Herbal Action
Adaptogen
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What it does
Supports a balanced response to internal and external stressors.
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General indications
Being ‘run down’, periods of high stress.
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Shop our Adaptogen Herb Range
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Ashwagandha
Vendor:Happy Herb CoRegular price From $21.50 AUDRegular priceUnit price / per -
Siberian Ginseng
Vendor:Happy Herb CoRegular price From $13.50 AUDRegular priceUnit price / per -
Maca Powder
Vendor:Happy Herb CoRegular price From $26.50 AUDRegular priceUnit price / per
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Adaptogen Frequently Asked Questions
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Are there herbs backed by science for depression?
Are there herbs backed by science for depression?
Yes. St. John’s Wort has the strongest research support among herbs for mild-to-moderate depression. Rhodiola, Ashwagandha, and also show evidence of stress and mood modulation, albeit with fewer clinical studies. Saffron has growing clinical evidence for improving mood and reducing depressive symptoms, while Lemon Balm may support mild anxiety and emotional balance, indirectly lifting mood.
Are there natural energy herbs without caffeine or jitters?
Are there natural energy herbs without caffeine or jitters?
Yes! Several herbs can boost your energy without the side effects of caffeine or nervousness. These include:
- Maca – balances hormones and enhances vitality
- Cordyceps – supports oxygen use and stamina
- Tulsi – uplifts mood and fights fatigue
- Schisandra – increases endurance and mental clarity
- Rhodiola – an adaptogen that enhances energy and focus without overstimulation (especially in low to moderate doses)
- Korean Ginseng – boosts physical and mental energy gently when taken in balanced doses
These herbs are ideal for sustained, smooth energy—without the crash or anxiety linked to caffeinated stimulants.
Can herbs help with low energy from burnout?
Can herbs help with low energy from burnout?
Yes! Herbal adaptogens such as Ashwagandha, Schisandra, Rhodiola and Licorice root help regulate cortisol, rebuild adrenal strength, and combat fatigue caused by long-term stress or burnout.
Do herbal mood enhancers provide long-term benefit?
Do herbal mood enhancers provide long-term benefit?
Herbs may support short-term mood and stress relief and complement coping strategies—but they are not a substitute for underlying care like therapy, medication, or lifestyle adjustments (e.g., better sleep, nutrition, exercise). Addressing root causes remains essential for sustainable mental health. Adaptogens such as Ashwagandha, Rhodiola, and Schisandra may offer longer-term benefits by helping the body adapt to stress and regulate cortisol, supporting resilience over time.
How do adaptogens like ashwagandha or rhodiola affect mood?
How do adaptogens like ashwagandha or rhodiola affect mood?
Adaptogens help your body adapt to physical and emotional stress by regulating stress-response systems—namely the HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) axis and SAM (sympathetic-adrenal-medullary) system—which balance cortisol levels, reduce fatigue, and enhance emotional balance.
How does Ginseng help with energy?
How does Ginseng help with energy?
Korean Ginseng (Panax ginseng) helps improve cellular energy production, supports adrenal function, and enhances cognitive clarity. It's one of the most researched herbal remedies for fatigue and low energy, especially in older adults or high-stress lifestyles.
How fast do herbs for energy start working?
How fast do herbs for energy start working?
Herbal stimulants like Guarana or Yerba Mate work within 30–60 minutes.
Adaptogens like Rhodiola or Ashwagandha build gradually, with noticeable effects in 1–3 weeks. Consistency is key—combine short-term energisers with long-term herbal support for best results.
What are the best herbal coffee alternatives?
What are the best herbal coffee alternatives?
Want to quit coffee? Try these energising herbal drinks:
- Yerba Mate or Guayusa – natural caffeine without the crash + added nutritional benefits
- Korean Ginseng – long-lasting energy, without caffeine
- Roasted Dandelion Root – caffeine-free liver tonic, great as a milky coffee substitute
- Matcha – contains L-theanine for calm focus, can be made as a latté
- Guarana - Up to 4x more caffeine than coffee per gram, sustained energy with a smoother onset and longer duration
- Kola Nut - Moderate caffeine, more heart uplifting and less jittery than coffee
- Cacao - Contains caffeine & theobromine for energy and mood.
Which herbs should I use for anxiety?
Which herbs should I use for anxiety?
For anxiety support, some of the best herbs include calming nervines which directly soothe the nervous system to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation, and adaptogens which help the body build long-term resilience to stress and balance overall mood and energy.
Some of our favourite herbs for anxiety include:
- Passionflower: Calms nervous tension and supports restful sleep.
- Lemon Balm: Gently uplifts mood and soothes the digestive system.
- Chamomile: Provides gentle relaxation and eases irritability.
- Kava: Deeply relaxes and helps with social anxiety (use cautiously).
- Skullcap: Supports nervous system recovery and eases mental overwhelm.
- Damiana: Uplifts mood, reduces social anxiety and opens the heart
- Blue Lily (Blue Lotus) – Mildly euphoric and heart-opening
- Ashwagandha: Builds long-term resilience to stress and balances adrenal function.
- Tulsi (Holy Basil): Uplifts mood and promotes emotional balance.
- Rhodiola: Energizes while reducing stress-related mental fatigue.
Choosing the right herb depends on your specific anxiety symptoms—whether you need gentle calming, mood support, adrenal balance, or social ease.
What are the best herbs for energy?
What are the best herbs for energy?
When you're low on energy, some herbs give you an instant boost (hello, stimulants), while others help build sustainable vitality over time (that’s where adaptogens come in).
