Newest Adaptogen Findings

Adaptogen herbs promote homeostasis and resilience in the face of physical, mental, and emotional stress. Some of the most studied adaptogens include Rhodiola, Licorice, Bacopa, and Shatavari. There is much to discover about how these herbs produce such powerful healing effects. The newest adaptogen findings by well-designed research trial in the last few years yielded evidence that supports traditional claims and makes new claims about the healing powers of these adaptogens. 

Rhodiola

Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea) is a fleshy, yellow-flowered plant whose medicine lies in its roots and rhizomes. Its fresh roots actually smell like roses! Rhodiola root helps combat stress-induced depression and exhaustion. Turn to this herb when you’re feeling totally burned out. It acts on the central nervous system and heals damage caused by stress. This 2022 study concluded Rhodiola was very effective at managing stress-induced conditions. Rhodiola also improves physical performance. This 2023 study found Rhodiola supported muscle recovery, reduced inflammation and oxidative stress, and increased energy. NutraHead: Headache and Migraine Support is a tea blend crafted with Rhodiola to promote clear-headed relaxation during the work day. Another tea blend containing Rhodiola, NutraBoost: Fatigue and Mental Focus, supports mental and emotional endurance. NutraThyroid: Thyroid Health and Function tea harnesses Rhodiola’s ability to help restore your natural energy levels. 

Licorice

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a plant with a highly medicinal root that’s fifty times sweeter than sugar. This 2023 study found that Licorice root can fight neurodegeneration, inflammation, and stress. It also eases upper respiratory infections thanks to anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, immune-boosting properties. NutraThroat: Sore Throat and Coughs tea blend contains Licorice to help support the upper respiratory tract. NutraBoost: Fatigue and Mental Focus tea contains Licorice to support your resilience to stress. Licorice and Cinnamon: Energy and Clarity relies on Licorice to help maintain your energy levels and support the nervous system. NutraBone: Bone Health and Support tea blend relies on Licorice’s anti-inflammatory properties to reduce pain and improve joint mobility. This 2024 study found that Licorice’s adaptogenic properties reduce the adverse effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and those with kidney disease, heart disease, or high blood pressure should avoid licorice products.

Bacopa

Bacopa (Bacopa monnieri), an aquatic flower, is an herbal powerhouse famed for improving cognitive skills. This 2024 study found that supplementing with Bacopa significantly improved verbal short-term memory, spatial short-term memory, working memory, visuospatial working memory, and episodic memory. It also improved concentration, alertness, reasoning, and mental flexibility, with noticeable effects beginning after two to four weeks. Furthermore, Bacopa decreased anxiety levels and improved sleep, perhaps because it also lowered levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. Cortisol increases Thyroid-stimulating Hormone (TSH). NutraThyroid tea blend contains Bacopa in order to harness the plant’s cortisol-reducing effects. 

Shatavari

Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) is a woody, climbing plant with white flowers. All parts of this adaptogenic plant go into the medicinal preparations. Folk medicine praises it as a tonic herb for women’s health at all ages. This 2021 study found that supplementing with Shatavari conserved and improved women’s musculoskeletal strength. This is partially because it balances estrogen. Shatavari also regulates menstrual irregularity, and reduces PMS, cramps, bloating, and nausea. It supports hormonal health and comfort during pregnancy, so it’s also included in the blend NutraPreg: Pregnancy and Nausea.

Shatavari improves milk production during breastfeeding, which is why NutraTea herbalists include Shatavari in NutraMother: Breastfeeding and Wellbeing. Shatavari supports women through menopause by reducing hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, anxiety, nervousness, vaginal dryness, and loss of libido. Shatavari is beneficial for men, too! It promotes healthy digestion, which is why NutraTea herbalists included it in the digestion-soothing tea blend NutraReflux; Acid Reflux and Digestion.