Athletes push their bodies and minds to the limit. Training hard, recovering fast, and performing under pressure. But intense physical activity -- combined with mental stress and limited recovery time -- can take a toll on performance, endurance, and long-term health. That’s where adaptogens come in.
These stress-modulating herbs and mushrooms help the body maintain balance, reduce fatigue, and enhance resistance to (and bounce-back from) physical and mental exertion.
In this article, we explore the best adaptogens for athletes and how they can support energy, recovery, focus, peak performance and more -- without relying on stimulants or risking burnout. Let's get to it!
Key Takeaways
- Athletes need strength, endurance, stamina, motivation, stress resistance and mental clarity to excel, especially during intense training and competition.
- Chronic stress, overtraining, poor sleep, and inflammation can impair performance, weaken immunity, and increase injury risk.
- Adaptogens may help strengthen athletes' resistance to various stressors, thereby helping them to perform better physically and mentally.
- Adaptogens help athletes maintain hormonal balance and avoid the “crash” associated with stimulants, enabling sustainable performance gains.
- By enhancing recovery, soothing inflammation, and sharpening mental focus, adaptogens may give athletes a natural edge in training and competition.
- Talk to your doctor before integrating adaptogen supplements (or any other supplements) into your athletic training program and healthy lifestyle.
How Adaptogens Help Athletes
Stress is an athletic performance killer. It also makes it harder for athletes to recover from exertion and build muscle. For athletes, stress comes in many forms: intense training, competition pressure, lack of sleep, injury, and even emotional pressure.
When gone unchecked, this stress can drain energy, knock hormones off balance, delay recovery, weaken immunity and otherwise make it much harder for athletes to achieve peak performance.
Adaptogens help athletes in part by supporting the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and other systems that regulate the body’s stress response.
The HPA axis (Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal axis) is a complex system that regulates the body’s stress response, including the release of cortisol and other hormones.
In athletes, the HPA axis plays a crucial role in managing physical and mental stress during training and competition. It has a big impact on performance, recovery, and overall well-being. When overactivated, such as during intense or long-duration exercise sessions, it can lead to fatigue, weakened immune function and slower recovery.
As they optimize the HPA Axis and its responses, adaptogens help normalize key body processes. They can calm the body when it’s overactive or revitalize it when energy is low. And critically, they can help improve resilience to the stress that goes hand-in-hand with intense athletic training and competition.
Adaptogen Benefits for Athletes
Let's take a look at some of the ways adaptogens may help athletes to perform better. These herbs and mushrooms have been shown to:
Increase cell energy. Adaptogens can help boost cellular energy by supporting mitochondrial function and increasing ATP production, which in turn helps to improve endurance, strength, and overall physical performance.
Enhance oxygen use (VO₂ max). This refers to the maximum amount of oxygen your body can use during intense exercise. It is a key measure of aerobic fitness and endurance exercise performance. By enhancing VO2 max, adaptogens may help with stamina, power and overall feelings of vitality.
Regulate the stress hormone cortisol. Elevated cortisol -- often triggered by intense training or stress -- can break down muscle tissue, slow down recovery time, and crush healthy testosterone levels. For athletes, out-of-range cortisol levels might translate into slower muscle gains, increased fatigue and higher risk of overtraining.
Support healthy inflammation responses.Some adaptogens have soothing properties that may help athletes by promoting faster recovery, reducing muscle soreness, and enhancing overall performance, especially after intense training sessions.
Antioxidant support.Working out generates reactive oxygen species (free radicals) that damage cells, including within muscle tissues. Some adaptogens supply antioxidant compounds that help to defend cells against the damaging effects of free radicals, thereby helping to protect muscle and soothe inflammation.
Promote mood balance, focus, decision-making, and clear thinking. Adaptogens can work as brain-optimizing nootropics for working out that improve cognitive function. This can help athletes stay composed under pressure, whether it’s executing complex plays, strategizing, reacting quickly, or managing pre-game nerves.
Support testosterone. Healthy testosterone levels promote muscle growth, strength, and recovery. By reducing stress and balancing hormones, these adaptogens may give athletes a performance and recovery edge.
Promote deep and restful sleep. Adaptogens help promote restful sleep by calming the nervous system and lowering stress hormones, which supports better recovery, muscle repair, and athletic performance. Learn more about top sleep supplements for athletes
Adaptogens can work quickly for athletes. Some research suggests Rhodiola rosea, for example, promotes stimulating and energizing effects within 30 minutes that last up to 6 hours.(1)
Adaptogens also help to build up stress resistance with consistent use. Over time, athletes may notice improved stress tolerance, fewer crashes, better sleep, enhanced endurance, and a calmer, more focused mindset.
