Adaptogens: What Are They & Do They Work? 

Hey Mic, I was researching about microplastics and their effect on health, I think it could be a nice topic for you to cover, could you please do a video on it?

Interesting information! I love your channel...been watching it for a few weeks, so there’s lots to catch up on!! Love your style of fast talking and solid facts combined with editorializing when called for. I’m 76 and don’t have any of the typical chronic health problems of most Americans my age. I have always been careful about what I eat. A few months ago I finally went fully vegan, so finding you, Dr. Greger and Collin Campbell have been essential to educating myself and reinforcing my decision. Thanks for proving quality that holds my interest! I plan to contribute.

Yes, adrenal fatigue is a very interesting subject.

I was taking Ashwaganda every day for about a month for stress and energy and legit saw a huge increase in my sex drive. In fact it was such an increase that it was a problem. I had to start taking it twice a day. lol jk I had to stop taking it as much, but I am enjoying the slight increase in libido ever since adjusting how much I was taking. I'm a woman in my 40s who has had a hysterotomy.

Yes please, a video on adrenal fatigue would be good!

I’m surprised you haven’t done a video on caffeine/coffee yet.

I need to stop watching these videos because I think I'm living on a placebo effect and I am not ready to lose that too 😁

Humor Helps!!! Bringing humor is crucial because plant based subjects on the environment and nutrition and animal suffering is so devastating and hard to take on. Most people just walk away and tell themselves they don’t care. Because it hurts to care. Humor makes it more accessible.

Reishi genuinely works, speaking from personal experience, though. Helps me relax and feel more at ease.

Please do one on adrenal ,please, it’s one of the topics that is falsely over understood, everyone is so confident but I thought the whole idea was pretty shakey

Mic I would love a video on sensory problems like eyes and ears! I have really bad eye floaters/visual snow/light sensitivity with my eyes and ringing in my ears, and i’ve heard all these weird somatic symptoms are linked to anxiety which I have!

“The journal of ginseng research”- how is this a legitimate journal?

OMG I LOVE his videos! It's the perfect combination of learning and laughing.

Thanks. A good video again. Some trivia: in Ashwagandha only the last a is long, or aa. So in Sanskrit, Hindi and other languages of India (from where the herb 'hails') it's pronounced as Ush-wuh-gun-dhaa, or ersh-wer-gern-dhaa. Or one could use the a/A convention, spelling it ashwagandhA. (Ashwa is horse, gandh/gandha ending in a short a means odour, but aa at the end could signify a female gender: many names of men like Lalit, Prem, Suneet, Pushp become women's names as Lalita, Prema, Suneeta, Pushpa all spoken with a long final a, as aa; so ashwagandha could be 'she who has the odour of a horse'.) It's very popular in Ayurveda, etc. and I even ordered some tablets long ago but didn't take it for long... not into herbal supplements, really. A Whole Food Fully Plant Based Diet is more my thing. Tulsi, toolsee with oo as in book, is very popular to mix in tea, a few leaves crushed up. Also could be part of kadha (kaadhaa) which is a boiled concoction of ginger root, black pepper, and herbs and spices like cinnamon etc.; has become very popular in the pandemic for its believed immunity enhancing effects; many ready powders of kadha are listed on amazon. Also green tea or black tea with tulsi. I find the flavour obtrusive, enjoying my green and black tea plain. Masala tea, or masala chai, could also contain tulsi with other herbs. It's supposed to be a holy plant, and in some parts of India especially in the western part like in Goa where I am, a tulsi plant is planted in a somewhat ornamental pot, often square, in the courtyard of the house of a Hindu family. I remember we had a tulsi in an ordinary pot in the family house in Delhi, occasionally (or regularly, I didn't really notice) our cook from rural Uttar Pradesh would add a few leaves into his tea. Tulsi is supposed to be medicinal, maybe for upset tummy, colds... (There's even a Hindi film song, by one of our most popular singers Lata Mangeshkar 'Main tulsi tere angan ki' meaning 'I, the tulsi of your courtyard'. Which was also the name of the film. Ha. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ZyjI8d0USpk.html ) I vaguely recall a ritual of a tulsi plant being 'married' to another plant, perhaps the peepal/pipal (pea-pearl, pee-puh-rl) tree. Lots of trivia. Thanks for the reminder about ashwagandha. Recently Dr. Clement spoke about it too. I might search for that jar or order a fresh supply, been toying with the idea of taking it for years... now that I'm Old, officially, maybe I should start. The gin guy was amusing. 🙂🍸

Please make a video about Sulforaphane!

