They also support brain function, making them a powerful tool for healthy aging.
Adaptogens are a unique class of botanicals that help the body adapt to physical and emotional stressors. Examples are plants, herbs and mushrooms that help the body maintain balance. Stimulants push the body into high gear, while sedatives slow it down. However, adaptogens support the body’s ability to regulate itself, helping restore equilibrium to the nervous system, hormones and energy levels.
To qualify as an adaptogen, a substance must be safe and non-toxic, improve the body’s stress resistance and promote balance (homeostasis) across multiple systems. This makes adaptogens particularly useful for veterans who are navigating old injuries, sleep challenges or age-related changes in cognition and energy.
Adaptogens have deep cultural and medicinal roots. Under Ayurveda, a holistic medicine system from India, ashwagandha and holy basil have been used for vitality, strength and mental resilience for more than 3,000 years. In traditional Chinese medicine, ginseng, schisandra and reishi mushrooms were foundational tonics for longevity. And in the 1950s and 1960s, Soviet scientists studied rhodiola and eleuthero to enhance endurance in soldiers, Olympians and cosmonauts.
Today, adaptogens remain popular for supporting emotional balance, cognitive clarity and sustained energy. They also support brain function, making them a powerful tool for healthy aging. Among them are:
• Ashwagandha Helps reduce cortisol, improves sleep and relaxation, supports memory and focus, and may aid strength and testosterone in men
• Rhodiola Enhances energy and reduces fatigue, improves attention and cognitive performance, and supports mood during stress
• Panax ginseng Supports cognitive function and memory, boosts immune health, and helps reduce fatigue and improve stamina
• Holy basil Traditionally used for emotional resilience; helps maintain healthy cortisol levels
• Bacopa monnieri Enhances memory, learning and information processing; also reduces anxiety and boosts cognition in older adults
• Gotu kola Supports mental sharpness, promotes calm and emotional stability, and improves circulation, including cerebral blood flow
• Adaptogenic mushrooms, including:
Lion’s mane Supports cognitive function, memory and nerve regeneration
Reishi Promotes calm, stress resilience, immune balance and improved sleep
Cordyceps Enhances energy, stamina and oxygen utilization for improved physical performance
Chaga Provides strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory support for cellular and immune health
Turkey tail Supports gut and immune function
Shiitake Promotes cardiovascular and immune health
Many adaptogens are available over the counter, but consult your health provider before taking one, as some are not recommended for people with certain health conditions.
Army veteran Jennifer Campbell is a certified personal trainer with a master’s degree in nutrition education. She is past commander of the California Legion’s 24th District and Hollywood Post 43.
- News