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What are the best adaptogens supplements? Today I’m sharing 22 adaptogens for hormones and adrenal fatigue.

Note: This post was originally published in 2018. It has been updated at the end of 2024 with fresh and new information.

You’ll enjoy this post if you have now (or have ever had) hormone problems and/or “adrenal fatigue.”

To understand the value of these supplements, I want to share with you something a hormone doctor once told me. She said,

The gut and hormones are directly related. If we work on hormones, we’re also helping heal the gut. If you continue focusing on gut healing, then your hormone function will improve, too. They go hand-in-hand.

I have never forgotten this.

Gut and Hormones

Simultaneously, I have kept my eyes focused on both the gut and hormones. 

Anything that disrupts the hormones has a cause-effect on the overall health of the gut. 

As I’ve grown deeper with my focus on healing the gut holistically (i.e. not believing it’s just food or just any one thing), I am seeing clear correlations.

This year, I have focused heavily on the lifestyle component of healing the hormones and gut.

While food is a part of this, I have begun shifting the focus. 

Instead, I have been hyper-focused on 4 things:

1. Reducing stress levels and finding stress relief however I can
2. Digging to the bottom of issues vs. letting them lay dormant (both personally and health-wise)
3. Skincare. I stopped pretending my makeup and skincare wasn’t disrupting my hormones. Ladies – If you’ve spent thousands of dollars focusing on food as a means for your hormone and gut cures, but haven’t yet stopped to think about all the (hundreds of) hormone disruptors you’re applying to your body every single day, today should be the day.
4. Reconsidering workouts and my physical activity. My workouts now are so vastly different.

Over time, I have realized the correlation between hormone and gut problems isn’t just me.

I would say 90%+ of the women who come to me, purchase a copy of A Gutsy Girl’s Bible: a 21-day approach to healing the gut and/or join my courses have both gut and hormone issues. 

Because I know that adaptogens are powerful for hormones, I put together this list of 22 adaptogens for hormones.

Crowd out the junk, and add in healing components.

Some of these components might include the following adaptogen supplements.

What are Adaptogens?

Before I share them with you, let’s understand what they are.

The NIH states,

Adaptogens were initially defined as substances that enhance the “state of non-specific resistance” in stress, a physiological condition that is linked with various disorders of the neuroendocrine-immune system.

UCLA states,

Adaptogens are herbs, roots and other plant substances (like mushrooms) that help our bodies manage stress and restore balance after a stressful situation. People take adaptogens as herbal supplements in capsule form, drink them in teas or in a powder added to soups, smoothies and other foods.

Using adaptogens is very common in ayurvedic medicine, which I’m currently studying via the Chopra Ayurvedic Health Certification Program through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, there are three qualities that plants must have to be an adaptogen:

• It is non-toxic when taken in normal doses.
• It helps your body cope with stress.
• It allows your body to return to balance (homeostasis).

Adaptogens work as a temporary bandage but aren’t the solution to long-term stress.

So with that, here are 22 adaptogens that are commonly used for hormones, “adrenal fatigue” (aka HPA Axis Dysfunction), and overall stress management.

22 Adaptogens for Hormones

Click HERE to save these 22 adaptogens for hormones for later.

1] Amla

‘Amalaki‘ can literally be translated to mean ‘sour,’ indicating its very sharp and sour taste profile. 

Amalaki also means ‘Dhatri,’ which translates as ‘mother’ or ‘nurse,’ indicating that Amalaki is a primary healing and nourishing herb for the body and soul. 

It is prescribed for many imbalances, including boosting immunity and digestion, as well as heart and metabolic disorders. 

2] Ashwagandha

Ashwaghanda (withania somnifera) is one of the most popular adaptogenic herbs that you might not otherwise think to add for gut healing. 

Here is why I do: has a positive effect on thyroid function, relieves “adrenal fatigue,” combats chronic stress and anxiety, and boosts immune function. 

One thing to make note of with Ashwagandha, though, is that it is a nightshade. 

3] Cordyceps

Cordyceps are a type of fungus, better known as a species of edible medicinal, nutritionally beneficial mushrooms. 

Research shows that, “cordyceps can act like mild stimulants or “adaptogen herbs,” fighting the negative effects of stress and fatigue and naturally increasing energy levels. 

Some of the most researched benefits of cordyceps also include improving athletic performance, increasing immunity against viruses and even promoting longevity.”

4] Eleuthero

Eleuthero can help improve the health of your adrenal system, which is in charge of managing your body’s response to stress. 

In doing so, eleuthero is able to combat stress and the negative effects it causes such as chronic fatigue.

