Herbal Adaptogens for Resilience Against Chronic Stress

The famous “fight or flight” response, coined by Walter Cannon (1871–1945), is a natural and necessary evolutionary reaction to stressful situations. As soon as the brain registers a threat, the body immediately begins allocating key resources, such as energy, to respond.

Adrenaline is released right away, followed within minutes by the hormone cortisol via the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis. Cortisol influences virtually every cell and organ in the body. During this response, non-vital activities such as digestion and immune function are temporarily suppressed so the body can focus on immediate survival.

Under normal circumstances, these adjustments resolve within minutes or hours, allowing the body to return to its usual processes of growth, repair, and maintenance. However, when stress becomes excessive or ongoing, the HPA axis can become dysregulated. Over time, chronic stress has been linked to widespread dysfunction, including mood disorders, autoimmune disease, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and ultimately a shorter lifespan.

Addressing Chronic Stress

Part of managing chronic stress involves identifying and addressing common contributors such as financial pressures, relationship challenges, insomnia, loneliness, and poor dietary habits. This approach can be supported by introducing a class of herbal remedies known as adaptogens.

The term “adaptogen” was coined by Soviet medical doctor Dr. Israel I. Brekhman (1921–1994). Adaptogens are defined as herbs that reduce the burden of stress-induced disease and damage. They are characteristically gentle, often used for extended periods, and are thought to support general well-being through broad, balancing effects.

Below are two exceptional adaptogens commonly used to support stress resilience.

Siberian Ginseng

Siberian ginseng is the plant that inspired the term “adaptogen” and was famously included in protocols used by former USSR Olympic athletes. Clinical trials have supported its ability to improve mental and physical performance and reduce the incidence of respiratory infections during periods of chronic stress.

Dr. Aviva Romm, MD, midwife and herbalist, considers Siberian ginseng to have broader therapeutic applications than many other adaptogens. This is because it is energetically neutral and balanced, unlike hot adaptogens such as Panax ginseng, making it compatible with all constitutions.

Traditionally, Siberian ginseng has been used for a wide range of chronic conditions associated with underlying stress. According to Health Canada, it is “Used in Herbal Medicine to help improve mental and/or physical performance after periods of mental and/or physical exertion.”

Rhodiola

Rhodiola is a plant native to the Arctic and alpine regions of Europe, Asia, and North America. It has long been used as a cerebral restorative or brain tonic, with historical use in 19th-century France and continued use today in Sweden and other Scandinavian countries, as noted in the Swedish Drug and Therapy Handbook.

Several clinical trials have confirmed that rhodiola helps improve cognitive performance during periods of stress, including stress related to insomnia. It may be particularly helpful for chronic conditions such as fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, where symptoms like “brain fog” are common.

According to Health Canada, rhodiola is “Used in Herbal Medicine as an adaptogen to help increase energy and resistance to stress (e.g., in case of mental stamina and physical fatigue related to stress).”

Herbs and Quality

Quality and authenticity are especially important when it comes to herbal remedies, as herbs are frequently adulterated for economic reasons, including substitutions with cheaper plant species.

The NOW^® Brand performs approximately 31,000 quality tests each month across eight state-of-the-art, third-party certified laboratories. Their quality team includes around 160 staff members, including 150 chemists and 23 professionals dedicated to research and development.

Research and development at NOW^® includes the creation of novel testing methods, such as pesticide detection, which is particularly important for herbal products. The brand also operates 24 High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) machines dedicated to identifying correct species, plant parts, and potencies.

By: Dr. Thalia Charney, MA, ND (inactive)

Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine

Nutrition and Health Education Manager, NOW^® 

References:
1. Charmandari E, Nicolaides NC, Chrousos GP. Adrenal insufficiency. Lancet. 2014 Jun 21;383(9935):2152-67.
2. Knezevic E, Nenic K, Milanovic V, Knezevic NN. The Role of Cortisol in Chronic Stress, Neurodegenerative Diseases, and Psychological Disorders. Cells. 2023 Nov 29;12(23):2726.
3. Bleakney TL. Deconstructing an adaptogen: Eleutherococcus senticosus. Holist Nurs Pract. 2008 Jul-Aug;22(4):220-4.
4. HOLMES, P. (2007). Energetics of western herbs: A materia medica integrating Western and Chinese therapeutics 3^rd edition. AEON BOOKS LTD, p. 271-272.
5. Godfrey, A. and Saunders, P.R. (2022) in Principles & Practices of Naturopathic Botanical Medicine. Toronto: Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine Press, pp 735-741.
6. https://com/supplements/rhodiola-rosea

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