Natural plant adaptogens are becoming increasingly popular among athletes because they offer a safe, natural and legal way to enhance performance while buffering the mind and body against the damaging effects of stress.
There are many adaptogens to choose from; some are better than others when it comes to athletic performance. For a big-picture view, check out our list of adaptogens article. But up next, let's dig into the top natural adaptogens for athletic performance benefits, specifically.
Best Adaptogens for Athletes to Use
Rhodiola Rosea
Rhodiola rosea is one of the best natural adaptogens for athletes. It has a long history of use as a stamina-enhancing herb, especially in cold, high-altitude regions like Siberia, Scandinavia, and Tibet. In traditional Russian and Chinese herbalism, Rhodiola was used to fight fatigue, improve resilience, and help the body recover from exertion.
During the Soviet era, Rhodiola rosea was investigated for its potential to give USSR Olympic athletes a competitive edge. Soviet researchers classified Rhodiola as an adaptogen and began testing it on soldiers, astronauts and elite athletes to enhance physical endurance, accelerate recovery, and sharpen mental focus under pressure.
In one study, biathletes who took Rhodiola were reportedly able to maintain steadier aim and experience less fatigue during the shooting portion of their events, even under extreme physical stress.(2)
As a result, Rhodiola was incorporated into the training regimens of some Olympic athletes, including those competing in endurance sports like cross-country skiing, track and field, and weightlifting. Athletes reported less fatigue, quicker recovery times, and improved concentration.
Many of those early studies -- along with anecdotal reports from athletes -- are noted as the foundation for Rhodiola’s reputation as a performance-enhancing herb in sports and fitness.
Rhodiola rosea is considered one of the best adaptogens for endurance athletes.
It is popularly used to fight fatigue and stay mentally sharp during long training sessions and may be especially useful for aerobic activities like running, cycling, or swimming.
How chronic Rhodiola rosea supplementation may help athletes:
- Boosting Energy at the Cellular Level. Rhodiola may support muscles by supporting the production of ATP: the main fuel your body uses for muscle function. This can help boost stamina and physical performance during workouts.
- Stress Resistance and Recovery. Intense training creates stress that triggers the HPA axis, which regulates the release of hormones like cortisol. Rhodiola may help keep this system from going into overdrive, making it easier for your body to stay balanced and recover faster.
- Cognitive function enhancement. Rhodiola is considered a nootropic adaptogen, associated with support for sharp focus and mental clarity that can drive workout intensity and peak competitive performance.
Rhodiola's stress-busting benefits come from active compounds called rosavins and salidrosides, which help balance how the human body responds and performs under pressure. The best rhodiola supplements for athletes will be standardized to supply exact amounts of these beneficial active compounds.
Research: A 2022 review of 10 clinical studies investigated the effects of Rhodiola rosea supplementation on exercise and sports performance. Researchers reported that Rhodiola supplementation led to a reduction in aches and muscle damage after exercise training, enhanced antioxidant capacity, and reduced the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) scores. These findings suggest that Rhodiola rosea may be a safe and effective supplement for enhancing athletic performance and recovery.(3)
Learn more about Rhodiola Rosea as an adaptogen nootropic
Cordyceps sinensis
Cordyceps sinensis is a type of parasitic fungi with adaptogenic properties. It is found at high elevations in Asia where it infects moth caterpillar larvae, eventually sprouting at the top of the caterpillar carcass. The entire mummified caterpillar and fungus is harvested, dried, and sold as a prized adaptogen supplement and natural performance enhancer.
Modern fermentation technology allows us to produce cordyceps in larger amounts without harming any caterpillars, increasing its availability as a supplement.
Cordyceps has long been used as a restorative tonic in Asian herbal traditions to assist with recovery and boost vitality. Today, Cordyceps has gained popularity among athletes for its potential to enhance endurance and overall performance. Its proposed mechanisms of action include:
- Boosting cell ATP (the body's main "energy currency") while protecting energy-producing cell mitochondria from free radical damage -- dual activities that combine to support muscle power and long-range muscle health;
- Enhancing cell oxygen utilization (VO2 max), promoting more efficient physical performance that may improve aerobic exercise capacity and help athletes to work out longer before "hitting the wall."
