Adaptogens are natural substances that are found in herbs, roots, or mushrooms. They are often used in herbal medicine to help the body resist and adapt to physical and mental stress, fatigue, anxiety, and support immune function.
Common Adaptogens Include:
Ashwagandha – Reduce stress, improve sleep, and support cognitive function (might make you sleepy).
Ginseng – Used for boosting energy, mental clarity, and immune function.
Lion’s Mane (mushroom coffee): Improves cognitive function in older adults (Mori et al., 2009)
Cordyceps militaris (mushroom coffee): Improves VO2 max and reduces fatigue in clinical studies (Chen et al., 2010).
Reishi (mushroom coffee): Reduces stress-related fatigue and improves sleep quality. Also shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
How Adaptogens Work:
Adaptogens interact and modulate the body’s stress response system, particularly the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (“HPA”) axis which regulates hormones like cortisol, adrenaline and other stress mediators.
- The HPA axis controls the release of cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone.
- Adaptogens help balance cortisol levels – reducing it when it’s too high (chronic stress) and supporting it when it’s too low (exhaustion or burnout).
- This helps prevent the negative effects of prolonged stress, such as fatigue, anxiety, and poor immune function.
Why Are Adaptogens Added to Coffee?
Adaptogens are added to coffee to make it a more functional beverage, one that not only stimulates, but also supports stress regulation, focus, immune health, and long-term energy without the crash. Think of it as upgrading your coffee from a jolt of energy to a more balanced, health-supportive ritual.
What Adaptogen Do I Need?
The best adaptogen for you depends on your specific goals, stress levels, and symptoms. Visit the filter table on our Homepage to find the right type of mushroom coffee for you. Always check for interactions with medications or conditions before use.