5] Holy Basil (Tulsi)

Tulsi not only helps protect the body from the degenerative effects of stress, but it also repairs the body from its damage. 

These are the properties of an adaptogen, and tulsi is rapidly emerging as one of the world’s most well-known adaptogen. 

Tulsi treats the body at a deeper level than most other adaptogens, which may be why tulsi’s benefits extend far beyond its ability to cope with stress.

6] Maca

Maca is considered by researchers to be a true adaptogen (an adaptogen is a substance which raises the non-specific resistance in an organism). 

It does many awesome things for the body, but my favorites are: increase energy and endurance, enhances fertility, enhances memory, learning, and mental clarity, helps build muscle and is good for healthy teeth and bones.

7] Rhodiola

Rhodiola, or Rhodiola rosea, helps prevent fatigue, stress, and the damaging effects of oxidative stress. 

Evidence also suggests that it acts as an antioxidant, enhances immune system function, and can increase sexual energy. 

8] Panax Ginseng

“Panax,” the genus which encompasses both American ginseng and Asian ginseng, equates to “all-heal” in Greek. 

It helps with immunity, muscle damage and physical endurance, contains anti-cancer properties, and can provide positive short-term improvements in cognitive function.

I have also written about Ginseng and gut health.

9] Schisandra

Schisandra, also known as five-flavored berry, owes its name Wu Wei Zi (five flavored berry) to the fact that it is sweet, sour, salty, bitter and pungent. 

As an adaptogen, Schisandra is a potent general tonic, decreasing fatigue, enhancing physical performance, and promoting endurance. 

The berry counters the body’s stress response by reducing the levels of stress hormones in the blood. 

10] Astragalus

Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for thousands of years. It was often combined with other herbs to strengthen the body against disease.

It is used to protect and support the immune system, preventing colds and upper respiratory infections, lowering blood pressure for those with high blood pressure, treating diabetes, and protecting the liver.

11] Licorice Root

Licorice contains a powerful compound called glycyrrhizic acid. 

It’s this acid that stops the body from breaking down cortisol. 

Cortisol is the ‘stress hormone’ made by the adrenal glands and released when the body is under mental and physical pressure. 

Cortisol levels (low levels of them) are associated with adrenal fatigue syndrome, and can lead to feelings of tiredness, mood swings and poor immune function.

12] Moringa

Moringa is one of the things I added when healing my perioral dermatitis naturally. 

But its benefits extend far beyond that, and one of the key benefits is that it helps regulate thyroid function because it’s an adaptogenic herb. 

Other benefits of moringa include:

• treating inflammation
• treating infectious disorders
• aiding in digestive functioning
• improving liver function
• enhancing milk flow in nursing mothers
• reducing high blood pressure
• eliminating water weight
• lowering cholesterol
• regulating thyroid function

13] Gotu Kola

Gotu Kola is an extremely healing herb for the nervous system and has been shown to repair and restore axons, which are used to transmit nerve impulses throughout the brain and body. 

Its active ingredients have been used as an anti-anxiety, anti-stress and anti-insomnia medicine throughout its long history of human use. 

14] Bacopa

Bacopa monnieri is a creeping marsh plant that is traditionally used as a nootropic (cognitive enhancer), for longevity, and to help with anxiety and depression. 

It’s possible that the improved cognition is likely a result of the reduced anxiety. 

Bacopa is an effective adaptogen and can help you cope with stressful situations and decrease stress in all regions of the brain.

15] Bilberry

Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) is a relative of our cultivated blueberry; both the fruit and the leaves of this plant have been used for their benefits in the urinary tract, reproductive system, respiratory, and endocrine systems. 

The fruit is high in antioxidants, having so many indications for positive antioxidant effects.

16] Dang Shen

Codonopsis Root (Dang Shen) is often used as a gentler alternative to the stronger Ginseng.

Codonopsis has a long history as being an excellent lung, blood, muscle and overall body tonic. 

17] He Shou Wu

He Shou Wu, also known as Fo-Ti, has positive benefits for the human body which include: 

• DNA protection and repair
• longevity
• libido booster and sexual health tonic
• hair growth and rejuvenation

18] Jiaogulan

In the last 50 or so years, there have been numerous studies proving Jiaogulan’s efficacy for: regulating blood pressure, lowering cholesterol, boosting immunity, reducing inflammation, and preventing tumors and improving recovery for post-chemo cancer treatments and radiation treatments. 

Most medicinal adaptogenic herbs largely serve a primary purpose and may contain a weaker secondary or tertiary benefit. But Jiaogulan works wonders for the benefits listed above as well as several others, including lean-muscle gain, and mental balance.