These beneficial bioactivities make cordyceps an intriguing option for endurance athletes and fitness enthusiasts seeking natural energy support for their training sessions, as well as energy to power them through a speedy and healthy post-workout recovery.
Learn more about today's top energy supplements
Research: In one human study investigating the effects of Cordyceps sinensis on exercise performance, 20 healthy adults (aged 50–75) were administered 333 mg of Cs-4 (a standardized Cordyceps sinensis extract) three times daily over 12 weeks. At the study's end, researchers linked Cordyceps to significant improvements in markers of aerobic endurance, as well as enhanced efficiency in oxygen utilization during exercise.(4)
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha, also known as Indian Ginseng, is a powerful adaptogenic herb that may help improve athletic performance -- including helping athletes to build strength, recover faster, and handle physical stress more effectively. It is traditionally used in the Indian wellness system of Ayurveda to promote vitality and “bala” (meaning strength).
Modern studies suggest that Ashwagandha can support gains in muscle size and power when combined with resistance training. It works by helping the body's ability to adapt to the stress of exercise -- balancing hormones like cortisol, reducing fatigue, and potentially boosting testosterone.
Research also shows it may improve coordination, cardiorespiratory endurance, and overall physical performance. Since intense athletic places a lot of stress on the body (and mind), Ashwagandha’s stress-fighting effects can make helpful for anyone looking to improve muscle & fitness performance while supporting long-term recovery and well-being.
Research: In one 8-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 57 male participants received 300 mg of ashwagandha root extract twice daily (or placebo). Both groups followed a strength training program (bench press and leg extension exercises). Researchers reported the ashwagandha group experienced:
- significantly greater improvements in muscle strength
- greater increases in muscle size (especially in the arms and chest)
- reduced muscle damage markers
- significant increase in testosterone levels
- greater reduction in body fat percentage
Researchers suggested ashwagandha supplementation may enhance muscle strength and growth, improve post-workout recovery, and support favorable body composition changes when combined with resistance training.(5)
Learn more about nootropics for bodybuilding
Panax Ginseng
Panax Ginseng (sometimes called Asian Ginseng) is one of the classic performance-enhancing adaptogen herbs, especially for athletics. It has been used in ancient chinese herbal medicine (as part of Traditional Chinese Medicine, or TCM) and other folk herbalism practices for centuries to spark stim-free energy, improve stamina, sharpen brainpower and otherwise support healthy overall performance.
Ginseng's adaptogenic activity helps the body deal with physical and mental stress more effectively. This benefit may be especially useful for athletes contending with the pressures of intense training, competition and recovery. Additional benefits for athletes with Panax Ginseng supplementation include:
- Improving capacity for aerobic exercise by increasing oxygen uptake and enhancing cardiovascular efficiency
- Promoting energy production at the cellular level by supporting ATP synthesis -- potentially helping athletes train harder and longer
- Supporting faster recovery after exertion
- Supplying antioxidant activity that helps protect muscle tissues from the oxidative cell damage that is caused by intense training
- Beyond physical endurance and muscle benefits, ginseng has been shown to improve mental sharpness, focus and clarity
All of these Ginseng benefits appear to offer key advantages to athletes in both endurance and high-intensity sports.
Learn more about today's top supplements for runners
Research: A 2016 systematic review and meta-analysis investigated how effective ginseng supplements might be for fatigue reduction and physical performance enhancement. The analysis included 12 randomized controlled trials involving 630 participants. Researchers reported a statistically significant reduction in fatigue with ginseng supplementation. However, no significant improvements in physical performance were observed. Researchers concluded that while ginseng may help reduce fatigue, there is not yet enough evidence to support its effectiveness in enhancing physical performance.(6)
Eleuthero (Siberian Ginseng)
Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus), also known as Siberian ginseng, is not the same as Panax Ginseng -- but it shares its long history of use to enhance physical performance and strengthen resistance to stress. It's not energy stimulating like Panax ginseng, but still helps improve stamina, energy, and recovery -- making it a viable option for athletes who train hard but want to avoid the jitters.
Additional bioactivities associated with Eleuthero that may help athletes include:
- Enhancing oxygen metabolism
- Regulating cortisol
- Working as a supplement for immune function, which can be diminished by training
- Increasing increase time to exhaustion in endurance athletes
- Enhancing recovery and resilience in bodybuilders and strength training athletes
- Promoting reaction speed; useful in competitive sports
- helping athletes stay focused and calm under competitive pressure.
