Best Adaptogens for Anxiety (2026) – Top 10 Reviewed

If you’re dealing with anxiety, stress, or feeling overwhelmed, adaptogenic herbs offer a natural way to help your body manage stress more effectively. These powerful plant compounds work by supporting your body’s stress response system, helping you feel calmer and more balanced throughout the day. In this guide, we’ll explore the best adaptogen supplements specifically formulated to ease anxiety and promote a sense of calm.

Our Top Picks at a Glance

• Best Overall: WellPath Zen Stress Relief – comprehensive adaptogen blend with ashwagandha
• Best Value: Cortisol Supplements 10-in-1 – powerful multi-adaptogen formula
• Best Premium: Relaxium Calm – professionally formulated with 5-HTP

Quick Comparison

Product	Key Adaptogens	Form	Servings	Best For
WellPath Zen Stress Relief	Ashwagandha, Rhodiola	Capsules	60	Overall anxiety support
Cortisol Supplements 10-in-1	Ashwagandha, L-Theanine, Magnesium	Capsules	60	Cortisol balance
Relaxium Calm	Ashwagandha, 5-HTP	Capsules	60	Mood & immune support
Prominent Nutrition Schisandra	Schisandra	Capsules	90	Liver & stress support
aSquared Rhodiola Rosea	Rhodiola rosea 1000mg	Capsules	180	Long-term stress management
Lunakai Moringa Capsules	Moringa, Ashwagandha	Capsules	120	Energy & calm balance
Zhou Nutrition Ashwagandha	Ashwagandha, Rhodiola, Holy Basil	Capsules	60	Adaptogen blend
2nd Springs Adaptogen Complex	Ashwagandha, Rhodiola, Ginseng	Capsules	60	Calm energy & vitality

1. WellPath Zen Stress Relief – Best Overall

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WellPath Zen combines powerful adaptogens with mood-supporting nutrients for comprehensive anxiety relief.

This thoughtfully formulated supplement brings together ashwagandha and rhodiola with supporting ingredients to help you manage stress and anxiety naturally. The blend is designed to support calm energy and balanced mood throughout your day without causing drowsiness.

What We Like

• Combines multiple proven adaptogens in effective doses
• Supports both stress response and energy levels
• Includes mood-enhancing nutrients alongside adaptogens

What Could Be Better

• May take 2-3 weeks to notice full effects
• Capsule size may be large for some users

Bottom Line: An excellent all-around choice for managing anxiety with a comprehensive blend of adaptogens and supporting nutrients.

2. Cortisol Supplements 10-in-1 – Best Value

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This 10-in-1 formula targets anxiety at its source by supporting healthy cortisol levels.

Featuring ashwagandha, magnesium, and L-theanine, this supplement addresses the stress hormone cortisol while providing calming support. The comprehensive formula includes ten targeted ingredients working together to help your body manage stress more effectively and reduce anxiety symptoms.

What We Like

• Excellent value with multiple adaptogens and calming nutrients
• Targets cortisol for stress management at the root level
• Contains L-theanine for immediate calm without sedation

What Could Be Better

• Complex formula may not suit those preferring single-herb supplements
• Contains magnesium which may cause digestive sensitivity in some users

Bottom Line: A comprehensive, value-packed formula that addresses multiple pathways of anxiety and stress relief.

3. Relaxium Calm – Best Premium

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Relaxium Calm offers professional-grade stress support with immune-boosting benefits.

This premium formula combines ashwagandha with 5-HTP and immune-supporting nutrients for comprehensive wellness support. It’s specifically designed to help manage stress while supporting your body’s natural defenses, making it ideal for those whose anxiety impacts their overall health.

What We Like

• Professionally formulated with mood-supporting 5-HTP
• Non-habit forming formula for daily use
• Includes immune support alongside stress management

What Could Be Better

• Higher price point than basic adaptogen supplements
• 5-HTP may interact with certain medications

Bottom Line: A premium choice for those seeking comprehensive stress, mood, and immune support in one formula.

4. Prominent Nutrition Schisandra – Best Single-Herb Option

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Pure schisandra extract provides focused adaptogenic support for stress and liver health.

Schisandra berries have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries to combat stress and support overall vitality. This supplement offers a potent dose of this single adaptogen, free from artificial colors and additives.

What We Like

• Single-herb formula ideal for those building custom stacks
• Supports both stress response and liver function
• Clean formula without artificial ingredients

What Could Be Better

• Single adaptogen may not provide as comprehensive support as blends
• May have a distinct taste if capsule breaks

Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want targeted schisandra support or prefer single-ingredient supplements.

