Trending: adaptogens Just what exactly are these so-called plant-based miracle workers trending on social media?

They’re big news on social media, but what exactly are these so-called plant-based miracle workers?

Ever wish your body had a GPS system that could fast-track you from “anxiety avenue” to “calm street”? Adaptogenic herbs, roots and mushrooms are supposed to do just that. They’ve been used for centuries in traditional Chinese and Indian medicine, to keep hormones in balance. Now they’re enjoying a popularity surge, with adaptogens turning up everywhere from health food stores to naturopath clinics and social media feeds.

Adaptogens are extracted from plants and have exotic names like Siberian ginseng, ashwagandha, schisandra, reishi, rhodiola and lion’s mane mushroom. They’re taken as supplements in tinctures, powders and tablets. They can also be eaten and some are available as herbal teas. Up-market cafes now serve them in lattes as a health-boosting alternative to turmeric-infused golden milk.

HOW THEY WORK

Natural therapists believe that adaptogens can change your stress reactions, for example, by actually dampening down your fight-or-flight response. The domino effect then shifts your hormone balance so that you enjoy more calming hormones (such as serotonin) and fewer hormones that spike anxiety (such as cortisol).

Had a super-stressful day? The theory is that a cup of tulsi tea (holy basil) will help drop your adrenaline back down so you feel less wired. Unable to sleep last night? The tea may have a different effect and boost your energy hormones, giving you more get-up-and-go. It’s said that tulsi tea can adapt to your body’s needs.

LAB LOWDOWN

Some studies show that adaptogens can help people feel less stressed, yet others have shown little effect. So what’s the story? While some experts believe the placebo effect may explain why people feel better on these supplements, others believe future research will show they have measurable impacts on cells, hormones and energy production. Until then, what we do know is that adaptogens are unlikely to cause harm, and some women who take them daily to perk up or calm down, swear by their benefits.