19] Lycium

Lycium Barbarum (Goji) contains a high concentration of nutrients that are extremely impressive. 

These include plant-derived polyphenolic antioxidants; carotenoids such as beta-carotene, zeaxanthin, lutein, beta-cryptoxanthin, and lycopene; vitamins C, B1, B2, and niacin; more than 30 essential and trace minerals, including zinc, iron, copper, calcium, selenium, and phosphorus; polysaccharides; and 18 amino acids such as isoleucine, tryptophan, leucine, and arginine. 

It has been reported to mediate significant anti-aging effects, through antioxidant, immunoregulative, anti-apoptotic activities and reducing DNA damage. 

20] Reishi

Red Reishi, commonly known as Ling Zhi in Chinese, is a herbal mushroom known to have miraculous health benefits. 

When Reishi is taken regularly, it can restore the body to its natural state, enabling all organs to function normally. 

It is also an immune modulator – regulates and fine tunes the immune system.

21] Shatavari

In India, Shatavari means, “she who possesses 100 husbands.” 

This is referring to the herbs rejuvenation effect upon the female reproductive organs. 

The adaptogenic has so many female indications. 

Shatavari is best known as a female rejuvenative. 

It is useful for infertility, decreased libido, threatened miscarriage, menopause, Leukorrhea (​the natural secretions that are released from a woman’s vagina) and has the ability to balance pH in the cervical area.

22] Suma

Last, but certainly not least, the adaptogen that means, “for all things.”

It is also known as Brazilian ginseng.

​Suma is rich in vitamins and minerals, including iron, magnesium, zinc, certain B vitamins, vitamins A, E, and K, and germanium — a trace element praised for its immune-strengthening properties.

It is also rich in polyphenols and alkaloids, two types of antioxidants that are believed to prevent cell damage and protect your body from a range of diseases.

Best Adaptogens Supplements

Click HERE to save this article on the best adaptogens supplements for later.

There you have it – 22 adaptogens for hormones.

BUT…..the question at hand really is,

What are the best adaptogens supplements?

With so many different adaptogens, it’s a good idea to really work with your healthcare provider for different ways you can incorporate them into your daily routine (depending on medical conditions).

That being said, I’ll share 27 adaptogenic dietary supplements for consideration:

1. Amla from Organic India
2. Ashwagandha (Pure Encapsulations)
3. Ashwagandha (Herb Farm – liquid)
4. Adrenal Response® (includes astragalus, holy basil, schizandra, rhodiola, ashwagandha)
5. Cordyceps Mushroom (Gaia PRO)
6. Adrenal Support (includes eleuthero root, withania somnifera root – ashwagandha, adrenal whole bovine, cordyceps)
7. Eleuthero (Gaia Pro)
8. Tulsi Holy Basil (Organic India)
9. Holy Basil (Herb Pharm – liquid)
10. Maca Powder (Gaia Herbs)
11. HPA Adapt (includes eleuthero root extract, holy basil extract, maca, rhodiola rosea root extract, ashwagandha root extract and leaf extract)
12. Rhodiola (Thorne)
13. Panax Ginseng (Wise Woman Herbals – liquid)
14. Schisandra Extract (Vital Nutrients)
15. Astragalus (Herb Farm – liquid)
16. Licorice Root Extract (BioMatrix – liquid)
17. Licorice Plus® (Metagenics)
18. Moringa Powder (Organic India)
19. Gotu Kola (Herb Farm – liquid)
20. Bacopa Monnieri (Pure Encapsulations)
21. Bilberry (Progressive Labs)
22. Biotonic Adaptogenic Tonic (Biocidin Botanicals – liquid; includes 13 herbs in all – bonus: includes Wormwood, which I’m a huge fan of!)
23. Nanomojo® (Quicksilver Scientific – liquid; includes Jiaogulan)
24. Reishi Immune (Premier Research Labs)
25. Shatavari (Organic India)
26. Stress Nutrients (formerly Adrenal Nutrients) (Seeking Health)
27. Adaptogen (Restorative Formulations – includes a ton of herbs on this list)

You will find all of these through my FAVORITES via the Fullscript Online Dispensary. 

Once you sign up for a Fullscript Online Dispensary account, simply go to “Sarah Kay Hoffman’s Favorites” and then see the favorites list I’ve created called, “Hormones + Adrenal Glands.’

Have you ever used any of these 22 adaptogens for hormones?

Do you currently use any?

If you liked this post, you might also enjoy:

1. THIS private Facebook group for all things Gut Health, ‘Adrenal Fatigue,’ Hormones
2. All About GI Hormones
3. The 4 Stages of Adrenal Fatigue

Xox,
SKH