Research: One randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that Eleuthero supplementation improved endurance in healthy male volunteers by significantly extending the time they could perform during a cycling test. Researchers concluded that eleuthero may be an effective natural aid for improving endurance capacity and reducing perceived exertion during exercise.(7)
Schisandra
Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis, sometimes spelled Schizandra) is a lesser-known adaptogen to the West, but a foundational adaptogen in traditional Chinese and Russian herbalism. In these folk wellness traditions, Schisandra has long been used to enhance stamina, resist fatigue, and support recovery.
Known as the "five-flavor berry," Schisandra has a unique profile of bioactive compounds -- especially lignans -- that help regulate the stress response, support liver function, and improve energy metabolism, making it a valuable tool for athletes.
Schisandra may be particularly beneficial for endurance athletes. It helps the body adapt to physical stress by balancing the HPA axis and reducing cortisol, which can otherwise break down muscle and impair recovery. It also enhances oxygen use, supports mitochondrial function, and improves overall resilience -- potentially helping athletes push harder for longer while exercising.
In addition to its physical benefits, Schisandra has been shown to boost mental clarity, coordination, and reaction time, all of which are essential for high-performance sports and reaching your fitness peak.
Research: One study investigated how Schisandra chinensis (SC) extract might affect muscle strength and lactate levels in post-menopausal women. Forty-five healthy women, average age 61, were divided into two groups. One group took 1000 mg of SC extract daily, while the other took a placebo (starch). After 12 weeks, researchers reported that the SC group had a significant increase in muscle strength and a decrease in lactate levels at rest, compared to the placebo group. Researchers further suggested that SC extract can help improve muscle strength and reduce lactate levels, potentially benefiting the health of older women.(8)
Bacopa Monnieri
Bacopa monnieri is mostly known as a nootropic adaptogen, especially in the context of memory and learning. It's not typically considered an athletic adaptogen, but it can still benefit athletes -- especially in sports that require brainpower and stress resistance. So while it's not a top choice for elevating physical performance, Bacopa may still help athletes. Here's how:
- Cognitive performance: Bacopa is best known as a nootropic that supports memory, learning, and mental processing—useful for athletes in complex or strategic sports.
- Stress reduction: As an adaptogen, it helps reduce cortisol and mental fatigue, supporting recovery and emotional regulation under pressure.
- Neuroprotection: Bacopa may help protect the brain from oxidative stress, which can be beneficial in contact sports or overtraining scenarios.
However, Bacopa is not energizing like Cordyceps or Rhodiola, and it’s more commonly used for mental performance and stress adaptation than for boosting physical endurance or oxygen uptake. So while it's not a primary adaptogen for athletic stamina, it plays a supportive role in mental resilience and recovery.
Learn more about the best brain-boosting nootropics for athletes
Research: A study investigated the effects of a Bacopa monnieri extract on stress and mood in healthy adults. In this double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial, 17 subjects were administered single doses of 320 mg and 640 mg of Bacopa monnieri, with a 7-day washout period between supplementation. Researchers linked Bacopa monnieri supplementation to improvements in cognitive performance, mood, and a reduction in cortisol levels during multitasking tasks.(9)
Maca Root
Maca Root (Lepidium meyenii) is a powerful adaptogen that has been traditionally used in Peru to enhance stamina, endurance, and overall vitality. For athletes, maca offers a range of benefits that support both physical performance and recovery.
Known for its ability to increase energy levels and combat fatigue, maca root may help athletes push through intense training sessions and recover more quickly. It has also been shown to improve endurance and strength by boosting mitochondrial function, which is vital for energy production at the cellular level.
Beyond its physical benefits, maca root is also beneficial for mental clarity and focus, helping athletes stay sharp during long training sessions or competitions. It is believed to regulate hormones, which can help reduce stress and balance mood, helping to promote emotional resilience during physically demanding periods. Some studies have also suggested that maca may improve libido, too, although that is a rather controversial area of study.
Research: A 2024 study investigated the effects of black maca (Lepidium meyenii) supplementation on physical performance and inflammation in elite athletes. Participants took 2.5 grams of black maca extract daily for 12 weeks. Researchers linked maca supplementation to significant improvements in muscle function among athletes; they also noted reductions in inflammatory markers that appeared to suggest enhanced recovery and soothing effects.(10)
Turmeric
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) supplies an active complex of antioxidant compounds collectively known as curcumin. Turmeric and curcumin are known for helping to regulate immune responses and inflammation. These bioactivities are associated with far-ranging wellness benefits, including brain health, digestive health and more; and also explain why turmeric is considered a powerful adaptogen in Ayurvedic wellness.
