If there’s a single word that we could employ to encapsulate the 2020s, it’s ‘wellness’.
Our most recent period of human history has been defined by health in more ways than one, which has led to a subsequent fascination and borderline obsession with maintaining a flourishing microbiome, positive mental health and a regular metabolism to promote our overall well-being.
While there’s certainly nothing wrong with focusing on wellness, it’s important to be smart about what wellness-boosting products we put into our bodies and why - and be wary of the miracle solves.
If you’ve heard the buzzword ‘adaptogens’ floating about and are intrigued by what they may do to improve your health, you’ve come to the right place.
What are adaptogens and how do they work?
According to UCLA Health, adaptogens are herbs, roots, plants, fungi and other substances which may help our bodies regulate themselves, manage stress and restore balance. They’re often taken in capsule form, but are currently on the market as gummies, powders, teas and so much more.
The university’s experts believe that “adaptogens interact with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which initiates your body’s stress response and plays a big role in keeping your body in balance.”
What are the most common adaptogens which help to relieve stress?
With the help of Cleveland Clinic’s adaptogen guide, explore the most common apoptogenic substances that are commonly used today.
- Ashwagandha: an evergreen shrub which is commonly used for stress. It is known to have a positive effect on the endocrine, nervous, immune and cardiovascular systems by helping to regulate the metabolism and adjust how the brain responds to stress. It’s also an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.
- Reishi: a mushroom which helps to promote overall health and longevity
- Lion’s Mane: a mushroom that helps with reducing inflammation, improving cognitive function, supporting gut health and red blood cell formation.
- Tulsi: otherwise known as ‘holy basil’, tulsi is a potent adaptogen that helps bodies regulate metabolic and psychological stress.
- Asian Ginseng: is known to help relieve mental and physical fatigue.
- American Ginseng: helps to reduce inflammation, regulate mood and combat stress.
Keep scrolling for a curated selection of the best apoptogenic supplements, powders, teas and gummies to help relieve stress and embrace calm.
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The Herbtender Calm & Collected
The Herbtender’s Calm & Collected supplements were designed for anxious people who may be feeling too wired to be productive: arguably the least efficient state in day-to-day life, which always seems to crop up on busier days.
This is the perfect companion to help you keep your cool whenever anxiety calls, thanks to its high-dose ashwagandha and lion’s mane combo. Ashwagandha is one of the few non-stimulating adaptogens and improves the body’s resistance to stress while helping to maintain mental balance.
Lion’s mane keeps your nervous system performing at its best. Try these around a stressful period and you’ll notice a difference pretty quickly.
Buy now £27.50, Amazon
DIRTEA Lion’s Mane powder
If you’re a big fan of mushrooms and tea then this nootropic is the one for you - a tea which can stimulate the brain with just a few sips. Add the powder to hot water and drink it like tea, or pop it in your favourite smoothie or plant-based milk for a very focused start to your day.
Lion’s mane is said to help with anxiety and depression, while also improving memory and cognition. It may also help stimulate new nerves in the brain, working as a ‘brain tonic’ to give you more focus and brain power - helping you with whatever the day may bring you.
Buy now £29.99, DIRTEA
Nu Mind Stress Support Supplement + Probiotic Blend
Nu Mind not only supports your stress levels with a healthy cocktail of brilliant adaptogens and vitamins, but it also takes the stress out of portioning your supplements and ensuring you have all the right kinds to promote your overall health and well-being.
Each sachet contains six different supplements for six powerful health benefits which can be taken in the morning, which together deliver: vitamins B, C, D3, zinc, iron, iodine, magnesium, ashwagandha, KSM66, rhodiola, rosea, bacopa monniere, lemon balm, black pepper, l-theanine, lavender, passion flower, chamomile and a blend of 15 different probiotic strains.
Fans of Nu Mind report better sleep, enhanced mental clarity and focus, reduced tiredness and fatigue, boosted gut health, boosted immune system and an overall reduction in feelings of stress and anxiety.
Buy now £62.99, Amazon
Nourished Inner Peace Stack
Nourished make it easier than ever to get all those necessary anxiety nootropics into your system by stacking them in a delicious gummy. The ‘Inner Peace’ stack contains probiotics, vegan vita-algae D3, zinc, vitamin C, ginger extract, K2 vital delta and beta-glucan so that you can invite calm into your life as a permanent resident.
Buy now £15.00, Nourished
Lemme Chill, De-Stress Ashwagandha Gummies
Kourtney Kardashian’s Lemme gummies have gone viral on TikTok for their surprisingly effective nature. In particular, fans of the brand have been loving the Lemme Chill De-Stress Gummies which combine ashwagandha and passion flowers to relieve anxiety and promote calmness. Adults are recommended to take two gummies daily, one in the morning and one in the evening.
Buy now £28.00, Revolve
Pukka Tulsi Clarity 20 Tea Bags
Tulsi is an uplifting herb which has been used and revered in India for centuries, which is why it has earned the nickname ‘holy basil’. This delightfully rejuvenating tulsi blend from Pukka is a delicious way to enjoy the herb’s apoptogenic, stress-relieving properties.
Buy now £3.56, H&B
Rheal Coco Dream Superfood Blend 150g
Relatively new to the scene, Rheal was developed after its founder was diagnosed with coeliac disease and discovered the health-boosting benefits of superfoods. The brand’s certified organic products have been crafted to deliver delicious-tasting products which, as a bonus, can help to support the general health of your immune system. Coco Dream combines the power of reishi mushrooms and KSM-66 ashwagandha alongside raw cacao and cinnamon to help you relax and unwind.
Buy now £21.25, Rheal
Four Sigmatic Hot Cacao Mix Reishi
These easy-to-use hot chocolate sachets might not look like much at first, but each packet is filled to the brim with reishi mushrooms. What’s more, Four Sigmatic promises that this hot chocolate tastes just like you’re childhood favourite instant powder, with no gritty mushroom taste. At only 25 calories per packet, this is a true guilt-free, wellness-boosting beverage.
Buy now £9.90, Amazon
Puresport Mushroom Complex
Puresport’s Mushroom Complex is a cult-favourite supplement. Each capsule contains a blend of five different mushrooms cultivated to help support your long-term health goals. The fantastic fungi harnessed for each capsule include lion’s mane, cordyceps, chaga, maitake and shiitake to help support brain function and a healthy immune system.
Buy now £31.00, Amazon
anatome Reset, Relax and Sleep
As the name suggests, this supplement is all about restorative sleep. Instead of tossing and turning throughout the night, this amino acid-based supplement has the tools to encourage the production of serotonin and melatonin, the happy and sleep hormones respectively. There’s also magnesium to counteract restlessness in your muscles. These ingredients combine to get you well on your way to the land of nod. Take one capsule 30 minutes before bed as and when you need it.
Buy now £30.00, Cult Beauty
