Adaptogens Are Back in 2025 — And This Time, We’re Actually Listening
- R A E
- May 21
- 5 min read
Most of us have spent years swiping past health trends, eyeing turmeric lattes with suspicion and dismissing Ashwagandha as something only people who shop exclusively at farmer’s markets are into. But in 2025, adaptogens have gone from ancient wisdom to center stage in modern wellness—and I have to say, it’s about time.
Funny thing is, I grew up with adaptogens. I just didn’t know that’s what they were called. To me, they were strange-smelling powders my grandma tried to hide in my food, murky teas I grimaced through, and odd rituals I didn’t understand at the time. And now? I’ve come full circle. Except, this time, they’re in capsules, they’re backed by research, and yes—Grandma was totally right.
Let me walk you through this journey of rediscovering adaptogens, why they’re suddenly trending (again), and how to use them in a way that actually fits into your life.
What Are Adaptogens Anyway?
Before we go any further, let’s clear this up: adaptogens are a category of herbs, roots, and mushrooms that help your body adapt to stress. Sounds magical, right? In a way, they kind of are. These natural compounds don’t just mask stress—they help your body balance itself out, responding more calmly to whatever life throws at you.
Used in Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries, adaptogens have always been about creating balance. Think of them as nature’s regulators—when your energy is low, they lift you; when your mind is racing, they calm you down. Unlike caffeine or sedatives, they don’t push you in one direction. They help you find center.
My Grandma’s Ashwagandha Was Not It (Back Then)
I still remember my grandma handing me a metal cup filled with warm milk mixed with ashwagandha powder. She made the powder herself, sun-dried roots ground in a stone grinder, stored in small glass jars wrapped in paper to block out sunlight. “This is good for you,” she’d say, sometimes with a wink, sometimes with the stern conviction only grandmothers have. I would hold my nose, take a sip, and try not to gag.
Back then, wellness wasn't a trend—it was just life. She didn’t call it adaptogens, or talk about cortisol, or bioavailability. She just knew that certain things helped you sleep better, feel stronger, and keep your skin glowing. Now, of course, research has caught up with her wisdom.
Today, we know ashwagandha helps regulate cortisol, boosts mood, supports thyroid function, and improves sleep. We also know it can taste like wet chalk when mixed into a drink. But now I’ve found ways to get the benefits without the struggle.
The Modern Take: Convenience Without Compromise
Let’s be real: as much as I admire my grandma’s dedication, I’m not drying roots in the sun or blending powders by hand. Habits have to be sustainable. And in our current lifestyle, convenience is key. That’s where adaptogen capsules and pre-measured powders come in.
For me, the trick was finding capsules that contain just the root—no fillers, no preservatives, no sugar-laced coatings. If you're going to do this, do it clean. One capsule in the morning, and I don’t need to chase it with a glass of juice to mask the taste.
Adaptogens like tulsi (holy basil), maca root, reishi, and lion’s mane are also easier to take now. Whether it’s a calming tea before bed or a powder tossed into a smoothie, there are ways to make this work without turning your kitchen into a home apothecary.
Why They Matter More in Now
We are a generation that’s chronically stressed, over-connected, and always on. Our sleep is compromised, our gut health is a mess, and our attention spans are shorter than ever. Wellness is no longer just about green juices and gym memberships—it’s about creating a resilient system that can actually handle modern life.
That’s where adaptogens come in. These herbs are not a one-size-fits-all fix, but they help lay the groundwork for better stress response, energy regulation, and mental clarity. And more people are realizing that sustainable wellness isn’t about a week-long detox—it’s about small, consistent tools that support your body every single day.
We’re finally moving past the idea that wellness has to be extreme. No 30-day juice fasts, no ten-step morning routines. Just smart, effective additions to your day that work with your life. That’s what adaptogens offer.
The Supplements I Actually Stick With
Here’s my rule: if it doesn’t fit into my routine with minimal effort, it’s not going to last. So the adaptogens I use now come in the form of high-quality capsules or powders I can easily mix into my breakfast.
Ashwagandha: I take a clean capsule at night to help regulate cortisol and support better sleep. It took about two weeks to really notice the effects, but when I did—it was like a background noise of stress had been turned down.
Maca: I add this powder into my smoothie or yogurt bowls. It supports energy and hormonal balance, and gives a subtle nutty taste that I actually like.
Goji Berries: Okay, not technically a supplement, but I love adding them to my bowls. The texture is satisfying, and they’re packed with antioxidants—plus, they just make everything look prettier.
Turmeric: This one’s already in heavy rotation—thanks to my Indian curries and my lemon-ginger shot every morning. It’s anti-inflammatory and grounding, with a familiar warmth I grew up with.
Tulsi or Holy Basil: Always stocked in my tea drawer. It’s become my go-to on hectic days when my brain won’t slow down.
If you had told me ten years ago that I’d be buying ashwagandha capsules online and sipping tulsi tea voluntarily, I would’ve laughed. But here we are. My grandma’s stubborn insistence on using nature to heal and support the body finally makes sense to me. And while I’ve found ways to modernize the process, the heart of it remains the same—using the power of plants to find balance.
What You Should Know Before You Start
Adaptogens are powerful, but they’re not magic. Don’t expect an overnight transformation. They work gradually, building up your body’s resilience to stress over time. Think of them like strengthening your immune system—you won’t notice it immediately, but you’ll feel the difference when life throws chaos your way and you stay steady.
Here’s what I’ve learned:
Go slow. Start with one adaptogen and see how your body responds.
Quality matters. Look for supplements that are third-party tested and don’t contain junk additives.
Timing is everything. Some adaptogens, like maca and cordyceps, are energizing and best taken in the morning. Others, like ashwagandha and reishi, are calming and better suited for the evening.
Be consistent. You wouldn’t expect results from one workout. Adaptogens work the same way—build the habit.
Check in with yourself. Your needs will change. Some months, I rely more on calming herbs. Other times, I lean on energizers. Listen to your body.
Adaptogens aren’t new. They’re ancient, tested, and trusted. But in 2025, they’re getting the recognition they deserve—not just as another trend, but as a true pillar of wellness.
So, next time you scroll past a bottle of ashwagandha or a tea blend with tulsi and goji berries, give it a second look. Maybe even try it. Because while it might not be your grandma handing you a steaming cup of bitter milk, it could be exactly what your mind and body need.
If I’ve learned anything, it’s that wellness only works when it’s realistic. I don’t have time for ten-step rituals, and I definitely don’t want to drink something that tastes like dirt. But I do want to feel better, sleep deeper, and handle stress with more ease. Adaptogens help me do that—in a way that honors both where I come from and where I am now.
And for once, I can say it with confidence: Grandma, you were right. Just don’t make me drink that chalky milk again.
Love,
Rae
Image Credits - Anastasia Nagibina
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