#14 Adaptogens

#14 Adaptogens

From Your Mom on Drugs by Joshua Klaus and Jennifer Seltzer

August 18, 2025 · 60 min · Season 1 · Episode 14

About this episode

This episode explores the science and myths behind adaptogens, their origins, and their effects on stress and wellness.

In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of adaptogens —a class of herbs, roots, and mushrooms long celebrated in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, and now rising stars in the Western wellness scene. Marketed as natural tools to help the body “adapt” to stress, boost energy, and restore balance, adaptogens like ashwagandha, ginseng, and rhodiola have become staples in teas, capsules, and Instagram ads alike. But do they actually work? We dive into the origins of adaptogens, the science behind how they’re supposed to support the body’s stress response (particularly via the HPA axis), and why they’ve become a $10 billion industry—with all the buzz and baggage that entails. From ancient healing rituals to modern supplement shelves, we break down the myths, mechanisms, and market trends behind adaptogens. We look at which herbs show the most promising effects, which claims are backed by data (and which aren’t), and what to watch out for in terms of side effects and drug interactions. Whether you’re a health skeptic, a supplement fan, or someone just trying to stay sane in a stressful world, this episode brings a grounded…

People in this episode

Hosts: Joshua Klaus, Jennifer Seltzer

Topics covered

  • adaptogens
  • stress response
  • traditional medicine
  • supplements
  • health and wellness

Keywords

  • adaptogens
  • stress
  • health
  • supplements
  • Ayurveda
  • Traditional Chinese Medicine
  • ashwagandha
  • ginseng
  • rhodiola

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine

Products: ashwagandha, ginseng, rhodiola

More episodes of Your Mom on Drugs

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Your Mom on Drugs podcast page.