Best Herbs for Fatigue: 4 Adaptogens to Tackle Stress

It’s no news that you are in a fast-paced and overwhelming world. And although you may try living in a more balanced way—eating healthy, exercising, and meditating—there are moments when stress becomes so intense that fatigue feels crushing. That’s where adaptogens come in.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical or health advice. The content should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding your health or lifestyle.

What are the best herbs against fatigue?

Research suggests that certain herbs, often called adaptogens, may act as natural allies against excessive stress and may help restore harmony in your daily life [1].

Among the best-known adaptogens are:

• Ginseng (Panax ginseng), traditionally used to boost energy and concentration.
• Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus), studied for its role as a tonic for fatigue and cognitive impairment.
• Rose root (Rhodiola rosea), associated with better stress tolerance and mental performance.
• Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), linked to reduced anxiety and improved sleep quality.

In this article, we’ll compare these herbs and describe how they can help you with stress-related fatigue.

Are they safe? Which one will suit your needs best? Keep reading to find out!

Evidence and safety

Among these plants, the four discussed here—ginseng, rose root, Siberian ginseng, and ashwagandha—have the strongest evidence so far, although more studies are still needed [2].

The European Medicines Agency (EMA), for example, recognizes the traditional use of ginseng, rose root, and Siberian ginseng to help with stress-related symptoms like occasional fatigue and weakness in several European countries, including Spain, Switzerland, the UK, Germany, France, and Poland [3,4,5].

All four plants are considered safe for adults, with no proven adverse effects when used appropriately [3,4,5,8]. Still, pregnant individuals should consult a healthcare professional or herbalist before using them [3,4,5,6,7].

Which one should I use?

Not every adaptogen is suitable for every type of stress or fatigue. I consulted Ana Aleksic, Master of Science in Pharmacy, the founder of Herbal Doula, and a herbalist specialized in medicinal plants for pregnancy and breastfeeding. She has worked with adaptogens in the pharmacy setting, and stresses the importance of first understanding the root cause of fatigue. Otherwise, using the wrong herb for the wrong type of stress can sometimes make things worse.

With that in mind, the four adaptogens covered here work in slightly different ways.

Ginseng, for instance, is traditionally used to boost general energy and resilience, especially for older people with mild fatigue [4]. This herb is not recommended if you suffer from high blood pressure.

Rose root is more associated with mental fatigue and stress-related tiredness, helping with focus and alertness [3].

Siberian ginseng may be useful when tiredness is linked to long-term physical or environmental stress, as it is known to support endurance and overall resistance [5].

Ashwagandha, on the other hand, is often used in situations of chronic stress or anxiety-related fatigue, supporting overall well-being and helping the body adapt to ongoing pressure [6,8]. The use of ashwagandha is contraindicated if taking barbiturates or benzodiazepines [8].

Now you know! If stress is leaving you tired, a natural boost may help—but first, figure out what’s really causing your fatigue.

Choosing the right adaptogen for your type of stress can make all the difference.

As David Winston (ethnobotanist and author of Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief) notes, “Adaptogens […] are not a one-size-fits-all phenomenon […] Does everybody need an adaptogen? No. If you are healthy, and you’re not in a really stressful situation, you probably don’t need any…”

More Resources

If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or postpartum, be sure to read the following free monographs that cover the safety and benefits of specific adaptogens and adaptogen-like natural remedies:

Ashwagandha Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safety 2025

Shilajit Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safety + Uses

Can You Take Shilajit While Pregnant? +FAQs

Shatavari Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safety + Benefits

Maca Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safety + Side Effects

References:
1. Todorova, V., Ivanov, K., Delattre, C., Nalbantova, V., Karcheva-Bahchevanska, D., & Ivanova, S. (2021). Plant Adaptogens-History and Future Perspectives. Nutrients, 13(8), 2861. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13082861

2. Panossian, A. G., Efferth, T., Shikov, A. N., Pozharitskaya, O. N., Kuchta, K., Mukherjee, P. K., Banerjee, S., Heinrich, M., Wu, W., Guo, D. A., & Wagner, H. (2021). Evolution of the adaptogenic concept from traditional use to medical systems: Pharmacology of stress- and aging-related diseases. Medicinal research reviews, 41(1), 630–703. https://doi.org/10.1002/med.21743

3.  EMA/HMPC/232100/2011. Assessment report on Rhodiola rosea L., rhizoma et radix. Based on Article 16d (1), Article 16f and Article 16h of Directive 2001/83/EC as amended traditional use). Final. 27 March 2012.

4. EMA/HMPC/321232/2012. Assessment report on Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer, radix. Based on Article 16d (1), Article 16f and Article 16h of Directive 2001/83/EC as amended (traditional use). Final. 25 March 2014.

5. EMA/HMPC/680615/2013. Assessment report on Eleutherococcus senticosus (Rupr. et Maxim.) Maxim., radix. Based on Article 16d (1), Article 16f and Article 16h of Directive 2001/83/EC as amended (traditional use). Final. 25 March 2014.

6. Pratte, M. A., Nanavati, K. B., Young, V., & Morley, C. P. (2014). An alternative treatment for anxiety: a systematic review of human trial results reported for the Ayurvedic herb ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.), 20(12), 901–908. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2014.0177

7. Ng, Q. X., Loke, W., Foo, N. X., Tan, W. J., Chan, H. W., Lim, D. Y., & Yeo, W. S. (2020). A systematic review of the clinical use of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) to ameliorate cognitive dysfunction. Phytotherapy research : PTR, 34(3), 583–590. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.6552

8. Akhgarjand, C., Asoudeh, F., Bagheri, A., Kalantar, Z., Vahabi, Z., Shab-Bidar, S., Rezvani, H., & Djafarian, K. (2022). Does Ashwagandha supplementation have a beneficial effect on the management of anxiety and stress? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Phytotherapy research : PTR, 36(11), 4115–4124. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.7598