Chronic stress is something the vast majority of people in France report experiencing, according to the Institut national de recherche et de sécurité. This modern-day pressure weighs on both physical and mental wellbeing, and can feel hard to shift with conventional approaches alone.
Adaptogens offer a time-honoured, natural approach, used for millennia and increasingly the subject of modern scientific interest. These remarkable plants and mushrooms are traditionally valued for helping the body feel more at ease when facing different everyday pressures, whether physical, emotional or environmental.
Unlike solutions that simply mask symptoms, adaptogens are traditionally understood, within herbal wellness practice, to work more holistically — though it's worth noting this is a traditional framework rather than an established physiological mechanism, and adaptogens are not a substitute for medical care.
What Exactly Is an Adaptogen?
A Working Definition
The term "adaptogen" was coined in 1947 by Russian pharmacologist Nikolai Lazarev. For a plant to be classified as an adaptogen, it is traditionally expected to meet three criteria:
1. Non-toxicity: the plant should not cause adverse effects at normal doses
2. Non-specific action: it should be associated with supporting resilience to different types of everyday pressure
3. A normalising effect: it should be associated with helping the body find its natural balance
How Adaptogens Are Traditionally Understood to Work
Within herbal tradition, adaptogens are described as working like biological thermostats — lending support when the body needs it, and stepping back once things settle. This is a traditional, descriptive framework rather than a scientifically established mechanism.
This dual quality is often used to explain why adaptogens are traditionally associated with both feeling more energised when tired and feeling calmer when overextended, depending on individual needs.
The 5 Best Adaptogens for Stress
1. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
Sometimes called "Indian ginseng", ashwagandha tops our list of stress-friendly adaptogens for its sheer versatility. This centuries-old root is traditionally valued for supporting calm, restful evenings and everyday energy, and is often reached for by people looking to support their wellbeing during particularly demanding periods.
Why people love it:
• A long-standing reputation, within Ayurvedic tradition, for supporting a sense of calm
• Traditionally associated with more restful sleep
• Valued by many for supporting a settled mood
• Traditionally used to help the body cope with physical demands
When to take it: In the evening to support relaxation, or in the morning if you're using it for everyday energy
2. Rhodiola Rosea (Golden Root)
The "golden root" of the Siberian mountains is a favourite for supporting mental focus during demanding periods. It's a popular choice for busy professionals looking to feel sharper and more resilient. Its gentle, non-jittery lift makes it a natural fit for particularly intense periods of work.
What makes it stand out:
• Traditionally valued for supporting focus under pressure
• Long used to help ease everyday mental fatigue
• A traditional companion during particularly demanding periods
• Valued for supporting concentration and mental clarity
Timing: On an empty stomach in the morning to help absorption
3. Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)
Known as the "mushroom of immortality", reishi is a go-to adaptogenic mushroom for calm and restful sleep. It's traditionally valued for helping settle a busy mind and supporting deep, restorative sleep — a natural fit for anyone who struggles to unwind in the evening.
Traditionally valued for:
• Supporting a sense of calm in the evening
• Encouraging deep, restful sleep
• Helping ease everyday irritability and restlessness
• A long-standing place in traditional wellness practices during demanding periods
Our favourite:
Organic Reishi by Sun Potion stands out for its exceptional quality. Its fine, easily dispersible powder makes it simple to work into a drink or recipe.
4. Cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris)
This distinctive adaptogenic mushroom pairs everyday calm with an energy boost, making it a favourite for active people juggling a lot of pressure. It's traditionally valued for supporting physical stamina while easing performance-related nerves — a reason athletes and entrepreneurs alike keep it in their routine.
Traditionally valued for:
• Supporting everyday stamina and vitality
• Helping ease demand-related fatigue
• A long-standing role in supporting the body during demanding periods
• Supporting both physical and mental performance
Our favourite:
Power gummies by Bien. Easy to take daily, they also contain rhodiola and ginseng for an extra lift.
To learn more about cordyceps: energy, stamina and recovery, complete guide.
5. Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis)
The "five-flavour berry" is a favourite for people navigating a demanding, always-on lifestyle (city living, screens, a packed schedule). It's traditionally valued in Chinese herbal practice for supporting overall vitality and mental clarity, and is a popular pick for city dwellers navigating a busy environment.
Traditionally valued for:
• A long-standing place in traditional Chinese herbal practice
• Supporting physical stamina
• Supporting mental clarity and focus
• A traditional companion for everyday balance
Which adaptogen suits you?