Great information! Thanks for always breaking it down to a more comprehensive material!

I'm really not fond of adaptogens that don't produce immediate results. I like the idea of something that lowers stress right then and there, and not after taking something for two weeks or so. Stressful situations aren't all-day, every-day and I'm thankful for that! I drink Hibiscus flower tea, which is a nice antioxidant and anti-hypertensive. I also stopped doing any NSAIDs during long backpacking trips and switched to acetaminophen for pain and bromelain for inflammation. There's studies backing up the use of bromelain for inflammation.

Great video and great topic! I love the balance between silliness and also valid scientific talk. Thank you for covering this and I’m looking forward to the adrenal fatigue video.

You had me at "night-vision".

Ashwagandha, Schizandra, Astragalus, Maca, Reishi... I love Adaptogens!

I have been taking a standardized, high quality Ashwaghanda supplement (per my physician) for two years and my cortisol levels have gone down as well as panic attacks. This was measured with saliva tests. Since being on this supplement, I have been able to lower my anxiety medication by half. I think this substance has the most research 🔬 behind it and can be life-changing for those suffering from stress-related illnesses. Also, going vegan 🌱 and eating plant-based has been life altering. Thanks for this wonderful video Mike. Please make sure if you’re going to go on an Ashwaghanda regimen that you choose a high-quality company using standardized ingredients. No fillers or gelatin. This stuff really works!!!!

Adaptogens have been around for thousands of years in the pharmacopoeia of Eastern medicine. Yes, they work.

“Does my hand always look like that?” 😂

Hey Mic how about a video on prolonged fasting and FMD diet? I'd love to see a comparison video but noone's doing that xD

I've been taking ashwaghanda on and off (off when I'm on holiday and on when I'm back at school) for 3 years now and it's really helped and I don't seem to have had any side effects so 😁

Can you do a video on the new vegan study about vegan children having low bones density and being shorter please?

I'm a fan of the funny skits! 😁😄 Thanks for another interesting video, Mic!

I enjoy your videos and your humor! Thanks for making videos!

I've yet to notice any effect from taking ashwagandha, but I can vouch for a teaspoon of schisandra powder per day as a stress reliever. That and sun salutations (yoga) and I'm all set whatever the situation. FWIW. What are your personal stress relievers, guys?

I'd like to see more information on the link between dietary cholesterol, blood cholesterol, and heart attack. There's been so much confusion on the subject sown by the egg board over the past couple of decades. My husband's cholesterol recently came back elevated and our friend gave him that line "well actually, dietary cholesterol doesn't matter". 😩 Trying to get him to stop eating eggs, meat, and cheese so he doesn't have a heart attack.

Oh yeah buddy! Adopt to GIN from uncle Cletus is hilarious, right off the start! This is going to be a fun one! =)

Most herbs are not meant to be taken indefinitely. At most 1-2 months then take a break. Some herbs such as tonic herbs can be taken up to 5-6 months.

Would really LOVE to see an upload on mushrooms, all the newer studies that are boast their amazing medicinal benefits. I'm not talking the "fun" ones that combat PTSD and depression better than antidepressants etc, just because I'm sure someone will think I was. Should also cover Kratom.

The complexity of the human body is amazing. Thanks for the video.🌱

Thanks for the video! Very informative

11:28 I'm not sure if this is a dig at Cletus or Picasso 😂

Rhodiola Rosea is my favorite adaptogen, it functions on the serotonin receptor, and has some odd effects. I have don't dream too often but with the Rhodiola in my system I have the most vivid dreams / when I'm awake its like someone turned up the "clarity" on my visual cortex, colors/textures seem to have a increased "crispness" to it. Makes a great floral tea too :)

Mic, will you be doing a video on the new study that has come out from the London university about vegan children? I've read but would love to hear your view! 👍

I’ve been taking ashwaganda for a spell upon the recommendation of a product from a friend. Only other supplement i take is magnesium for sleep some nights. my periods have gotten lighter and shorter, which was an effect I had not considered/expected. Energy feels more even as well. It’s so hard to separate the effect of one thing or another, but even if it’s placebo, I’m feeling better and that’s good enough for me for now. I’ve reduced my usage and seem to be staying level ( totally subjective, obvi). Great work Mic, keep it up!

