as Panadol, where dosage spurs action, adaptogens are more like thermostats, sensing whether the room needs cooling or warming, and adapting to work accordingly. Most of them are bi-directional and can move energies both ways. Ashwagandha, for example, can slow you down to help unwind at the end of the day or give a boost of energy in the morning. They fit the needs of your body, bringing balance and targeting hormonal, stress and immunity-related complications.

Adaptogen A-Z: The most common ones in the market

Each adaptogen functions in a different way. Here are the ones buzzing in wellness circles:

Ashwagandha – The hallmark “royal herb”, the most potent of the lot, is known for its restorative benefits. In 2016, this hugely popular Ayurvedic supplement raked in a massive US$10 million globally at natural health stores. Exact sales (which could be much higher) are hard to gauge given that the herb is sold in combination with other supplements, too.

Chaga – Packed with antioxidants, traditional Chinese medicine has propagated its use to slow the growth of cancerous tumours and control diabetes for centuries. Brewed in tea, the “king of medicinal mushrooms” is low in calories, loaded with essential minerals, and boasts a vast amount of antioxidants.

Lion’s mane – Proponents of Chinese medicine cite the beneficial effects of this white, shaggy mushroom in reducing inflammation, ulcers, anxiety and depression. It has also been linked to enhancing brain function and guarding against memory loss and dementia.

Cordyceps – Found in the Himalayan plateau, this powerful immune-boosting fungus balances hormones, prevents fatigue and activates energy production at the cellular level, making it an ideal supplement for athletes in endurance training.

Reishi – This multitasking mushroom is praised for its ability to regulate cortisol levels, lessen fatigue, improve sleep and provide liver support, all of which promote healthy skin. Excellent for heart health, it also counteracts high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

Maca – A cruciferous vegetable related to broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage, this Peruvian root has been popped both as food and medicine for thousands of years. A natural remedy for low libido and infertility, it is loaded with fiber, amino acids and vitamins.

Shatavari – A species of asparagus that aids against many ailments, its powder has been used in India for more than 3,000 years to treat female reproductive issues, including symptoms of menopause and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Shilajit – Hailed in Ayurveda as the “conqueror of mountains and destroyer of weakness”, this resin from rocks in the Himalayas contains fulvic acid and 84 other minerals. Among other benefits, it perks up the sex drive.

Also Read: Still coping with holiday weight gain? Here’s how to enjoy the food minus the guilt

But are they Backed by Science?

Adaptogens are a rapidly growing sector of the US$4 trillion global wellness industry, it’s easy to see why they are so appealing to the modern world’s drained, stressed-out populations, but the science on most of these is inconclusive.
The American Board of Obesity Medicine has studied the effects of ashwagandha and ginseng in animals and found them to “reduce anxiety, cortisol levels and overall inflammation”. Liquorice root, another popular adaptogen, effectively cut down body fat in a small group of test patients. However, most of these clinical studies have been done on animals, not humans. And while medicinal benefits have been documented over centuries of practice in Asia, and recent research is compelling, it is still not definitive, compliant with global clinical trial standards or even peer reviewed.

Used in Supplements to Skincare

Like with most trendy foods, adaptogens have found their way into beauty. Hong Kong-based natural skincare brand Botanic Pretti5’s founder Dorothy Chau attests to their benefits. “They are powerful tools against bacterial and fungal infections. Ginger root extract and liquorice have shown tremendous repair at the cellular level. All our products are based on these potent, efficacious herbs and the results, especially for sensitive skin, are brilliant.”

While interest is ballooning, they are all rage at the moment but herbal remedies and supplements should be treated with caution. Unregulated by the US Food and Drug Administration or any other credible government health body, adaptogens can be a breeding ground for misuse and abuse. “They are wonderful additions to any stress-reduction tool kit, but don’t see them as a panacea or a cure-all. They certainly won’t make up for a lifestyle high in inflammatory factors like poor sleep, insufficient nutrition and lack of exercise”, says Shuchita Singh. Surely, they’ve gone mainstream but at the end of the day, adaptogens are still… well, supplements.

(Text: Nikita Mishra)

Also Read: What’s Veganuary? Here’s what going plants-based for a month will do for your body