5. aSquared Rhodiola Rosea 1000mg – Best for Long-Term Use

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High-potency rhodiola rosea offers maximum-strength adaptogenic support for chronic stress.

With 1000mg per serving and 180 vegan capsules, this supplement provides a generous 90-day supply of one of the most well-researched adaptogens for anxiety and stress. Rhodiola is particularly effective for mental fatigue and stress-related exhaustion.

What We Like

• Maximum strength 1000mg dose per serving
• Excellent value with 180-capsule bottle
• Vegan-friendly capsules

What Could Be Better

• Higher dose may be too strong for beginners
• Single-herb formula lacks synergistic adaptogen benefits

Bottom Line: An excellent choice for those seeking high-potency rhodiola support for sustained stress management.

6. Lunakai Moringa Capsules with Ashwagandha

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This unique blend combines nutrient-rich moringa with stress-fighting ashwagandha.

Lunakai’s USA-made formula pairs moringa leaf extract with ashwagandha to provide both nutritional support and adaptogenic stress relief. The combination helps support energy levels while managing anxiety, making it ideal for those who experience both fatigue and stress.

What We Like

• Unique combination of moringa and ashwagandha
• Made in the USA with quality standards
• Supports both energy and stress management

What Could Be Better

• Less research on this specific combination
• May provide more energy than some users want

Bottom Line: A distinctive option for those seeking nutritional support alongside adaptogenic anxiety relief.

7. Zhou Nutrition Ashwagandha Capsules

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A comprehensive adaptogen blend featuring ashwagandha, rhodiola, and holy basil for mood and energy support.

Each capsule delivers 600mg of premium ashwagandha root extract along with rhodiola rosea and a supporting cast of adaptogens including holy basil, reishi, and black pepper. The formula is designed to support positive energy, cognition, and stress resilience.

What We Like

• Well-balanced blend of complementary adaptogens
• Includes black pepper for enhanced absorption
• Supports both mental energy and relaxation

What Could Be Better

• Lower total adaptogen dose than some competitors
• Some users report needing 2 capsules for full effect

Bottom Line: A solid everyday adaptogen blend that balances stress relief with energy support.

8. 2nd Springs Adaptogen Complex

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A synergistic blend of eight adaptogens designed for calm energy and vitality.

This formula features the proven pairing of ashwagandha and rhodiola, enhanced with panax ginseng, eleuthero, astragalus, holy basil, maca, and schisandra. The combination supports adrenal health, cortisol balance, and stress resilience without jitters or harsh stimulants.

What We Like

• Comprehensive 8-adaptogen formula
• Supports both stress management and sustained energy
• Vegan, non-GMO, and plant-based

What Could Be Better

• Complex formula may make it difficult to identify which ingredients work best for you
• May be too energizing for evening use

Bottom Line: An excellent full-spectrum adaptogen complex for those seeking comprehensive stress support with vitality.

How to Choose the Best Adaptogens for Anxiety

When selecting an adaptogen supplement for anxiety, consider your specific needs and lifestyle. Single-herb formulas like pure rhodiola or schisandra work well if you’re already taking other supplements and want targeted support. Multi-adaptogen blends offer comprehensive benefits and may be more convenient if you prefer an all-in-one approach.

Look for supplements that include well-researched adaptogens like ashwagandha, rhodiola rosea, and holy basil, which have substantial clinical evidence supporting their anti-anxiety effects. The dosage matters too—ashwagandha typically works best at 300-600mg of standardized extract per serving, while rhodiola is effective at 200-600mg.

Consider whether you need additional support beyond adaptogens. Some formulas include L-theanine for immediate calm, magnesium for nervous system support, or 5-HTP for mood enhancement. These additions can provide complementary benefits but may also increase the risk of interactions with medications.

Pay attention to quality indicators like third-party testing, organic certification, and clean ingredient lists. Avoid supplements with unnecessary fillers, artificial colors, or proprietary blends that don’t disclose ingredient amounts. Capsules should be vegan or vegetarian-friendly if that aligns with your dietary preferences.

Finally, consider your budget and how long you’ll need to take the supplement. Adaptogens work cumulatively over time, so you’ll typically need to take them consistently for 2-4 weeks to experience full benefits. Larger bottle sizes often provide better value for long-term use.