Great information as usual!

Mmm I ate a brain exploding fungi I feel so calm 😂 Love your work Mic

I am using ashwaganda from time to time. Helps me personaly well. Of course food, sleep and meditation play there role. But it helps to even the bumps and hard times.

I love the super plant-nerdy vids. :)

HI Mic! Great video. I take ashwaganda for a few weeks whenever I am feeling run down. I am aware it is likely placebo but I feel like it gives me a subtle improvement in energy.

Thanks for a very thorough overview!

Your videos are great

Thank you for this video Mic! Speaking of ashwaganda, it's suggested to be used by people with secondary hypothelamic amenorrhea with the claim, that it helps to kick off the cycle of estrogen production. Have you seen any data explaining how it works of disproving it? Overall, would be interesting to hear more about recovery from HA (hypothelamic amenorrhea) on a vegan diet, especially oil free version of it

The youtuber I didn’t know existed but the one I knew I needed!!! Thank you SO MUCH for emphasizing GOOD RESEARCH ❤

stopping mid-video to tell you Mic...Yes. More skits. This one was cracking me up!

Thank you, Mic for all your amazing videos! Would love one on adrenal fatigue!!!

I like medicinal mushrooms 😍

11:21 Unless you study Psychology and you're tired of seeing that damn test. Reject science. Adapt to gin. Cletus was hilarious.

Request for nootropics! Plsss

My favourite adaptogen for sleep is Valerian. My cats love it too but my bf can't stand the smell of it. St John's wort is another good one. I have a box of herbs inc ashwaganda, passion flower, Pau D'Arco bark, Agnus Castus, Echinacea, Catuaba, Dandelion, milk thistle, Mugwort, red clover, Angelica, chamomile, lavender, hops, there are so many lovelies :)

The joy of the fact that Mic does not speak so slowly that we have to use the playback speed button. 💜

Hey Mic! Something exciting you might want to look into is the potential anabolic and health promoting effects of phytoecdysteroids like ecdysterone and turkesterone, found in certain plants such as spinach and quinoa (the former), and ajuga turkestanica (the latter). A couple recent studies have shown them to be so effective at building muscle that WADA has put ecdysterone on a watchlist for a potential ban in sports. The pharmacology is interesting as they are apparently ER-beta agonists. Cool stuff.

Personally ginseng speeds me up to much and can contribute to my anxiety. In contrast ashwagandha works great in making me feel calmer and oddly stronger. Plants are complex things and so are people. Thanks for the video.

Ashawaganda works great for my anxiety,since taking it I was able to get of prescribed SSRI for anxiety.

Great video! I like Cleetus haha. Probably my favorite "special guest" you've brought on so far!

Adrenal fatigue video please! I self diagnosed myself with adrenal fatigue after waiting tables 7 shifts a week at a busy restaurant for a six month season. I would wake up in the morning “hung over” even if I had imbibed zero substances the night before. Also, I still currently wait tables and take ashwaganda before every shift and do believe I see a better stress response than on days when I forgot to take it or had run out.

ADAPT TO GIN ! THAT KILLED ME 😂

Yes, do a video on adrenal fatigue please 😀 !

Would love to hear about the science behind adrenal fatigue!

I found coffee last week that had adaptogens and I couldnt find anything weird in the ingredients, the * that was next to the word adaptogens was next to a few of the ingredients.

Very interesting video. 👌

Yes please! Video on adrenal fatigue!

it significantly helps me with anxiety and sleep. I had a doctor really help me years ago with high doses of rhodiola. I've struggled with my health most of my life but these work for me better than any prescription has.

