Adaptogens are natural stress-fighters that have been used for over 3,000 years in traditional medicine to improve balance and well-being.

What are Adaptogens?

Nootropics are supplements, natural compounds, and sometimes medications that support your cognitive function in many ways. They can be used by students, professionals, athletes, and anyone who needs to get through their day with better clarity and focus.

Some nootropics, like Ginseng and Ashwagandha, have been used for approximately 3,000–5,000 years in Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine.

How Adaptogens Work

Adaptogens have a subtle but powerful effect on your body, which builds cumulatively over time. This means that the longer you take them, the greater their benefits become.
This happens because adaptogens help regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the sympathoadrenal system. These are big names for the main centres in your body that control how you respond to stress. Here’s how they do it:

Stress Adaptation

 Adaptogens can reduce cortisol levels by up to 28-30% in stressed individuals. Excess cortisol is linked to fatigue, brain fog, and a weakened immune system, while low cortisol can leave you feeling chronically drained. Adaptogens restore balance, reducing stress symptoms while maintaining energy.

Energy Regulation

Unlike caffeine, which forces your body into a temporary high, adaptogens improve your energy production on a cellular level. They support the mitochondria (the ene

Homeostasis

Homeostasis is the body’s ability to maintain a stable internal environment. Adaptogens act like a "thermostat" for your body, promoting stability if you’re experiencing high stress, low energy, or hormonal fluctuations.

Types of Adaptogens

There’s a wide variety of adaptogens, each with its unique properties and benefits. Here’s a closer look at some of the most popular:

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

Known as the "king of adaptogens," Ashwagandha reduces stress, lowers cortisol, and improves sleep quality. It’s also been shown to enhance muscle strength and support thyroid function.

Rhodiola Rosea

A powerful adaptogen for mental and physical endurance. This Arctic herb helps combat fatigue, enhances focus, and can even improve mood in cases of mild depression.

Holy Basil (Tulsi)

Revered in Ayurveda, Holy Basil is a calming adaptogen that supports immunity, reduces anxiety, and promotes a sense of peace.

Cordyceps Mushroom

This adaptogenic fungus is famous for boosting physical stamina and supporting lung health. Athletes often use Cordyceps to improve performance and recovery.

Panax Ginseng (Asian or Korean Ginseng)

Often called the "root of life", Panax Ginseng is one of the most well-known adaptogens. It can enhance physical performance and improve the body’s resistance to stress.

Lion’s Mane Mushroom (Hericium erinaceus)

Lion’s Mane is a unique adaptogenic mushroom with great cognitive benefits. Also a nootropic, it stimulates the production of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), a protein essential for nerve cell regeneration and brain health.

Adaptogens Health Benefits

Adaptogens can help anyone dealing with chronic stress, fatigue, or mental burnout. Their secret is in their name: they help the body "adapt" to demanding situations, boosting low energy and improving mental focus. Unlike quick fixes, adaptogens work gradually to support long-term health. Here’s how they can improve your life:

Stress Reduction

By balancing cortisol levels, adaptogens help you feel calm and collected even in high-pressure situations. Since they can reduce cortisol levels by up to 30%, they actively combat the harmful effects of chronic stress, such as fatigue and brain fog.

Hormonal Balance

Many adaptogens support the endocrine system, which regulates hormones affecting stress, energy, sleep, and metabolism. By helping to balance key hormones, they promote a more stable stress response and alleviate issues caused by hormonal imbalances like fatigue, mood swings, or disrupted sleep.

Immune Support

Regular use of adaptogens means fewer illnesses, milder symptoms, and faster recovery times, making adaptogens particularly helpful during periods of high stress, which often suppress immune function. This immune-boosting effect contributes to overall resilience and long-term health.

Mood Regulation

Adaptogens work to calm the mind, steady your emotions, and make it easier to handle daily stressors. They balance neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, reducing symptoms of anxiety, irritability, and mild depression.

How to Choose the Right Adaptogen

For Stress and Anxiety

Adaptogens like Ashwagandha, Holy Basil, and Lion’s Mane Mushroom are excellent for people dealing with chronic stress, restlessness, or emotional strain.

For Energy and Stamina

If fatigue and low energy are constant struggles, adaptogens such as Rhodiola Rosea, Cordyceps, and Panax Ginseng can help.

For Focus and Mental Clarity

Ashwagandha and Rhodiola Rosea support cognitive function and enhance focus, making them useful for individuals who need to stay mentally sharp.

For Immunity

Lion’s Mane Mushroom and Holy Basil are perfect for boosting the immune system and reducing the likelihood of illness. 

For Physical Performance

Cordyceps and Panax Ginseng are ideal for athletes or anyone working on improving physical endurance and recovery.

