Keywords in the Netherlands around adaptogens

Adaptogens are natural herbs and mushrooms that help the body cope better with stress, increase energy levels and restore balance, and their effectiveness can be measured through blood tests such as cortisol and CRP tests.

In the Netherlands, keywords such as "reduce stress," "increase energy," and "natural supplements" are commonly used in connection with adaptogens. Specific adaptogens such as ashwagandha, rhodiola, and ginseng are the most searched terms among Dutch people, especially in the context of stress relief and mental clarity. In addition, many people search for information about the health benefits of mushrooms such as reishi and cordyceps, which are popular with athletes and those looking to strengthen their immune systems.

Adaptogens are increasingly seen as a natural way to address modern health problems such as stress and fatigue, which explains the increase in popularity

From Ashwagandha to Rhodiola: The Guide to Adaptogens

What are adaptogens?

Adaptogens are natural substances, mainly derived from herbs, roots and mushrooms, that help the body better cope with stress. They support the restoration of natural balance and promote resilience when exposed to both physical and mental stressors. These herbs work in subtle but powerful ways to regulate hormones, strengthen the immune system and optimize energy levels.

Adaptogens are gaining popularity in the Netherlands due to their many benefits, such as stress reduction, improved sleep and increased energy. Especially common search terms such as "relieve stress," "natural energy boosters" and "natural remedies for fatigue" are popping up more and more often in searches.

The science behind adaptogens

Although adaptogens have been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, scientific research on their effectiveness is still relatively young. However, studies have shown promising results, especially in the areas of stress reduction, improvement in mental performance and physical endurance. Adaptogens are considered non-toxic in standard doses, meaning they are safe for long-term use in healthy people.

For example, studies have shown that ashwagandha can help lower the stress hormone cortisol, and rhodiola can improve physical performance by reducing fatigue(

How to choose the right adaptogen?

Below we discuss some of the most popular adaptogens and their benefits:

1. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
• Best for: Stress reduction and better sleep.
• How it works: Ashwagandha helps lower cortisol levels, which reduces stress and may contribute to better sleep quality(
• Use: Often used in supplement form, but can also be added to smoothies as a powder.
2. Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea)
• Best for: Reduce fatigue and improve mental clarity.
• How it works: Rhodiola increases stamina and mental performance by reducing physical fatigue and stress(
• Use: Available in capsule form or as a tincture.
3. Panax Ginseng
• Best for: Energy boost and cognitive enhancement.
• How it works: Ginseng stimulates the nervous system and improves both physical and mental performance, ideal for students and busy professionals(

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• Use: Often incorporated into teas or supplements.
1. Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)
• Best for: Immune support and stress reduction.
• How it works: This mushroom is known for its immune-boosting properties and can help reduce stress(

Blood tests for measuring the effectiveness of adaptogens

Measuring the effectiveness of adaptogens can be supported by specific blood tests. Tracking changes in hormonal and immunological biomarkers helps to understand how these natural substances affect the body.

1. Cortisol
• Why test: Cortisol is the primary stress hormone and plays a crucial role in the body's response to stress. If you use ashwagandha to reduce stress, measuring cortisol in your blood can be a good indicator to track its effectiveness.
• How to test: Blood or saliva test.
2. CRP (C-reactive protein)
• Why test: CRP is an inflammatory marker that indicates whether your body is suffering from chronic inflammation, often elevated by stress. Adaptogens such as reishi and rhodiola can help reduce inflammation, which you can measure by monitoring CRP levels in the blood.
3. Testosterone and DHEA
• Why test: Both hormones are important for energy, mood and overall health. Maca and ginseng are often used to support hormonal balance, and measuring them can provide insight into the effects of these adaptogens on your hormonal health.
4. Immune cells (such as white blood cells and natural killer cells)
• Why test: Adaptogens such as reishi and schisandra can boost the immune system. Blood tests that measure immune cell function may be useful to see if these adaptogens boost your resistance.
5. HbA1c (average blood sugar)
• Why test: If you use adaptogens like ginseng or tulsi for blood sugar regulation, tracking HbA1c can help see if these herbs actually help stabilize your blood sugar.

How do you use adaptogens effectively?

The most important thing when using adaptogens is consistency. Just as training muscles takes time and repetition, the same is true for adaptogens. It is recommended to use them daily in small amounts, such as via supplements, teas or powders. Combine them with healthy fats such as avocado or coconut oil for better absorption

Want to learn more about how your blood levels can help monitor your health? Consider an InsideTracker blood test to learn more about how adaptogens affect your body, or take advantage of one of the other research studies to improve your biological age.