In Ayurveda, turmeric is known as "Haridra" in Sanskrit and classified as a "rasayana" herb that rejuvenates, detoxifies and promotes longevity. It is believed to harmonize the body’s internal functions, including adaptogenic benefits for stress management. In short, turmeric is one of the best all-around herbs for overall health and wellness. But for now, we are focusing on turmeric for athletes. This adaptogen may help athletes by:
Soothing inflammation. Athletes who train hard may contend with joint aches and sore muscles, including delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Turmeric can provide soothing support that makes recovery easier, as well as antioxidant support that helps to protect hard-working muscles and connective tissues.
Supporting muscle recovery. Turmeric's inflammation-regulating activity and antioxidant activity may help to protect and soothe hard-working muscles, potentially helping with post-workout recovery.
Research: A clinical study published in 2022 investigated the effects of turmeric supplementation on recovery markers in elite athletes. The study found that turmeric supplementation attenuated subjective markers of muscle soreness and reduced plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, a hematological marker of inflammation, indicating improved recovery and reduced inflammation in athletes.(11)
Tulsi
Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), also known as holy basil, is a revered adaptogen in Ayurvedic medicine, celebrated for its ability to help the body adapt to stress and promote overall well-being. For athletes, tulsi offers a range of benefits that support physical performance and recovery.
In the context of sports-related benefits, Tulsi works in part by regulating cortisol levels, which are crucial in managing stress and preventing overtraining. By reducing cortisol, Tulsi aids in minimizing fatigue and improving recovery after intense physical activity. Beyond stress reduction, Tulsi is known for:
- Immune-boosting properties, helping athletes maintain a strong immune system during high-intensity training periods
- Soothing support for inflammation, which helps reduce muscle soreness and support faster recovery
- Cardiovascular health support; enhances circulation, which aids in oxygen delivery via blood flow to muscles during exercise.
- Antioxidant properties that help fight the oxidative stress that is generated during intense exercise
- Blood glucose balance and metabolic function benefits that might help to sustain energy levels during prolonged exercise.
- Sleep support that helps to optimize muscle recovery after working out
Overall, Tulsi supports both physical and mental resilience, helping athletes stay strong and recover faster while protecting against the physical stress of training.
Research: A 2022 systematic review investigated the effects of tulsi supplementation on stress and sleep quality. Researchers reported tulsi supplementation was associated with significant reductions in perceived stress, reduced stress markers (like cortisol), and improvements in sleep quality -- all of which may help athletes better manage stress while accelerating recovery.(12)
Chaga
While it's not really a performance-focused adaptogen like Rhodiola, Cordyceps, or Ashwagandha. Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) is an adaptogen that can still provide athletes with some healthy support.
Chaga is a fungus that grows mostly on birch trees in cold climates like Siberia, northern Canada, and parts of Scandinavia. It grows as a dark, charcoal-like blob on the tree bark, but when broken inside reveals an orange interior that is loaded with active health-promoting compounds. It has been used in traditional herbalism as an adaptogen tonic to help immunity and vitality, as well as supporting digestive health and balanced inflammatory responses.
So how might chaga help athletes? While it is not directly going to boost muscles, it may help with:
- Immune system support: Intense training can weaken immunity; chaga helps keep athletes from getting run down or sick.
- Antioxidant defense: Chaga is one of the most antioxidant-rich natural substances, helping reduce oxidative stress and inflammation caused by hard workouts.
- Recovery: Its soothing effects may support faster muscle recovery and reduce post-exercise soreness.
- Cellular health: Chaga may support mitochondrial health, which in turn helps promote healthy cell energy metabolism over time.
Research: In a 2023 review, researchers reported on Chaga's potential to assist with several aspects of wellness, including soothing immune support, blood sugar balance support, weight management activity, anti-fatigue properties and more.(13)
Best Nootropic Stack With Adaptogens
Mind Lab Pro®
Mind Lab Pro is today's top nootropic supplement on the market. As a "Universal Nootropic" that boosts the whole brain, MLP is a great choice for athletes because it can help to boost the brainpower they need, when they need it: focus, energy, concentration, motivation, mood and more.
