Health

What Are Adaptogens?

Take a chill pill.

4 min read

You've probably heard the word adaptogens floating around in the wellness world - but what exactly are they - and why is everyone talking about them?

Adaptogens are herbs and plants that help your body adapt to stress and restore its natural balance. They’ve been used in traditional medicine for centuries, but lately, they've been making a comeback for their potential to support everything from focus to energy levels. However, not everyone is too clear on exactly how they work. So you’re a little iffy about them because, well,  you simply don’t know what they are, you’re in the right place.

How Do Adaptogens Work?

To understand how adaptogens work, let’s talk about cortisol. This stress hormone plays a big part in how we respond to stress. If you’re constantly stressed, cortisol levels remain high, leaving you with that wired-but-tired feeling. Adaptogens, however, regulate this response. They don’t force your body to react in a particular way. Instead, they work with your body to help it find balance. Imagine you're in a situation where you’re on the verge of a panic attack—stress levels through the roof. But somehow, you manage to ground yourself and regain control. That feeling of bringing yourself back down is exactly what adaptogens do—they help you stay centered when life gets overwhelming.

Although they have an overarching stress-regulation effect, each adaptogen works a little differently. Take Ashwagandha, for example. This adaptogen is famous for easing stress and anxiety. It’s been shown to reduce cortisol levels by up to 30% in stressed adults, which means you can feel more grounded and less anxious. Then you have two other incredible adaptogens: Reishi Mushroom Powder and Bacopa Monnieri Extract that we’ve added to our NooFocus supplement (we’ll let you guess what that helps with from the name!). Not only do they enhance mental clarity and reduce stress, they also support your cognitive health so you can stay on top of things even when it feels like things are getting on top of you.

Now, this is a lot to take in, right? Especially if you’re new to adaptogens. So let’s break those last two down a bit more for a minute and focus on those last two we mentioned. Reishi Mushroom is actually often referred to as “Mushroom of Immortality” and it’s widely used in traditional medicine for its calming and stress-reducing properties. It’s known for its ability to boost the immune system, reduce inflammation, and improve mental clarity. But the real magic happens when it comes to stress: studies show that Reishi helps regulate the cortisol levels we mentioned earlier, making it a fantastic option for those who struggle with chronic stress. It also supports better sleep, and you KNOW life is easier after a good night’s sleep. Overall, Reishi makes it easier to manage your day without feeling overwhelmed.

Bacopa Monnieri, another key ingredient in Noofocus, has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine to support brain health. Bacopa is often hailed for its ability to improve memory, focus, and cognitive performance. But the benefits don’t stop there. Bacopa also works as an adaptogen by helping your body adapt to stress, reducing anxiety, and promoting mental clarity. Studies have shown that it can enhance brain function, making it a great option for anyone looking to boost their productivity and overall cognitive health. Seeing a theme here?

The Supporting Act

While not traditionally classified as adaptogens, certain natural compounds like L-Theanine and Gotu Kola Extract offer similar stress-supporting benefits which made them a no-brainer when it came to developing our own nootropic formula. Think of something who brings out the best in you - what’s what these compounds do for adaptogens. 

L-Theanine is an amino acid found in green tea that’s known for promoting relaxation without drowsiness. Research suggests it can help improve focus and reduce anxiety — making it a perfect addition to any daily routine. Gotu Kola Extract, often used in Ayurvedic medicine, is believed to support cognitive function and improve circulation, helping your brain feel clearer and more focused. This is likely starting to feel a little repetitive now, but it’s not hard to spot the little differences in each compound and adaptogen that both amplifies the effects and helps them work so well together.

Adding Adaptogens to Your Routine

If you're juggling work, life, and everything in between, adaptogens could be what you've been looking for. The ability to stay clear-headed through a busy day is extremely under-rated; imagine feeling as awake as you did at 10am, when 4pm hits. Or simply bouncing back from stress a little faster. These natural boosters are all about helping you feel your best without overloading your system.

Together, these adaptogens work to help reduce the impact of stress on your body and mind. They support your ability to stay calm under pressure, think more clearly, and maintain mental sharpness throughout the day. You can add them to your regimen separately or look for a supplement like NooFocus that puts together the best adaptogens to help you get the results you need without having to worry about a complicated routine. Who needs more stress when you’re trying to shake it off in the first place?! You simply take it as part of your daily regimen and let the adaptogens do their work.

All-Natural, No Surprises

Feeling a bit skeptical? It’s completely natural -  just like the adaptogens themselves (see what we did there). These herbs don’t force your body to react in any particular way; instead, they help bring your system back into balance. Whether you’re wired, drained, or somewhere in between, adaptogens like Noofocus will work with your body’s rhythms to get you back in sync. So if any part of this resonates with you, give them a try. You’ve got nothing to lose, except maybe a little less stress!