Nice video

For me to solve stress and anxiety was to eat a plant based diet and quit caffeine. Caffeine makes me feel being in a hurry when there's no hurry to begin with which felt scary to notice after quitting and then trying again. Caffeine shouldn't be a daily drug. Only occasional when you feel really tired. If you're always tired, then there's another problem in need to be addressed

Since you asked at the end, Yea I have taken some of them. Ashwagandha and rhodiola rosea definitely work in my experience. Ginger is great too. Ginseng is too expensive for me rn. I also take amla, also learned about it from Dr. Greger ^^ also take varous other plant things, drink teas, etc. I'm a sucker for this stuff I guess

Mike do a video on the study’s about therapeutic effects of psychedelics

Hey Mic 😊

Hey Mic, please make a video about adrenal fatigue, because my mother believes she has it.

Do one on amla! Awesome videos dude, thanks

Yes please do a video on adrenal fatigue. I take Rhodiola Rosea for Adrenal fatigue.

adrenal fatigue video please!!! my naturopath diagnosed me with it but it doesn't quite add up in my opinion

"Cordiceps is perha..:" Cleatus: "COITUS-CEPS? well thank you for noticing, I've been doing my preacher curls. these guns don't load themselves.."

I just learned about adaptogens, great timing! Also, is the caffeine in coffee considered an adaptogen?

Tribulus Terrestris for adaptogen makes me giggle, cause its mostly sold has libido enhancement type herb, and its so powerful. When I take it regularly I find my find much more "aggressive" with life: enjoying workouts/breaking a sweat, being much more opinionated/strong willed, I legit feel "lit up" similar to a caffeine buzz in some ways but for longer. I take it occasionally now just to make it through my supply but highly recommend giving it a whirl or research it more.

Nature's cheeto, lmao

Purely anecdotal, but collard greens and beet greens seem to be good adaptogens. I think with beets you have to limit them because of oxalates though

I'd love to see a video on "adrenal fatigue", seems pretty bogus if only because it's used the excuse to buy every product out there!

A video on adrenal fatigue would be much appreciated

I tried many adaptogens, but I didn't notice they did much in terms of claimed effects...

All the adaptogens I've taken have increased stress in the long term. Even sensoril ashwaganda. It's frustrating because I want the effect everyone is talking about. And obviously, there's also the ones that do nothing. Would love to hear if anyone else had had a similar experience.

Please make a video about spirulina debate. Is it real that spirulina contain pseudo b12 that fight with the real b12. Thanks

I feel a real boost by gynnostemma tea, Tulsi, licorice root and ashwagandha.

Cordyceps also starred in the movie "The Girl With All the Gifts"

Great video. Wish you would have picked Lions Mane!

That Cleetus guy was HILLARIOUS! More, more, more! BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

When I was young I saw a pamphlet that talked about the wonders of the adaptogen Jiaogulan, and because I was an idiot, I took that for a short while.

Ginseng probably does heighten awareness, it increases my heart rate, many adaptogens are probably effective but haven't been researched, so FDA requirements for testing aren't met bc lack of $ up front. Thank you for your insightful video!

Thanks for the info -- and loved Uncle Cletis singing!

Your skits are hilarious. They are relieving my stress!

Adrenal Fatigue and Collagen videos! Please!

Wtf. I literally just watched a vid on adaptogens and mic dropped a video about them!

Astragulus (adaptogen) has been the only herb to exert positive effects on "aging" / our genetic clocks at a cellular level. I've been able to find 3 different species of astragulus in extracts and take them occasionally, at 32 I cant say I've noticed any difference :)

Agree. Yes to the skits! Hyper humorous.

Al Go Rhythm

Hello Mic, I have seen some pretty promising results from Ashwagandha. There did seem to be diminishing returns in terms of consistent relief. Potentially because the cortisol levels aren’t necessarily as high anyway on an oil free whole food plant based diet. I have A friend who had a unique type of stuttering that was fairly unrelenting since childhood. This is the “ I know exactly what I want to say but can’t get the words out“ sort. After I gave him a dose of “herb pharm” brand ashwagandha(600mg extract)(tincture), he said he felt an immediate palpable release of stress. Later he mentioned that he had been stutter free for 6 hours straight with clear speech and articulation. Ideally lowering of cortisol is more preventive through diet of course. Any valid literature on cordyceps and oxygen exchange in the lungs or breathing?