Adaptogens are one of the hottest trends in wellness right now — but they have been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years. Modern science is now revealing exactly why they work, and the results are changing how we think about stress management.
What Makes a Plant an Adaptogen?
The term “adaptogen” was coined by Soviet pharmacologist Nikolai Lazarev in 1947. To qualify, a substance must increase non-specific resistance to stress, normalize physiological functions regardless of the direction of the stressor, and be safe and non-toxic with long-term use.
In practice, adaptogens work primarily by modulating the HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) axis — your body's central stress response system — and by influencing key stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline.
Ashwagandha
Perhaps the most studied adaptogen in modern research. Ashwagandha's withanolide compounds reduce cortisol, lower anxiety, improve sleep quality, and support physical endurance. Multiple randomized controlled trials have confirmed these effects in human subjects.
Holy Basil (Tulsi)
Used in Ayurvedic tradition as “the elixir of life,” Holy Basil contains eugenol and rosmarinic acid, which have demonstrated anti-anxiety, antidepressant, and cognitive-enhancing effects. A 2012 study found it significantly reduced anxiety, stress, and depression scores after six weeks of supplementation.
Lemon Balm
A member of the mint family, Lemon Balm works by inhibiting GABA transaminase — the enzyme that breaks down GABA in the brain. More available GABA means a quieter nervous system and less anxious rumination. It has been shown to improve mood and cognitive performance in stressed populations.
Why Combining Adaptogens Works
Different adaptogens target different pathways in the stress response. Combining them — as CALM+COLLECTED does — creates a more comprehensive effect than any single herb alone. Ashwagandha handles cortisol. Holy Basil supports emotional balance. Lemon Balm quiets the nervous system. Together, they give your body multiple tools to handle whatever the day throws at it.