Supernatural News | Special Edition: NOT AN ADAPTOGEN
A roundup of mis-marketing from brands who may want to give me a call
Supernatural News is a publication about herbalism and holistic health, the industry of wellbeing, and resources from Pharmakon Supernatural. Aka: The weeds I’m in lately. In inboxes since 2015.
SPECIAL FEATURE: NOT AN ADAPTOGEN
a roundup of mis-marketing from brands who may want to give me a call
From USA Today: “11 ADAPTOGEN PRODUCTS THAT CAN HELP YOU STRESS LESS”
Correction: The following herbs listed as adaptogens in the piece are, you guessed it, not adaptogens: Chaga, Lion’s Mane, Reishi, Lemon Balm, Tulsi, “adaptogenic mushrooms.”
A popular, celebrity-backed beverage brand with a new flavor “courtesy of adaptogens.”
Correction: Of these herbs only Ashwagandha is an adaptogen. Caption should read: “Your guide to feeling good, courtesy of herbs.” Or “botanicals” or whatever other (accurate) descriptor any brand wants to associate themselves with.
A gummy “loaded with a treasure trove of ingredients, including organic veggies, fruits, adaptogens, antioxidants, super mushrooms, prebiotics, vitamins, minerals, and herbs.”
Correction: Contains zero adaptogens.
A collab from brands I truly love, but facts are facts and the “adaptogenic mushrooms” claim doesn’t quite hold up.
Correction: What does “adaptogenic mushrooms” mean? Perhaps we mean functional? Product contains two mushrooms (Reishi and Lion’s Mane. Reishi is a “possible” adaptogen.)1
Olly can handle my not blacking out the brand.
Correction: Contains no adaptogens.
Not the brand’s fault, though adaptogens plural is a bit misleading (each product contains one herb—either Ashwagandha (an adaptogen) or Reishi (a possible adaptogen—see footnote).
Correction: It’s kind of cute, actually. Maybe I’ll start using the term.
•°. *࿐
What Drives Your Wellbeing Practices?*
For me, it’s knowing my why
~watch the video~
I’m motivated to do what I do—to live this lifestyle through and through—because it rewards me with more of the greatest gift in the world: LIFE.
Health is my highest priority because it determines how everything else will be. But it wasn’t always this way. Like all of us, I have to consciously reshape habits, strengthen the muscle of discipline, and make choices with purpose all day long.
Why do you strive? Why do you want to be well? Is it intrinsically rewarding, or in service of some other life project? Whatever your motivation, know that it’s most powerful when it comes from within.
Just like the centrality of our gut health in impacting nearly every other system in the body. 🌿 Enter Big Bold Health’s Microbiome Rejuvenate*—the 3-in-1 probiotic that harmonizes our gut-immune connection, and far beyond—featuring HTB, 5 billion CFU of Lactobacillus Rhamnosus and the clinically studied beta glucans (prebiotic).
Here’s to health, from the inside out. (BBH’s motto is literally rebalance the world within.)
*20% off Microbiome Rejuvenate (and all Big Bold Health products) with code Rachelle20.
This clarification is needed! These companies need to do their homework or it just shows they’re using buzzwords to jump onto a trend.
There is a boatload of misinformation on the internet and it has been this way for years, so I very much appreciate you setting the record straight! And as you've mentioned on previous episodes, there's nothing wrong with using these herbs and botanicals, but just don't label them adaptogens.