Benefits of Adaptogen Supplements for Anxiety

Adaptogens work by modulating your body’s stress response system, particularly the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. When you experience stress, your body releases cortisol and other stress hormones. While this is normal in short bursts, chronic elevation of these hormones contributes to anxiety, fatigue, and various health issues. Adaptogens help normalize cortisol levels, supporting a healthier stress response rather than simply suppressing symptoms.

Research shows that ashwagandha can significantly reduce anxiety scores and cortisol levels. Multiple studies have found that 300-600mg of ashwagandha extract daily reduces stress and anxiety while improving overall well-being. Rhodiola rosea has similar effects, with research indicating it reduces stress-related fatigue and improves mental performance under stressful conditions.

Beyond anxiety reduction, adaptogens support multiple aspects of mental health. They help improve mental clarity and focus, which often suffer when you’re anxious. Many users report feeling more emotionally balanced and resilient when taking adaptogens regularly. These herbs also support better sleep quality, which is frequently disrupted by anxiety and stress.

Unlike anti-anxiety medications, adaptogens are non-habit forming and work with your body’s natural systems rather than against them. They’re generally well-tolerated with minimal side effects, making them a safer option for long-term use. Most people can take adaptogens daily without developing tolerance or dependence.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for adaptogens to work for anxiety?

Most people begin noticing subtle effects within 1-2 weeks of consistent use, but the full benefits typically develop over 4-6 weeks. Adaptogens work cumulatively, supporting your body’s stress response systems over time rather than providing immediate relief like anti-anxiety medications. For best results, take your chosen adaptogen daily at the same time and give it at least a month before evaluating its effectiveness.

Can I take multiple adaptogens together for anxiety?

Yes, many people find that combining adaptogens provides enhanced benefits. In fact, most of the top supplements in this guide are multi-adaptogen formulas. Ashwagandha and rhodiola are particularly synergistic—ashwagandha provides calming support while rhodiola offers energizing stress relief. However, if you’re new to adaptogens, consider starting with a single herb to see how your body responds before moving to complex blends.

Are adaptogens safe to take with anxiety medications?

While adaptogens are generally safe, they can potentially interact with certain medications. Ashwagandha may enhance the effects of sedatives or anti-anxiety medications, while rhodiola could interact with antidepressants. If you’re taking prescription medications for anxiety or depression, consult your healthcare provider before adding adaptogen supplements to ensure there are no contraindications or necessary dosage adjustments.

What’s the difference between ashwagandha and rhodiola for anxiety?

Ashwagandha is generally more calming and sedating, making it ideal for anxiety with nervous tension or difficulty sleeping. It’s particularly effective for stress-induced anxiety and helps lower cortisol levels. Rhodiola is more energizing and helps combat anxiety related to fatigue or mental fog. It improves mental performance under stress without causing jitters. Many people benefit from taking both—ashwagandha in the evening and rhodiola in the morning.

Do I need to cycle adaptogens or can I take them continuously?

Unlike stimulants or certain supplements that require cycling, you can generally take adaptogens continuously. Research studies have safely used ashwagandha and rhodiola daily for 8-12 weeks or longer without adverse effects. Some practitioners recommend taking a break every 6-12 months, but this isn’t strictly necessary for most people. Listen to your body—if you feel the effects diminishing, a 2-4 week break may help restore sensitivity.

Can adaptogens cause anxiety or make it worse?

While rare, some people experience increased anxiety or agitation when taking certain adaptogens, particularly rhodiola or ginseng, which can be stimulating. This is more likely if you’re sensitive to energizing herbs or take them too late in the day. If you experience increased anxiety, try switching to more calming adaptogens like ashwagandha or holy basil, reducing your dose, or taking them earlier in the day. Starting with a lower dose helps minimize this risk.

What time of day should I take adaptogens for anxiety?

The best timing depends on the specific adaptogen. Calming adaptogens like ashwagandha can be taken in the evening or before bed to support relaxation and sleep. Energizing adaptogens like rhodiola are best taken in the morning or early afternoon to avoid interfering with sleep. If you’re taking a multi-adaptogen blend, morning is typically best, though some people find splitting the dose (morning and afternoon) provides more consistent support throughout the day.

Are there any side effects of taking adaptogens for anxiety?

Adaptogens are generally well-tolerated with minimal side effects. The most common issues are mild digestive upset when first starting, which usually resolves within a few days. Some people experience headaches, drowsiness, or changes in energy levels as their body adjusts. Ashwagandha may lower blood pressure and blood sugar, so monitor these if you have related conditions. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid most adaptogens unless approved by their healthcare provider.

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