Adaptogens & the Stress System: What Women With MS Need to Know

We often hear the phrase “adrenal fatigue” — but your adrenal glands don’t simply burn out. What really happens under chronic stress is a loss of communication between the brain and the adrenals. This is known as HPA axis dysregulation — a disruption of our natural stress rhythms.

To restore that rhythm, we need the true foundations of healing: rest, nourishment, light, movement, emotional safety, connection —and sometimes, gentle support from nature through adaptogens.

What are adaptogens?

Adaptogens are a small group of plants and medicinal mushrooms that help the body adapt to stress with greater balance and resilience.

To qualify as an adaptogen, they must:

• Be safe and non-toxic

• Support resistance to a wide range of stressors

• Restore balance — whether systems are under- or over-active

They don’t force the body to perform.

They help retrain its stress response.

This matters because stress is a major trigger for inflammation and MS symptoms.

Adaptogens can help reduce the reactive “flare” and support a more stable baseline.

How adaptogens support resilience

Adaptogens are now recognised to influence multiple pathways that regulate energy and immunity:

• Healthy cortisol rhythms (neither too high nor too low)

• Mitochondrial support — the engines of energy production

• Neuroendocrine balance — brain + hormone communication

• Immune modulation — calming inappropriate inflammatory responses

• Antioxidant and cellular protection

• Gene expression linked to stress adaptation

  
  

They don’t just boost energy —they help it flow more steadily and sustainably.

Maca — The Root of Resilience

A grounding Peruvian root that has long supported energy, stamina, and hormonal balance.

• Helps stabilise energy without stimulation

• Supports mood, sleep, and resilience to stress

• Can improve hormonal rhythm in peri- and post-menopause

• Nourishes the endocrine network (adrenals, thyroid, ovaries)

Different maca colour phenotypes have different benefits — quality and formulation matter.

Rhodiola — The Mountain’s Clarity

Growing in harsh environments, rhodiola teaches the body to endure without overwhelm.

• Supports mental clarity and focus

• Helps with fatigue linked to stress

• Improves mitochondrial energy

Best taken morning or early afternoon — it is gently energising.Some people who are very anxious may feel overstimulated. Check suitability if using antidepressants.

Ashwagandha — The Soothing Grounder

A calming Ayurvedic tonic that supports a nervous system stuck in hyper-alert mode.

• Encourages restful sleep

• Helps lower high cortisol

• Supports mood, thyroid, and reproductive hormone balance

• Useful for wired-but-tired patterns

Important to note:

While short-term use is well supported by research, long-term daily use may blunt mood, reduce motivation, or overstimulate thyroid activity in certain individuals.It often works best in cycles, with breaks or rotation to other herbs.

Ashwagandha is also a nightshade — which may aggravate symptoms in some.

Adaptogens are helpers — not a replacement for foundations

They cannot fix a life that is chronically over-stressed or under-rested.

They work best when paired with:

• Consistent sleep rhythms

• Real, nutrient-dense food

• Natural light exposure

• Nervous system downshifting

• Sustainable movement

• Emotional support and connection

Adaptogens are here to support the body’s healing wisdom — not override it.

The KIN takeaway

Maca builds your base

Rhodiola helps you rise

Ashwagandha helps you ground and restore

Used thoughtfully, and alongside lifestyle shifts, adaptogens can be powerful allies in supporting clearer energy, calmer days, and more resilient living with MS.