Should You Be Taking Adaptogens? Benefits for Stress, Focus, and Balance

Adaptogens are a unique group of herbs and roots that help the body maintain balance when exposed to stress (1).

To be considered an adaptogen, an herb should (1):

• Be generally safe and non-toxic at typical doses
• Help the body resist a wide range of stressors
• Restore or maintain homeostasis (balance)

Adaptogens are not about “covering up” exhaustion or numbing emotions. Instead, they help the nervous system, endocrine system, and immune system stay more regulated, especially under pressure.

Adaptogens are often discussed within the context of stress or “adrenal fatigue.” To learn more, read this article: The 3 Phases of Adrenal Dysfunction

While they’re not a cure or treatment for any disease, adaptogens may support:

• Calm sense of focus (without overstimulation or a “caffeinated feeling”)
• Stable energy levels
• Emotional regulation
• Better response to stressors (like lack of sleep, busy schedules, or sensory overload)
• Recovery after illness, travel, or physical strain

They often pair well with calming herbs called nervines, as well as with nootropics, which further support the nervous system during times of high demand.

Nervines, nootropics, and adaptogens are often grouped together, and it’s not for nothing - they tend to complement each other beautifully. There are some distinctions:

• Adaptogens support your body in how it responds to stress. Think: stabilizing energy, boosting resilience, restoring balance.
• Nervines support and calm the nervous system, often used for sleep, tension, or overwhelm. Many are gentle enough for daily use in kids.
• Nootropics are herbs or nutrients that support brain performance, such as memory, learning, and focus.

Some herbs fall into more than one category. For example, rhodiola is both an adaptogen and a nootropic. Lemon balm is considered both a nervine and a cognitive supporter, depending on context and dose.

When used together, adaptogens, nervines, and nootropics can complement each other beautifully, supporting the brain, adrenals, and emotional regulation as a whole.

As with all herbal remedies, it’s important to consider the unique needs of each individual, especially when it comes to children, pregnancy, or breastfeeding. While adaptogens are generally considered to be safe, context and formulation matter.

Many adaptogens are considered safe for children when used in age-appropriate doses and paired with herbs that support their developing systems. Formulas like Focus & Attention™ Kids and Peace & Calm™ Kids are crafted specifically for school-aged children, combining adaptogens with gentle nervines like lemon balm and chamomile.

Still, when using adaptogens kids, it’s important to:

• Use formulas approved for children
• Adhere to child-friendly dosage guidelines 
• Consult your provider if your child is taking medications or has a complex health history

Some adaptogens, like licorice root, are sometimes recommended to be avoided during pregnancy unless specifically recommended by your practitioner. Others, like reishi and rhodiola, are generally considered by midwives and herbalists to be safe during pregnancy and lactation.

One of the most misunderstood things about adaptogens is how long they take to work. While certain adaptogens like ginseng or rhodiola may offer a mild, noticeable boost shortly after taking them, the real benefit of adaptogens tends to come from consistent use over time. These herbs work subtly, helping the body build resilience gradually, often taking 2 to 4 weeks of regular use before the effects become truly noticeable.

Here’s a breakdown of some of our favorite adaptogens used in Dr. Green Life™ formulas, and how they support balance in kids and adults alike:

Used traditionally for its ability to promote mental clarity, balanced energy, and immune support (2,3).

Found in:

• Adrenal & Focus™
• Mother’s Energy™

Known to enhance stamina, focus, memory, and endurance (4).

Found in:

• Adrenal & Focus™

A gentle but powerful herb that helps support mood, stamina, and focus, especially helpful during emotional or physical stress (5).

Found in:

• Focus & Attention™ Kids
• Mother’s Energy™
• Take a Chill Pill™

A well-loved and highly versatile herb, schisandra is known to support liver function, mental clarity, and emotional resilience (6).

Found in:

• Mother’s Energy™

Traditionally used to help the body regulate stress and promote inner calm (7).

Found in:

• Wholly Zen Master™
• Take a Chill Pill™
• Nature Profen™

Used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine to support cognitive function, mental clarity, and nervous system health (8,9).

Found in:

• Focus & Attention™ Kids

Often used to support the adrenal system and to complement the effects of other adaptogens.

Found in:

• Focus & Attention™ Kids
• Adrenal & Focus™

Adaptogens aren’t magic pills, but they are powerful herbs that offer the body gentle support to regulate stress and stay balanced. If you're feeling drained, unfocused, or stuck in survival mode, adaptogens can help. These powerful herbs support the body’s natural stress response—promoting calm focus, steady energy, and emotional balance over time. 

At Dr. Green Life™, we use time-tested adaptogens like rhodiola, American ginseng, and schisandra in targeted formulas like Adrenal & Focus™, Mother’s Energy™, and Focus & Attention™ Kids. Whether you're navigating daily stress, supporting your child’s focus, or rebuilding after burnout, adaptogens can be a simple and effective way to help restore a sense of balance from the inside out.

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2. Scholey A, Ossoukhova A, Owen L, Ibarra A, Pipingas A, He K, Roller M, Stough C. Effects of American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) on neurocognitive function: an acute, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2010 Oct;212(3):345-56. doi: 10.1007/s00213-010-1964-y. Epub 2010 Jul 31. PMID: 20676609; PMCID: PMC2952762.

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5. Ivanova Stojcheva E, Quintela JC. The Effectiveness of Rhodiola rosea L. Preparations in Alleviating Various Aspects of Life-Stress Symptoms and Stress-Induced Conditions-Encouraging Clinical Evidence. Molecules. 2022 Jun 17;27(12):3902. doi: 10.3390/molecules27123902. PMID: 35745023; PMCID: PMC9228580.

6. Rybnikář M, Šmejkal K, Žemlička M. Schisandra chinensis and its phytotherapeutical applications. Ceska Slov Farm. 2019 Summer;68(3):95-118. English. PMID: 31431019.

7. Cohen MM. Tulsi - Ocimum sanctum: A herb for all reasons. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2014 Oct-Dec;5(4):251-9. doi: 10.4103/0975-9476.146554. PMID: 25624701; PMCID: PMC4296439.

8. Phoemsapthawee J, Ammawat W, Prasertsri P, Sathalalai P, Leelayuwat N. Does Gotu kola supplementation improve cognitive function, inflammation, and oxidative stress more than multicomponent exercise alone? - a randomized controlled study. J Exerc Rehabil. 2022 Oct 26;18(5):330-342. doi: 10.12965/jer.2244388.194. PMID: 36420467; PMCID: PMC9650315.

9. Farhana KM, Malueka RG, Wibowo S, Gofir A. Effectiveness of Gotu Kola Extract 750 mg and 1000 mg Compared with Folic Acid 3 mg in Improving Vascular Cognitive Impairment after Stroke. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2016;2016:2795915. doi: 10.1155/2016/2795915. Epub 2016 Jun 1. PMID: 27340413; PMCID: PMC4908235.