In our high-paced, high-stress world, it makes sense that more and more people are interested in learning about adaptogens. That’s why we put this list together of the best books on adaptogens.
Adaptogens are a category of herbs that work to increase the body’s resilience to stress.
Popular adaptogens include:
They are best known for their ability to increase resistance against physical, chemical, biological, and environmental stressors by helping the body adapt to its environment without producing excess fatigue or weakness.
Table of Contents
- The Best Books on Adaptogens:
- 1. Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief (2nd edition) by David Winston
- 2. The Complete Guide to Adaptogens: From Ashwagandha to Rhodiola, Medicinal Herbs That Transform and Heal by Agatha Noveille
- 3. Adaptogens: Herbs for Longevity and Everyday Wellness by Adriana Ayales
- 4. Adaptogens in Medical Herbalism: Elite Herbs and Natural Compounds for Mastering Stress, Aging, and Chronic Disease by Donald Yance
- Conclusion:
The Best Books on Adaptogens:
Below is our list of the best books on adaptogenic herbs.
1. Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief (2nd edition) by David Winston
This book by David Winston is the original book on adaptogenic herbs and their uses. David Winston is one of the world’s leading experts on adaptogens.
The first edition of this book was written in 2007. It helped to bring the idea of adaptogens into the public conscience. The new and updated 2nd edition was published in 2019.
He’s is a member of the American Herbalist Guild and is an internationally known lecturer, author, ethnobotanist. For over 45 years, David has been studying, practicing, teaching, and researching Chinese, Western/Eclectic, and Southeastern American traditional herbal medicine.
He also has one of the biggest private herbal research libraries in the U.S. His library contains over 8000 volumes, from the year 1550 to the present, and over 15,000 scientific articles.
This book is one of the best books if you’re looking for a thorough review of the mechanisms of how adaptogens work. Winston provides an excellent combination of clinical research and traditional usage.
Winston is very particular as to which herbs he classifies as adaptogens, but he provides good reasoning for each selection. Click here if you’re interested in seeing his complete list of adaptogenic herbs.
2. The Complete Guide to Adaptogens: From Ashwagandha to Rhodiola, Medicinal Herbs That Transform and Heal by Agatha Noveille
This book by herbalist Agatha Noveille is a great addition to any herb lover’s bookshelf.
This book is full of helpful tables, recipes, and glossaries that offer insight and information about adaptogens. It is valuable for the layman as well as the professional cook, gardener, or herbalist.
Noveille is an herbalist and author living in Atlanta, Georgia. She turned to herbalism as a way to support her journey back to wellness after being diagnosed with Lyme disease.
Having this book in hand you will know why the particular herbs and their combinations and recipes will work for you (or not).
3. Adaptogens: Herbs for Longevity and Everyday Wellness by Adriana Ayales
This book is a short, concise primer on primary adaptogens and their benefits. It was written by Adriana Ayales, herbalist and founder of Anima Mundi Herbals.
Adriana Ayales is a Costa Rican native who has dedicated herself to the study of plants and traditional healing from a young age. She uses rainforest tribal-style botany, as well as classic European alchemy, to bridge the gap between indigenous medicine and Western practices.
This book is perfect for the beginner who is looking to get their head around the basics of adaptogens and how they work. This book also includes many creative and fun adaptogen recipes to try.
4. Adaptogens in Medical Herbalism: Elite Herbs and Natural Compounds for Mastering Stress, Aging, and Chronic Disease by Donald Yance
This is an in-depth look at adaptogenic herbs. Written by Donald Yance, a registered herbalist, and nutritionist based out of Oregon.
Donald Yance is an internationally known master herbalist and nutritionist. He received his herbal training through Sequoia College and is a professional member of the American Herbalists Guild. He has written two books and has authored dozens of articles that have appeared in major industry publications and national journals.
This book is for the reader that wants a deeper view of adaptogenic herbs. It combines rigorously researched health data with a blend of traditional herbology and naturopathy.
Conclusion:
If you’re looking for the best book on herbal adaptogens, then look no further than these books.
Whether it’s David Winston’s in-depth book, Agatha Noveille’s all-around book, or Adriana Ayales’ beautiful primer on adaptogens, you have all of the resources you need to learn the ins and outs of adaptogenic herbs.
