Adaptogens are herbs studied for helping the body respond to stress, with genuinely varying strength of evidence between them. Below you’ll find our picks for Korean Ginseng and Ashwagandha, two of the more researched adaptogens available in the UK — each with its own specific safety considerations worth knowing before you choose.
Vitamins & Minerals
Adaptogens
Adaptogens: What Research Actually Shows
This category features Korean Ginseng and Ashwagandha, both classified as adaptogens — a category of herbs studied for supporting the body’s stress response, though the term itself isn’t a formal medical classification. Each has a genuinely different research profile: ashwagandha has particularly solid evidence for cortisol reduction specifically, while ginseng’s research spans energy, cognitive function, and blood sugar effects.
Both carry real safety considerations often missing from general marketing: ashwagandha can affect thyroid hormone levels and has been linked to rare, documented cases of liver injury, while ginseng may affect blood sugar and interact with diabetes and blood-thinning medication. Neither is a substitute for prescribed treatment, and both are reasonable to discuss with your GP before starting if you take regular medication or have an existing health condition.