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Adaptogens - 3 Stress-Busting Herbs For Mood, Energy and Balancing Cortisol
Meet three stress-busting adaptogenic herbs, rhodiola, ashwagandha and holy basil, that help balance cortisol and support mood, energy and calm naturally.
Written and medically reviewed by Dr. Courtney Ranieri, ND, a licensed naturopathic doctor registered with the College of Naturopaths of Ontario (Reg. #3726). Last reviewed July 2026.
Have you heard of adaptogens? They show up on health-trend lists, but Naturopaths have been using these stress-busting herbs for years, and for good reason.
They're called 'adaptogens' because they help the body 'adapt' to biological and physical stressors and modulate hormonal responses.
How they work
Adaptogens are thought to modulate stress by balancing the stress hormone cortisol, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the parasympathetic nervous system. Increased stress and cortisol have been linked to fatigue, poor sleep, irritability, anxiety, weight gain and increased risk of chronic disease.
We can't get rid of all of life's stressors, which is why I love adaptogens. Alongside healthy nutrition, sleep and movement habits, adaptogens can help modulate the body's response to stress and have been shown in studies to help with fatigue, anxiety, depression, and mental and physical performance. Always consult a Naturopathic Doctor to be sure you're taking a safe and effective dose within a comprehensive plan.
Some of my favourite adaptogens are:
- Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea): shown to help improve stress-induced fatigue, anxiety, depression, cognition and mental and physical performance.
- Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): demonstrated to reduce anxiety, stress and cortisol, decrease perceived fatigue, and support thyroid and immune function.
- Holy Basil (Tulsi): traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine, shown to improve mood, anxiety, cognition, and to help normalize glucose, blood pressure and lipids.
Other adaptogens I use in practice include licorice, Siberian ginseng, maca root, astragalus, cordyceps and reishi.
I always recommend working with a Naturopathic Doctor before starting any treatments or making changes to your healthcare plan. I provide virtual naturopathic care across Ontario and would love to help you reach your health goals.
About the author
Dr. Courtney Ranieri, ND is a board-licensed naturopathic doctor and the founder of Somewhere Health. She earned her Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto and holds an Honours Bachelor of Science from the University of Western Ontario. Her clinical focus spans hormonal health, fertility, digestion, and women's health, with advanced training in pelvic floor therapy and integrative fertility care.
