Why Rhodiola And Astragalus Are The Adaptogens To Note Now

Today, adaptogens are found in everything from wellness drinks to nootropic blends and supplements — a dramatic evolution from niche herbal remedies to mainstream wellness essentials. This rise reflects a growing cultural shift, with people increasingly seeking natural, evidence-based ways to build both mental and physical resilience in a world of stress, burnout, and digital overload. Rather than chasing quick fixes, today’s health-conscious consumers prefer solutions that support the body to adapt and restore balance, not just mask symptoms.

However, if you’re still not quite sure what adaptogens actually are or why they’re now in your morning coffee, allow me to explain. Adaptogens are a diverse family of herbs and plant medicines that have been used for thousands of years by herbalists in traditional medicine. They are thought to help regulate the body’s natural response to stress, known as General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS), working at a molecular level to support stability within the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis.

To be classified as an adaptogen, a plant must meet three key criteria: it must be safe and non-toxic; it must enhance the body’s resistance to a wide range of stressors, including physical, emotional, and environmental stress; and it must help restore balance, or homeostasis. Among the best known are Rhodiola Rosea and Astragalus, celebrated for their complementary effects on both body and mind. Together, they form a dynamic duo for modern vitality, supporting mental performance, physical stamina, and immune resilience.

Rhodiola is a hero adaptogen that has been used for centuries and is best known for its ability to naturally support energy levels, focus, mental clarity, and the body's response to stress. Modern research shows it helps regulate stress hormones, particularly cortisol, while enhancing serotonin and dopamine activity. Rhodiola can also serve as a natural, caffeine-free alternative for sustained energy and focus during the day, keeping your hormones balanced and your body calm. In essence, Rhodiola acts like a “reset button” for the nervous system, helping you stay calm, focused, and energised even on your busiest days.

A hero adaptogen for long-term vitality is Astragalus, known for its immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. It supports recovery, strengthens defences, and promotes overall balance, helping your body stay resilient through daily stress and seasonal changes. While Rhodiola primarily uplifts mental and physical performance, Astragalus strengthens the body’s defences and restores long-term vitality. Together, they create a foundation for lasting wellness.

On a personal level, I’ve found adaptogens, particularly Rhodiola, to be incredibly supportive during my luteal phase. They help lift my mood, boost my energy, clear away brain fog, and ease PMS symptoms. In fact, I loved them so much that I began studying integrative health and exploring how chronic stress can play a pivotal role in hormonal imbalances, gut permeability, inflammation, and immune dysregulation.

One module focused specifically on adaptogens, and I was fascinated to learn how powerful they can be in regulating the nervous system and, in turn, supporting the body in preventing dis-ease states like those mentioned above.

My passion for these natural tools ultimately inspired me to launch my own adaptogen-based supplement line, Vhyne, dedicated to helping women support their overall wellbeing in a holistic way.

VitaResiliance is our first product, a premium marine collagen and adaptogenic blend, and since taking it, I’ve noticed a significant improvement in how my body supports itself through the second half of my cycle, especially given my history with PMDD. You’ll find both Rhodiola and Astragalus inside, chosen for their complementary effects on body and mind. Rhodiola delivers immediate benefits for mental clarity and energy, supporting the body’s natural resilience to stress while providing a sustained source of natural energy to help you stay sharp and focused. Astragalus provides deeper, restorative support for immune and cellular health, fuelling immunity, recovery, and long-term vitality. Together, they address both the short-term and long-term challenges of modern living, promoting a balanced state of active calm.

Yet, no matter where you choose to source your adaptogens, incorporating them into your daily routine can be a gentle but powerful shift. They’re not instant fixes, but subtle supports that work over time to help restore balance in both body and mind, strengthening your natural resilience. Whether taken as a capsule, tincture, or tea, consistency is key, and pairing adaptogens with restorative sleep, nourishing foods, and mindful recovery practices can further enhance their effects.

Ultimately, they remind us that resilience isn’t about pushing harder; it’s about listening to your body and restoring harmony. In a culture that celebrates constant grind and productivity, these plant medicines offer a quieter kind of support, one rooted in adaptability, renewal, and the ability to thrive through change.