Adaptogenic Herbs for Stress Support, Increased Energy, & Adrenal Wellness

Written by Amanda Furbee- Guest Writer | August 27, 2025

Natural Energy and Adaptogenic Herbs

Are you feeling drained, unable to sleep well, or struggling to maintain consistent energy throughout the day? Modern life often pushes our adrenal glands—the small but mighty glands responsible for our stress response—into overdrive. This leads to fatigue, stress, and a cascade of health challenges. Fortunately, there’s a natural way to support and restore balance: adaptogenic herbs. Adaptogens are nature’s solution to helping the body adapt to stress, regulate energy levels, and support better sleep. In this blog, we’ll dive into what adaptogens are, how they work, and the steps you can take to maintain natural energy and adrenal health.

What Are Adaptogens & How Do They Work?

Adaptogens are a unique group of herbs and plants that help the body manage stress more effectively. They work by supporting the adrenal glands, which are responsible for producing hormones like cortisol that regulate our fight-or-flight response. When the adrenals are overworked due to ongoing stress, it can lead to fatigue, difficulty sleeping, and low energy.

Adaptogens act like a reset button for the body, helping to restore balance by improving the body’s ability to adapt to physical, mental, and emotional stressors. By promoting homeostasis (a state of balance), adaptogens can help your energy levels stabilize, improve your sleep patterns, and enhance your overall well-being.

Key Adaptogenic Herbs for Adrenal Health

If you’re looking to support your adrenal health and boost your natural energy, these adaptogenic herbs are a great place to start:

Ashwagandha: Known for its calming effects, Ashwagandha helps improve energy, making it ideal for stress management and better sleep.
Rhodiola: This herb is often used to combat fatigue, improve mental clarity, and enhance physical stamina. It’s great for those dealing with burnout.
Eleuthero (Siberian Ginseng): Eleuthero supports overall energy levels and improves endurance, making it a popular choice for both physical and mental performance.
Maca: Maca helps nourish the body, regulate energy, support hormonal homestasis,, and improve mood.
Holy Basil: Also called Tulsi, this herb helps support stress levels, promote relaxation, and support adrenal health.
Devil’s Club: Devil’s Club is great for supporting the adrenal glands and improving resilience to stress.

Incorporating these herbs into your routine can provide powerful support for restoring adrenal balance and energy levels.

Ways to Take Adaptogenic Herbs

Adaptogenic herbs are incredibly versatile and easy to incorporate into your daily routine. Here are the most popular ways to use them:

Teas: Many adaptogenic herbs can be steeped into soothing teas that are both delicious and effective.
Tinctures: These concentrated liquid extracts are convenient and can be added to water or taken directly.
Capsules: For those who prefer a no-fuss approach, capsules are an easy way to consume adaptogens.

Whichever method you choose, consistency is key. Start with small doses and gradually increase as needed, consulting a healthcare provider if necessary.

Tea Blend Recipe for Natural Energy

Here’s a simple tea blend recipe that combines adaptogenic herbs for balanced energy and stress relief:

Ingredients:

1 tsp. dried ashwagandha root
1 tsp. dried holy basil (tulsi)
1 tsp. dried rhodiola root
1 tsp. dried eleuthero root
1/2 tsp. dried maca powder

Instructions:

Combine all herbs in a tea strainer or teapot.
Pour 2 cups of hot (not boiling) water over the herbs.
Steep for 10–15 minutes.
Strain and enjoy warm.

Optional: Add a touch of honey or lemon for flavor. Drink 1–2 cups daily to support energy and balance.

Lifestyle Tips for Natural Energy

While adaptogenic herbs are a fantastic tool for adrenal health, maintaining natural energy also requires healthy lifestyle habits. Here are some practical tips:

Eat an anti-inflammatory diet: Avoid processed foods and focus on whole, nutrient-dense options. An anti-inflammatory diet can reduce stress on the body and improve energy.
Include leafy greens or a green food supplement: These are packed with vitamins and minerals that fuel your body naturally.
Stay active: Regular physical activity, even light exercise like walking, supports healthy energy levels and reduces stress.
Get into nature: Spending time outdoors has been shown to lower stress and boost mood and energy.
Prioritize sleep: Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep each night to allow your body to rest and repair.
Soak up natural vitamin D: Exposure to sunlight is essential for maintaining energy and a positive mood.
Limit caffeine dependency: While caffeine may provide a temporary energy boost, over-relying on caffeinated beverages like coffee and energy drinks can exhaust your adrenal glands over time. This is because caffeine stimulates the production of cortisol, which can eventually lead to adrenal fatigue if consumed excessively.

A balanced lifestyle, paired with adaptogenic herbs, can help you feel your best naturally.

Achieving Natural Energy Through Balance

Achieving natural energy isn’t about quick fixes—it’s about creating a balanced, sustainable lifestyle. By incorporating adaptogenic herbs, eating an anti-inflammatory diet, staying active, and prioritizing rest, you can support your adrenal health and improve your energy naturally. Small, consistent changes can have a big impact over time. Start by adding one or two adaptogenic herbs to your routine and build from there. Your body will thank you as you move toward greater vitality and well-being.