Modern life bombards us with deadlines, blue light, and endless notifications. It’s no wonder many of us feel anxious, foggy or wired all the time. This constant stress activates the body’s “fight or flight” response and floods us with cortisol. Over time, elevated cortisol can impair memory, disrupt sleep and contribute to weight gain. What if there were natural ingredients that help the body adapt to stress rather than simply masking the symptoms?

Welcome to the world of **adaptogens**—plants or mushrooms that help the body maintain balance during physical, mental or emotional stress. The term originated in Russian research in the mid‑20th century and describes substances that increase the body’s nonspecific resistance to stress while being non‑toxic. In traditional Ayurvedic and Unani medicine, herbs like ashwagandha have been used for centuries as adaptogens. Today, adaptogenic herbs are enjoying renewed interest as more people seek natural ways to support mental clarity and emotional balance.

In this post, we’ll explore three clinically studied adaptogens—ashwagandha, rhodiola and bacopa—and look at the science behind how they support stress relief, cognitive performance and mood. We’ll also explain how **Cool Mood**, our anti‑anxiety and de‑stress formula, blends these herbs to create a synergistic effect for calm focus.

## Ashwagandha: The Stress‑Soothing Root

**Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)** is an evergreen shrub native to parts of Asia and Africa. Its roots have been used in Ayurveda for thousands of years to promote strength and vitality. Modern science confirms that ashwagandha acts on the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis to modulate cortisol and support a healthy stress response.

A 2021 systematic review identified seven randomized, placebo‑controlled trials (491 adults) examining ashwagandha for stress and anxiety. Participants were given 240–1,250 mg of extract daily for 6–8 weeks. Overall, the studies found that ashwagandha significantly reduced stress and anxiety, improved sleep quality and fatigue, and lowered serum cortisol compared with placebo. Benefits were generally greater at doses of 500–600 mg/day. Ashwagandha’s adaptogenic properties make it ideal for people dealing with chronic stress, deadlines or anxious thoughts.

## Rhodiola: Mental Endurance & Reaction Time

**Rhodiola rosea**, also known as Arctic or golden root, grows in cold climates like Siberia and has been used by Russian and Scandinavian athletes for endurance and resilience. Rhodiola contains active compounds (rosavins and salidroside) that may modulate neurotransmitters and reduce oxidative stress.

Clinical trials suggest rhodiola can lower mental fatigue and sharpen reaction time. In one study, 20 days of supplementation with 100 mg/day of rhodiola extract (with 2 % salidroside and 3 % rosavin) reduced self‑assessed mental fatigue by around 30 %, while participants taking placebo experienced a 21 % increase. Another trial gave 600 mg/day for 28 days and found that rhodiola significantly improved reaction time and accuracy on cognitive tests compared with placebo. These findings suggest that rhodiola can enhance mental endurance and cognitive performance, making it a valuable adaptogen for busy professionals and athletes.

## Bacopa: Memory and Cognitive Processing

**Bacopa monnieri** (also called water hyssop) is a creeping herb revered in Ayurveda as a medhya rasayana (brain tonic). Modern studies indicate that bacopa supports memory formation and cognitive processing through antioxidant effects and modulation of acetylcholine.

In a randomized, double‑blind, placebo‑controlled trial of healthy older adults, participants took 300 or 600 mg of bacopa extract daily for 12 weeks. After just four weeks, those taking 300 mg/day showed significant improvements in attention and memory compared with placebo; these benefits persisted throughout the 12‑week study and even four weeks after stopping the supplement. Participants taking 600 mg/day experienced faster memory recall and improved attention. Testing of neural electrical activity showed that bacopa decreased P300 and N100 latencies, indicating enhanced information processing. These results suggest that bacopa may strengthen working memory, attention and cognitive processing.

## Why Combine Them? Synergy in Cool Mood

When we formulated **Cool Mood**, we wanted a non‑addictive supplement that targets stress, anxiety and cognitive function without causing jitters. We included the adaptogens described above, plus calming herbs like chamomile, because research suggests they work via complementary mechanisms:

- **Ashwagandha** helps regulate cortisol and reduces perceived stress and anxiety. It also contains withanolides that may support sleep and mood.
- **Rhodiola** increases resilience to mental fatigue and improves reaction time—perfect for long workdays or study sessions.
- **Bacopa** enhances working memory, attention and cognitive processing. Improved acetylcholine function means better memory recall and learning.

These adaptogens are non‑stimulant and safe for daily use when taken at clinically studied doses. Because adaptogens are believed to help the body adapt to stress, they may provide a gentle, sustainable way to support mental clarity and emotional balance. However, everyone is unique—always consult your healthcare provider before adding new supplements, especially if you’re pregnant, nursing or taking medications.

## Beyond Adaptogens – A Mission of Healing

Inside Out Goodness isn’t just about selling supplements. Every product purchased provides a supplement to a recently released inmate, supporting rehabilitation and reducing recidivism. For instance, our Complete Multivitamin + Immune System Booster combines essential vitamins and a proprietary immune blend to help people stay healthy. Purchasing a bottle automatically donates a supplement to someone re‑entering society. When you choose Cool Mood or any of our products, you’re not just improving your own well‑being—you’re helping others rebuild theirs.

## Key Takeaways

- Adaptogens such as ashwagandha, rhodiola and bacopa help the body resist stress and maintain balance.
- Clinical trials show ashwagandha reduces stress, anxiety and cortisol levels, with optimal benefits around 500–600 mg/day.
- Rhodiola supplementation (100–600 mg/day) can lower mental fatigue, improve reaction time and enhance accuracy on cognitive tasks.
- Bacopa improves working memory, attention and cognitive processing at 300–600 mg/day, with effects lasting even after supplementation ends.
- Cool Mood combines these adaptogens with chamomile for a synergistic approach to stress relief and mental clarity.

Ready to feel calmer and more focused? Check out Cool Mood and our other science‑backed supplements. Your purchase helps us deliver nutritional support to individuals rebuilding their lives. Together, we can nourish bodies, uplift minds and make a meaningful difference.