3 Ayurvedic Adaptogenic Herbs to Help Handle Stress

Adaptogenic herbs help your body better handle stress and return to homeostasis after a stressful event. These herbs have been used for millennia in Ayurveda, and the west is finally catching up on how great these can be to help support anxiety, stress and other mental health conditions.

Ashwaganda

Ashwaganda is one of the most popular herbs in Ayurveda. People have used it for thousands of years for different reasons including managing stress, increase energy levels and improve concentration.

Powder of leaf or root is used in the Ayurvedic practice to address different health issues including anxiety.

More information about research on Ashwaganda can be found here.

One way you can consume this herb is via capsules, like this one from Klaire Labs.

Rhodiola

This herb contains powerful compounds, called rosoavin, that help balance cortisol (your main stress hormone). Rhodiola is also used to alleviate depression (which is my case), increase energy and athletic performance.

I take Rhodiola in supplement form from Pure Encapsulations - 2 to 3 capsules in the morning.

Tulsi

Tulsi, or Holy Basil, used to provide balance to the entire body, including in the immune, reproductive, central nervous and cardiovascular systems. It is excellent at protecting organs from different stressors, environmental or physiological, and it can be consumed in capsule or tea form (my personal favorite).

Yoga Knowledge Disclaimer

I am currently studying yoga through the Bhodi Yoga Center. Bodhi Yoga™ is a therapeutic style of yoga that benefits beginners and challenges advanced students of any age or ability. It utilizes the power of the "slow approach," where the journey is as important as the destination.

Consult your physician before starting any new intense workout regimen.

Yoga is a ancient tradition linked to Indian cultures. I am not of Indian cultural descent and try to practice yoga from a place of learning and deep respect for cultures that made this practice available for all of us. Any yogic knowledge you see on this page was not created or invented by me, rather established and practiced for thousands of years. For more information on the history of Yoga, click here and visit the Indian Yoga Association webpage.

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