MLP also includes two of the top adaptogens for athletes on our list -- Rhodiola rosea and Bacopa monnieri -- as well as the fringe adaptogen nootropic Lion's Mane mushroom and other nootropics for athletic performance. The full formula:
Mind Lab Pro® (MLP) Ingredients: Citicoline (CDP Choline) dosage 250mg per serving, Phosphatidylserine (PS) 100mg (from sunflower lecithin), Bacopa monnieri 150mg (standardized extract, 24% bacosides), Organic Lion's Mane Mushroom 500mg (fruit and mycelium), Maritime Pine Bark Extract 75mg (95% proanthocyanidins), N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine 175mg, L-Theanine 100mg per serving, Rhodiola rosea 50mg (3% rosavins and 1% salidrosides), NutriGenesis® Vitamin B6 (2.5 mg), Vitamin B9 (100 mcg), Vitamin B12 (7.5 mcg)
Mind Lab Pro is backed by three published human clinical trials:
- MLP® supplementation for 30 days was linked to significantly better performance in information processing speed.(14)
- MLP® for 30 days was shown to boost performance across multiple types of, especially immediate memory and delayed recall memory.(15)
- MLP® supplementation for 60 days helped different parts of the brain to work together more efficiently.(16)
Learn more about the Mind Lab Pro® research studies
If you're an athlete thinking about trying a nootropic stack with natural adaptogens, to boost your fitness performance, MLP® is a strong choice. Its formula is clean, high quality, and really works (according to science).
Best Pre-Workout to Stack with Adaptogens
Pre Lab Pro®
Pre-Workout supplements may include adaptogens or complement adaptogens. Pre Lab Pro® is a quality pre-workout powder supplement that includes nootropics and stacks very well with the adaptogens discussed in this article. The "world's smartest pre-workout supplement", it is promotes athletic brain functions like focus and motivation along with supporting energy, strength, endurance and more.
The Pre Lab Pro® formula: Red Beetroot Powder, 1500 mg; Setria® Performance Blend, 2200 mg; Natural Caffeine, 80 mg; L-Theanine, 160 mg; L-Tyrosine, 400 mg; NutriGenesis® vitamins and minerals (Vitamin D3, 500 iu; Potassium, 49.5 mg; Iron, 2.5 mg; Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) 500 mcg; Vitamin B6, 750 mcg; Folate (Vitamin B9), 167 mcg DFE; Vitamin B12, 2 mg; Himalayan Pink Salt, 500 mg.
Pre Lab Pro® boosts blood flow by stimulating nitric oxide, thanks to beetroot and Setria. Enhanced blood flow in turn nourishes muscles with nutrition and oxygen it needs for good strength and endurance. It also supplies nootropics-enhanced caffeine and hydration support for a whole-body training boost. Just add a scoop to 300 mg of water, mix into a delicious natural berry-flavored drink, chug 15-30 minutes before training and crush it at the gym.
Summary
Athletes demand a lot from their bodies—and even more from their minds. Whether it’s pushing through grueling workouts, bouncing back quickly from exertion, or staying focused under pressure, performance hinges on how well an athlete adapts to stress. That’s exactly where adaptogens used in traditional herbal medicine shine -- helping to support physical and mental performance.
From Rhodiola’s rapid fatigue-fighting benefits to Ashwagandha’s strength-enhancing power, and from Cordyceps’ oxygen optimization to Schisandra and Eleuthero’s endurance-boosting effects, each adaptogen offers a unique advantage for today’s athletes.
More than just herbal supplements, adaptogens represent a smarter, more sustainable way to train, compete, and recover. When combined with solid nutrition, rest, and smart training, they can be powerful allies in the pursuit of peak performance. As research continues to grow, so does the promise of adaptogens in athletic science.
For athletes seeking resilience without burnout, strength without strain, and focus without overstimulation, adaptogens offer a time-tested, evidence-backed path to becoming stronger -- not just physically, but holistically.
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- https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/article/long-before-doping-scandals--russians-were-studying-performance-
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- Park J, Han S, Park H. Effect of Schisandra Chinensis Extract Supplementation on Quadriceps Muscle Strength and Fatigue in Adult Women: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 Apr 4;17(7):2475. Link
- Benson, S., Downey, L. A., Stough, C., Wetherell, M., Zangara, A., Scholey, A. (2014). An acute, double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over study of 320 mg and 640 mg doses of Bacopa monnieri (CDRI 08) on multitasking stress reactivity and mood. Phytotherapy Research, 28(4), 551–559. Link
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