Adaptogens are a unique group of herbs that have been used for thousands of years to improve energy, support the adrenal system, and manage your body's hormonal response to stress. Specifically, adaptogens are useful for enhancing the body's ability to cope with anxiety, fatigue, and stressors.
Although dozens of herbs are referred to as adaptogens, there are only about nine well-documented adaptogens, including: Asian Ginseng, American Ginseng, Ashwagandha, Eleuthero, Shisandra, Rhodiola, Shilajit, Rhaponticum, and Cordyceps.
There are many other adaptogen-like herbs classified by experts as "probable adaptogens." This list includes Bacopa, Holy Basil, and Reishi.
Though all of these are well-documented for positive health effects, herbs in this category don't have the level of research as the others to clearly identify them as adaptogens.