Adaptogens and Research

The concept of adaptogens has roots in Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, where they’ve been used for thousands of years to support resilience and balance. The term "adaptogen" was introduced only later, in 1947, to describe substances that help the body adapt to stress and maintain stability.

While they are often linked to nootropics, and some substances even fall into both categories, there’s a key difference. Nootropics mostly boost brain function, while adaptogens work across the body to help manage stress, increase energy, and bring everything back into balance.

Learn More About Nootropics

Best Way to Take Adaptogens

Adaptogens are easy to include in your daily routine, with a variety of options to suit your preferences. Capsules or tablets are perfect for busy lifestyles, offering convenience and precise dosing. 

Powders provide versatility, letting you mix them into smoothies, coffee, tea, or even soups for a great boost. For a more relaxing approach, you can even enjoy adaptogens like Tulsi or Ashwagandha as a nice tea.

Simply Nootropics Essentials Plus

If you’re looking for the easiest way to incorporate adaptogens into your wellness routine, Simply Nootropics Essentials Plus has you covered. This all-in-one blend contains the best ingredients in one powerful formula. Less guesswork, more benefits. That’s because:

It contains all the best stress-managing ingredients

  • Ashwagandha to ease stress;
  • Brahmi Leaf Dry for memory support;
  • CDP Choline to enhance cognitive function;
  • L-Theanine for calm focus;
  • Rhodiola Rosea and Panax Ginseng for mental clarity and resilience;
  • Lion’s Mane Mushroom for nerve growth and brain flexibility;
  • NZ Pine Bark to provide antioxidant protection;

It’s crafted with insights from our in-house expert

Dr. Brian P. Ramos, a Yale-trained neuroscientist with a PhD in Neurobiology. Dr. Ramos ensures that each ingredient is carefully selected and precisely dosed, guided by the latest research to provide stress reduction and improved energy.

It’s proudly made in New Zealand

Adhering to New Zealand’s high manufacturing standards to bring you a product that’s trustworthy, effective, and made with integrity

It’s completely stimulant-free

Providing natural cognitive support without the risk of jitters, crashes, or sleep problems. This formula is crafted to deliver sustained mental energy, clarity, and focus without relying on harsh stimulants.

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FAQs

What are adaptogen supplements?

Adaptogen supplementsare natural substances, often herbs or mushrooms, that help the body manage stress and restore balance. They regulate the body’s response to stressors, improve overall health, and enhance resilience. Adaptogens have been used for centuries in traditional medicine and are now very popular for their wellness benefits.

How do adaptogens work?

Adaptogens work by helping the body cope with stress, restore balance, and improve resilience. They regulate the stress-response systems, like the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, by balancing cortisol levels. Ingredients like Ashwagandha and Rhodiola Rosea help reduce stress and anxiety, while Panax Ginseng boosts energy and physical performance.

Are your adaptogen supplements safe?

Yes, our adaptogen supplements are made from natural, scientifically-backed ingredients and are third-party tested for safety and efficacy. They are formulated to be safe for daily use, but it's always best to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

When will I start seeing results?

Users often experience reduced stress and increased energy within the first week of using adaptogens, with continued benefits over time. The full effects on resilience, mood balance, and overall well-being are typically seen with consistent use over several weeks to months.

Can these supplements help with anxiety?

Yes, our adaptogen supplements include ingredients like Ashwagandha, Lion's Mane Mushroom and L-theanine, which can help reduce anxiety and stress. These ingredients promote a calm, relaxed state of mind, making it easier to manage anxiety and improve overall mental health.

What is the Simply Nootropics 60-Day Money-Back Guarantee?

At Simply Nootropics, we are committed to providing high-quality supplements that deliver real results. That's why we offer a 60-Day Money-Back Guarantee on all our supplements. If you’re not completely satisfied with the results, we’ll refund your money. That’s how confident we are that you'll love your products.

Are there any side effects?

Only good ones. All of our ingredients are safe and third-party lab-tested. We don’t use any stimulants, fillers or nasties in our products. We take these quality steps to ensure Simply Nootropics works for all kinds of people. We pride ourselves on creating game-changing formulas backed by research and science, and actually formulated by our in-house science team unlike other brands.

What is the difference between the old Essentials formula and Essentials Plus?

Essentials Plus is an upgraded version of our bestselling nootropic blend, delivering even more powerful cognitive support with a daily formula of 60 capsules per bottle (up from 44). Featuring increased dosages of key ingredients like Lion’s Mane Mushroom (400mg) and CDP Choline (200mg), along with the addition of New Zealand Pine Bark and Rhodiola Rosea, this enhanced nootropic stack supports both immediate cognitive improvements and long-term brain health. Essentials Plus is designed for daily use, just two capsules a day and best of all, it’s available at the same price, offering more value than ever.