Posted by Adaptogens and specialty products containing them are increasingly popular as people search for the most effective ingredients to relieve anxiety and encourage stress resilience. Kratom and kratom alkaloid products with adaptogens are a rather new niche where certain vendors offer them with at least one adaptogen. The additional ingredients serve the function of enhancing kratom’s calming effects or soothing any low-dose jitters, plus encouraging social ease.
So no matter which adaptogens you’ve seen, they all basically do the same thing overall: Help you adapt to changing or challenging circumstances so you can get things done, better, and more smoothly without distracting worry. Ashwagandha, kava, and kana are three of the most common. For a better understanding of them, let’s examine their differences in detail and their specific uses.
Adaptogens’ Effects
In a nutshell, adaptogens help you manage stress and maintain emotional balance. Since stress saps your energy, adaptogens also provide an energy boost to combat fatigue. Overall, they regulate nervous and hormonal responses so you can work, play, and relax better.
On the Brain
Adaptogens often also enhance cognitive function and focus, putting them into the additional category of nootropics. They help you adapt to emotional stressors, allowing you to think more clearly or have a more flexible perspective. Adaptogens work on the Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis (HPA) to reduce activity there, which is where stress responses get activated.
On the Body
When taking adaptogens, physical and environmental stressors also come under their purview. What once was challenging becomes less so and naturally, as adaptogens work with the body and not against it, and come from plants. Adaptogens reduce and manage cortisol levels so you don’t immediately get stressed out from typical triggers.
Common Adaptogens and How They’re Ingested
Liquid formats, including tinctures, shots, and beverages, are the most common format for adaptogens. The liquid form allows for the most rapid absorption and onset for nearly immediate effects. Best of all, adaptogens have short- and long-term benefits.
Ashwagandha: A Versatile Performance Enhancer
Withania somnifera is also known as Indian ginseng or winter cherry, and hails from a small shrub that’s native to India, the Middle East, and certain parts of Africa. Its roots and leaves are used as supplements. Effects-wise, it improves sleep, reduces stress, and even enhances performance and recovery. Additionally, it enhances cognitive function, supports hormonal balance, supports metabolism and the heart, and has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties for immune support.
Format-wise, you can find ashwagandha available on its own as a powder or in capsules. You can also find it in combination with other ingredients as capsules or in liquid format, like a shot or beverage.
Best for…
- Being in control during stressful situations
- Combatting fatigue
- Enhancing performance and improving recovery times
- Overall well-being, including mentally, emotionally and physically
Kava: An Aid for Social Approachability
Also called kava kava, Piper methysticum is a plant that falls in the pepper family. It is native to the Pacific islands, where it is known as bitter-tasting, and the traditional recreational and ceremonial drink is made from its roots. It has a psychoactive effect which is slightly intoxicating.
Best for…
- Nighttime use or where you don’t need energy
- Decompressing after a long day
- Reducing short-term, situational anxiety and sttess
- Alcohol alternative
You can find kava in powder, capsule, or liquid extract formats. If it’s in combination with other ingredients, it will often available as a shot or beverage.
Kana: Relaxation, Focus, and Social Ease
Also spelled kanna, Messenbryanthemum tortuosum or Sceletium tortuosum is a succulent plant that is native to the South African Cape Provinces. Traditionally, the dried plant is fermented and chewed and the saliva swallowed for psychoactive effects It also has medicinal use. Mood-altering effects suppresses hunger and thirst and serves as an analgesic, sedative, and narcotic as well as support for digestive issues and post-birth recovery.
Gel caps, tablets, teas, and tinctures are the most common formats for kana, but in combination with other botanicals can be available as chewable tablets. Traditionally, it is also smoked.
Best for…
- Instant euphoria
- Resetting dopamine levels for anxiety and stress relief
- Mood support
- Relaxation
- Constipation, nausea, and post-birth recovery
Adaptogens and Nootropics Under One Roof
The existence of adaptogens and how they work naturally with the body confirms a beneficial relationship between humans and plants. There are different options for single-adaptogen products, but you’re going to get the most out of them when you have multiple ingredients that work well together.
Instead of combining adaptogens with botanicals willy-nilly, why not try what’s tested and true? Real Botanicals has kratom and kava shots with L-theanine, Ashwagandha, and GABA for extra adaptogenic power that make for an effective alcohol alternative and occasional social anxiety aid. Kratom is considered a nootropic at lower doses for energy, mood, and focus, but in this format with the other ingredients makes for extra-potent relaxation and social ease.
See also: “5 of the Best Adaptogens for Anxiety Relief and Stress Resilience” and “Introducing Kava Karma by Real Botanicals: Maximum Social Chill“