An adaptogen is a botanical that improves the body’s ability to adapt to stress, whether it’s a hectic schedule, heat or cold, noise, high altitudes or any number of other stressors. This elite class of herbs imparts strength, energy, stamina and endurance and improves mental clarity. Herbal adaptogens don’t alter mood; instead, they help us recover from stress by normalizing various body systems. While published human clinical trials are lacking in some cases, traditional use dates back thousands of years.

To qualify as an adaptogen, an herb must be completely safe and nontoxic, have broad uses for health and reduce both mental and physical stress. Put simply: Adaptogens help you adapt. In many parts of the non-Western world, adaptogens are used extensively by people in high-risk, fast-reflex occupations, from athletes to miners to deep-sea divers. For example, my favorite adaptogen to help my body cope with the stress of cold-water surfing is Rhodiola rosea. I lead a pretty adventurous lifestyle, which is why I love adaptogens so much.

The following herbs demonstrate significant adaptogenic activity:

Rhodiola rosea. A well-studied adaptogen, rhodiola defends the body and protects general health and well-being. Its antistress and fatigue-fighting properties make it one of the most popular botanicals in its native Siberia. A 2002 overview published in the Journal of the American Botanical Council reported that Rhodiola rosea is effective for disorders of the nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular and reproductive systems. It also has some anticancer effects.

Ashwagandha. Of all the medicinal plants used in India’s several-millennia-old tradition of Ayurveda, ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is the most highly prized. It is traditionally used for fatigue, ulcers, diminished brain function, gynecological disorders and lack of libido.

Eleuthero. Employed in traditional Chinese medicine to invigorate sexual function, boost vital energy and normalize overall body functions, eleuthero is classified as an adaptogen because it enhances immunity and overall vitality.

Schisandra. This berry is a potent general tonic that decreases fatigue, enhances physical performance and promotes endurance. It also reduces the levels of stress hormones in the blood.

Panax ginseng. This tonic herb is used to rejuvenate and invigorate. Traditionally, it has been shown to provide nonspecific protection against various mental, physical and environmental forms of stress. According to the Complete German Commission E Monographs (American Botanical Council, 1998), many studies have shown that ginseng extracts can stimulate learning, memory and energy.

Holy basil. A July 2002 article featured in the Indian Journal of Experimental Biology reported that holy basil (also known as tulsi) can help the body cope with emotional and physical stress. That same journal also reported that holy basil is a powerful antioxidant with antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties.

Maca. This root has been dubbed “Peruvian ginseng,” although it bears no relation to ginseng. But like ginseng, maca increases strength, energy, stamina, libido and sexual function. Maca is also a good source of iron, magnesium, calcium, potassium and iodine.