Adaptogen Safety Quiz: What You Need to Know

Question 1

Before starting an adaptogen, what's the single most important step?

Accepted Answer

Talk with your healthcare provider, especially if you take medication — Authorities agree: talk with your healthcare provider first. Herbal supplements are stronger than culinary herbs and can interact with medications.

Answer

Take as many different ones as possible at once

Answer

Stop drinking water for a day

Answer

Fast for 48 hours first

Question 2

Rhodiola may interact with which type of medication?

Accepted Answer

Blood thinners such as warfarin — Rhodiola can affect how blood thinners like warfarin work, and may increase the risk of side effects with anti-seizure medications such as phenytoin.

Answer

Toothpaste

Answer

Sunscreen

Answer

Vitamin gummies

Question 3

A key safety concern with supplements compared to drugs is that...

Accepted Answer

The potency may not match the label (not FDA-regulated) — Supplements aren't regulated like medications — a product may not contain the potency the label claims. Choose third-party-tested brands.

Answer

They are too strictly controlled

Answer

They are always counterfeit

Answer

They expire within one day

Question 4

Ashwagandha may interact with all of these EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Plain drinking water — Ashwagandha may interact with medications for diabetes and blood pressure, sedatives, anticonvulsants, immunosuppressants and thyroid hormone — but not water.

Answer

Diabetes medication

Answer

Thyroid hormone medication

Answer

Sedatives

Question 5

Ashwagandha is NOT recommended for people who are about to...

Accepted Answer

Have surgery — Ashwagandha is not recommended for people who are about to have surgery, nor for those with autoimmune or thyroid disorders.

Answer

Go for a walk

Answer

Drink tea

Answer

Take a nap

Question 6

Rhodiola is traditionally also known by which name?

Accepted Answer

Golden root — Rhodiola rosea is traditionally called 'golden root' and has been used in Eastern Europe and Asia to manage stress, fatigue and low mood.

Answer

Dragon fruit

Answer

Sea moss

Answer

Bitter melon