Adaptogens are found in herbs and roots that come from plants; they are said to help the body’s resilience in dealing with  that can lead to serious health conditions.  Adaptogens are also said to play a huge role in the aging process, so many adaptogens are considered to have anti-aging properties.

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Adaptogens have been used for hundreds of years in Ayurvedic healing practices. But today adaptogens are becoming more accessible for use in the Western world as well.

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Many of these plants are made into powders and integrated into smoothies, teas, or herbal drinks. Others, such as turmeric, can also be used to season food. Some adaptogenic herbs are too bitter to be enjoyed food, so they are made into powdered supplements (and taken as a capsule) or integrated into tinctures (herbal supplements dissolved in alcohol and ingested in a liquid form).

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For example, one herbal adaptogen is said to raise the level of estrogen when it’s too high; the same adaptogen may lower estrogen when the levels are too low (such as during menopause).

In short, adaptogens may perform many functions such as triggering the production of hormones or altering the body’s response to stress to ensure that the entire body (from the brain to the immune system) functions optimally.