Stimulants like Guarana, Kola Nut, Guayusa, Matcha and Yerba Mate work quickly by stimulating the central nervous system — great for short-term focus and alertness. But they can sometimes lead to a crash if overused.
Adaptogens, like Ashwagandha, Rhodiola, and Ginseng, work more subtly — helping your body adapt to stress, balance energy levels, and build long-term resilience.
Some of the best herbs include -
🔥 Stimulating Herbs
For a fast-acting lift in alertness, motivation, and mood
Guarana - High in natural caffeine — boosts focus, endurance, and alertness. Slower release than coffee, so less crash.
Kola Nut - Traditional West African stimulant, rich in caffeine and theobromine. Energises the body and mind, sharpens concentration.
Guayusa - Amazonian leaf with caffeine, theobromine, and antioxidants. Provides a clean, calm energy — like “focused euphoria.”
Cacao - Uplifting and heart-opening. Contains theobromine (a gentler stimulant than caffeine) plus mood-boosting compounds like anandamide and phenylethylamine.
Yerba Mate - Balanced natural stimulant with caffeine, vitamins, and minerals. Enhances energy without the jitteriness of coffee.
Peppermint - Invigorates the senses and clears mental fog. Not caffeinated, but great for a quick pick-me-up via tea or essential oil.
Matcha - Increases focus and energy. Packed with antioxidants that protect your body against the effects of free radicals, and also supports the microbiome.
🌿 Adaptogens & Tonic Herbs - For sustained, balanced energy and stress resilience
Rhodiola - Enhances stamina, reduces fatigue, and improves mood under stress. Great for mental and physical performance.
Korean Ginseng - A powerful tonic for energy, libido, and vitality. Boosts endurance and brain function.
Siberian Ginseng - Gentle adaptogen for long-term stamina, immunity, and stress recovery.
Schisandra - Sharpens mental clarity, improves physical endurance, and supports liver detox — a “beauty + energy” tonic.
Ashwagandha - Restores vitality by balancing stress hormones. Especially good for “wired and tired” or chronic exhaustion.
Maca - Energising and hormone-balancing. Great for mood, libido, and long-term vitality.
Cordyceps - Increases cellular energy, oxygen uptake, and stamina. Often used by athletes for performance.
Gotu Kola - Revitalises the brain, supports focus and memory, and strengthens the nervous system — without being overstimulating.
Suma - Enhances strength, stamina, immune function, and libido — perfect for deep, nourishing vitality.
What are the best herbs for energy?
What are the best herbs for energy?
When you're low on energy, some herbs give you an instant boost (hello, stimulants), while others help build sustainable vitality over time (that’s where adaptogens come in).
Stimulants like Guarana, Kola Nut, Guayusa, Matcha and Yerba Mate work quickly by stimulating the central nervous system — great for short-term focus and alertness. But they can sometimes lead to a crash if overused.
Adaptogens, like Ashwagandha, Rhodiola, and Ginseng, work more subtly — helping your body adapt to stress, balance energy levels, and build long-term resilience.
Some of the best herbs include -
Stimulating Herbs - For a fast-acting lift in alertness, motivation, and mood
- Guarana - High in natural caffeine — boosts focus, endurance, and alertness. Slower release than coffee, so less crash.
- Kola Nut - Traditional West African stimulant, rich in caffeine and theobromine. Energises the body and mind, sharpens concentration.
- Guayusa - Amazonian leaf with caffeine, theobromine, and antioxidants. Provides a clean, calm energy — like “focused euphoria.”
- Cacao - Uplifting and heart-opening. Contains theobromine (a gentler stimulant than caffeine) plus mood-boosting compounds like anandamide and phenylethylamine.
- Yerba Mate - Balanced natural stimulant with caffeine, vitamins, and minerals. Enhances energy without the jitteriness of coffee.
- Peppermint - Invigorates the senses and clears mental fog. Not caffeinated, but great for a quick pick-me-up via tea or essential oil.
- Matcha - An antioxidant & chlorophyll packed green tea powder that boosts focus, mood and energy, while supporting the microbiome.
Adaptogens & Tonic Herbs - For sustained, balanced energy and stress resilience
- Rhodiola - Enhances stamina, reduces fatigue, and improves mood under stress. Great for mental and physical performance.
- Korean Ginseng - A powerful tonic for energy, libido, and vitality. Boosts endurance and brain function.
- Siberian Ginseng - Gentle adaptogen for long-term stamina, immunity, and stress recovery.
- Schisandra - Sharpens mental clarity, improves physical endurance, and supports liver detox — a “beauty + energy” tonic.
- Ashwagandha - Restores vitality by balancing stress hormones. Especially good for “wired and tired” or chronic exhaustion.
- Maca - Energising and hormone-balancing. Great for mood, libido, and long-term vitality.
- Cordyceps - Increases cellular energy, oxygen uptake, and stamina. Often used by athletes for performance.
- Gotu Kola - Revitalises the brain, supports focus and memory, and strengthens the nervous system — without being overstimulating.
What are the best herbs for exercise and physical performance?
What are the best herbs for exercise and physical performance?
If you’re looking to enhance endurance, strength, and recovery naturally, try these performance-boosting herbs:
- Cordyceps mushroom – increases oxygen uptake and stamina
- Siberian Ginseng – improves endurance and speeds recovery
- Maca – balances hormones and boosts athletic vitality
- Korean Ginseng – enhances strength, energy output, and mental focus during workouts
- Suma – known as “Brazilian Ginseng,” supports muscle building and stamina
- Tribulus – traditionally used to support testosterone levels and increase physical performance
These herbs are ideal pre-workout or as part of a daily tonic for strength, energy, and recovery.