Take Back the Term: Understanding Adaptogens in Herbal Wellness

May 14, 2020

by

Rachel B

Take Back the Term: Understanding Adaptogens in Herbal Wellness

Oh Lordy...this one is close to my heart.

What the heck is an adaptogen? Best to define a term as part of it’s reclamation... Adaptogens are plants and fungi who have non-specific (yet far reaching) actions, which balance, nourish and help the body resist the negative effects of stress in order to adapt, thrive and stay nimble. They regulate the endocrine system and the nervous system, like a botanical therapist. And you all know, if you really want to change some deep rooted shit, you need a therapist.

Adaptogens are at the core of all of my formulas in my clinical herbal practice. They are foundation to the change I see in my clients.

Stress dominates many of our psyches. Trauma, external pressures, injustice, discrimination, and inequality effect all of us to greater or lesser degrees. The plants and fungi that aid us in getting out of the rut of reaction are profound. I see adaptogens as playing a key role in unpacking generations of trauma that keep us stuck in survival mode.

So when I see ‘adaptogen’ becoming the new hip term, bled of its meaning, I get peeved.

Adaptogens in your skincare? Well, your skin isn’t your endocrine system. The actions these plants/ fungi have on your skin actions are different from how they help you cope with stress. Topical application might not be the best use of their medicines.

Adaptogens in your golden milk? Sure. These plants/fungi are tonics, but quality and quantity are always at play. It’s kind of like dating, you can ‘casually’ date a whole bunch of people who might not be good matches for you, it’s fun and exciting for a minute. But if you’re trying to hunker down and get karmic with your relating, you’re gonna want to make sure it’s a good fit.

Adaptogens deserve respect. They are needed medicines for the deep places in us, especially now. My hope is we see them for what they really are: complex and profound botanical beings.

Latest Journals

Cleansing with the Full Moon: A Ritual to Release and Renew

Jul 10, 2025

by

Coven Crew

Fat Crush: Alice Sandahl on Music, Ritual, and Feminine Mysticism

Jun 04, 2025

by

Coven Crew

Musician. Artist. Educator. Some people move through the world on a deeper frequency—and Alice Sandahl is one of them. Musician, artist, educator, and all-around radiant human, Alice is our latest Fat Crush and we’re so honored to celebrate her today.

Take Back the Term: Clean Beauty Redefined Through Herbal Transparency

May 30, 2025

by

Coven Crew

Let’s remember dirt is not the problem, chemicals are. Chemicals affect our endocrine system, throwing wrenches into the complex communication of our hormones. Chemicals don’t break down in the environment, they get passed through the systems of other creatures, disrupting their bodies.

Fat Crush: Rasheedah Phillips on Black Quantum Futurism and Healing Rituals

May 23, 2025

by

Admin Crew

Marshmallow Bunnies: Herbal Remedies Wrapped in Whimsy

Apr 14, 2025

by

Admin Crew

Apoptosis: Herbal Support for Healthy Cell Renewal and Detoxification

Mar 12, 2025

by

Admin Crew

Apoptosis is your cells’ way of knowing when it’s time to peace out. In the biological processes of repair, growth and renewal, apoptosis is the inner knowing of the cell to die to make way for the next crop of cellular life.

Herbs for Wildfire Support: Plant Protection and Respiratory Relief During Fire Season

Jan 15, 2025

by

Marketing FM

If we are able to look more deeply into what’s happening in LA, we also get views into sublime beauty: people showing up for each other, the community net, the resilience and care that crisis also ignites in us.

Menu of Meaning and Medicinals: An Herbal Feast

Nov 21, 2024

by

Marketing FM

Four recipes we'll be throwing down this season. We see the holidaze as a time to revel in the ginger and spice, to balance all the things that aren’t so nice. The flavors of the winter seasons are warming, stimulating, reminders of our sensual capacity.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24