Premium Brands: Quality and Care You Can Trust
Cymbiotika: Technological Excellence
Cymbiotika brings its patented liposomal technology to adaptogens. The
Golden Mind formula combines several adaptogens in carefully balanced ratios, with bioavailability designed to significantly outperform classic extracts.
Why choose Cymbiotika:
• Enhanced absorption through liposomal encapsulation
• Thoughtfully researched, synergistic formulas
• Pharmaceutical-grade purity, third-party tested
• American innovation
Anima Mundi: Tradition, Reimagined
Anima Mundi carries forward the wisdom of traditional herbalism with a modern, considered approach. Their adaptogens are sourced directly from traditional growing communities, on fair-trade principles.
What sets Anima Mundi apart:
• Ethical sourcing with full traceability
• Gentle extraction that preserves the plant's natural co-factors
• Formulas inspired by traditional herbal practice
• Organic certification and systematic purity testing
Sun Potion: Californian Purity
Sun Potion embodies the best of Californian adaptogenic superfoods, with a philosophy built on absolute purity. Founded by passionate herbalists, the brand selects its plants with great care, prioritising vitality and environmental responsibility.
What makes Sun Potion different:
• Sourced directly from some of the world's most respected growers
• Minimal processing that preserves the plant's integrity
• Single-ingredient formulas for perfect traceability
• A holistic approach that blends tradition with modern care
Their organic Reishi and Ashwagandha are particularly prized by yoga and meditation practitioners for their exceptional concentration of active compounds.
Kiki Health: British Innovation
Kiki Health brings unique extraction technologies developed in the UK to the world of adaptogens. This pioneering brand pairs rigorous scientific research with real respect for the plant's natural properties. Their adaptogens are available in capsule form.
Why choose Kiki Health:
• Supercritical CO2 extraction that preserves natural co-factors
• Precisely standardised active compounds for consistent quality
• Synergistic formulas grounded in modern herbal practice
• Quality control to European pharmaceutical standards
Their adaptogen blends thoughtfully combine several plants to make the most of smaller, well-balanced doses.
Plant People: The Plant-Powered Generation
Plant People represents a new generation of adaptogens, taking a modern, considered approach in a format that's genuinely enjoyable to use: gummies. This American brand makes adaptogenic plants more accessible, with formulas that are both easy to use and thoughtfully made.
What sets Plant People apart:
• Careful research behind every formula
• Doses informed by the latest available research
• Eco-conscious packaging and clear consumer information
• An educational approach to using adaptogens thoughtfully
Their WonderCalm and WonderFocus blends are a great, gentle way to start exploring adaptogens.
Complementary Liposomal Vitamins
Adaptogens can sit alongside a few specific
liposomal vitamins as part of a well-rounded routine:
Vitamin B: B vitamins contribute to normal energy-yielding metabolism and to the normal function of the nervous system.
Liposomal Magnesium: magnesium contributes to normal muscle function and to normal psychological function.
SuperKure: Your Adaptogen Experts
Our selection
SuperKure works exclusively with brands that meet our highest standards:
Our
adaptogen collection brings together the world's finest names, curated by our experts on the basis of:
• A strong, credible reputation
• Optimal purity and concentration
• Technological innovation (liposomal, fermentation...)
• Great value at every price point
Personalised advice: our experts are here to help you choose and get the most from your routine, whatever your needs. Reach us at contact@superkure.fr
Our take
Adaptogens are far more than a wellness trend: they represent a time-honoured, increasingly researched approach to feeling more balanced amid the demands of modern life. Their gentle, considered nature makes them a natural fit for a lasting, sustainable routine.
France
The Complete Guide to the Best Adaptogens for Stress
What Exactly Is an Adaptogen?
A Working Definition
How Adaptogens Are Traditionally Understood to Work
The 5 Best Adaptogens for Stress
1. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
Our favourite: Organic Ashwagandha by Anima Mundi stands out for its exceptional quality, thanks to carefully controlled growing and gentle extraction.
2. Rhodiola Rosea (Golden Root)
3. Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)
4. Cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris)
To learn more about cordyceps: energy, stamina and recovery, complete guide.
5. Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis)
Which adaptogen suits you?
Premium Brands: Quality and Care You Can Trust
Cymbiotika: Technological Excellence
Anima Mundi: Tradition, Reimagined
Sun Potion: Californian Purity
Kiki Health: British Innovation
Plant People: The Plant-Powered Generation
Complementary Liposomal Vitamins
SuperKure: Your Adaptogen Experts
Our selection
Our take