Key Takeaways

• Adaptogens are herbs used for centuries for their healing properties, many of which attribute to improved athletic performance and cortisol reduction.

• Cortisol is the stress hormone, and in excessive amounts can hinder muscle synthesis and weaken one’s performance and immune functioning.

• Intentional lifestyle changes can lower excessive cortisol; the adaptogens present in our patented blends have been studied for their effects on lowering stress-related cortisol.

• Oh!mino will supplement and improve a healthy lifestyle, with our adaptogenic ingredient profile directly and indirectly reducing excess cortisol.

• Enhance gains with Oh!mino® Muscle Synthesis Activator and Creatine Complex, delivering all nine essential amino acids, including BCAAs, electrolytes, and adaptogens to accelerate muscle growth, recovery, and performance.

How Adaptogens Help Athletes Manage Cortisol and Enhance Performance

Cortisol management and adaptogenic support sound like issues too lofty to be adequately attended to.  The fitness industry is always looking for new problems to solve in order to sell more products.  However, cortisol management and adaptogenic support are not new concepts, in fact, they date back thousands of years.  Managing cortisol with proper adaptogenic support will enable better athletic performance and improved mental cognition. 

Enhanced Performance

Improving one’s performance is the primary drive for many athletes.  Millions of dollars are spent each year on products that are supposedly great for performance while being full of artificial ingredients and additives.  Instead of choosing random supplements and hoping that they benefit the athlete in some unknown capacity, opt instead for proved cortisol management derived from adaptogens.

What are Adaptogens?

Adaptogens are a host of herbs that are used for their myriad health benefits.  Some support nutrient uptake while others affect cognition and mood.  Having hundreds of clinical studies to back them, these herbs have been used for thousands of years and have a direct benefit for the athlete.

Origins

Many adaptogens trace their roots back to traditional Chinese medicine, where those ancient peoples utilized the plants to treat myriad ailments.  These herbs were brought to modern attention and then studied for their supposed benefits.  Not only were these plants found to be somewhat effective in their claims, but many were so effective that higher dosages are used to treat physical and mental illnesses regularly.

Popular Herbs

Some popular adaptogens include ashwagandha, rhodiola, ginseng (Asian and American), holy basil, cordyceps, astragalus, Chestnut Rose and licorice root.  Some of the extracts come from the roots of the plant, or simply from the stems and the leaves.  Many of these herbs can be found as their own, individual supplements.  Other manufacturers may combine a few together in an effort to create a fully adaptogenic supplement.

Athletic Benefits

Adaptogens are seen mainly for their cognitive and anti-inflammatory benefits.  For the athlete, both of these functions are crucial for improved performance.  Keeping the mind sharp, alert and sober will allow each workout to be dialed in and will encourage the athlete to make the most of each set.  After consistent, hard training sessions, muscles and tissue will be inflamed.  If this inflammation is not dealt with properly, training output will be hindered and injury risk will be heightened.  Adequate consumption of a few adaptogens will help to keep the athlete’s mind sharp and muscles ready for performance.

Which Adaptogens Do Oh!mino Use?

We have included adaptogens in our Muscle Synthesis Activator products, as well as our patented Creatine Complex and Nitric Oxide Booster.  The included adaptogens help overall bodily absorption of key nutrients, thereby supporting the body’s uptake of ingredients in each respective bottle.  The adaptogens also promote many health benefits on their own.

Ginseng Extract

One can find ginseng in our Muscle Synthesis Activator products, our Creatine Complex and our Nitric Oxide Booster.  Ginseng has been studied for its cardiovascular effects by supporting circulation and for its anti-inflammatory properties.  Studies have also observed its protection of internal tissue from oxidative stress and its help in reducing exercise-induced inflammation.  Ginseng has also been observed for its support of cognitive functioning.

Astragalus Extract

Astragalus is included in our Muscle Synthesis Activator products, our Creatine Complex and our Nitric Oxide Booster.  Astragalus has been observed for its support of the immune system, its anti-inflammatory support and its removal of oxidative stress in the body.  Additionally, astragalus has been seen to support healthy blood pressure, protect kidneys and support the longevity of cells.

Rosa Roxburghii

Also known as the Chestnut rose, it is found in our Muscle Synthesis Activator products and Nitric Oxide Booster.  This flower has been studied for its antioxidant activity, immune support, anti-inflammatory effects, metabolic aid, skin support and cardiovascular and liver protection.  Being high in vitamin C, it can be useful for those fighting the common cold. 

Person showing weight loss results by pulling at loose-fitting jeans.

What is Cortisol?

Cortisol is a hormone released by the brain that is most associated with stress and stressful feelings.  When situations arise that make us unsure as to the future or question our ability in a meaningful way, we feel stress.  Cortisol is stimulated more at certain points of the day, relative to one’s sleep schedule.  Because the body readily produces this hormone, it is not intrinsically bad.  Even so, with large amounts of cortisol in one’s system comes negative side effects.

Benefits

If a car is about to veer into someone or if something frightening is experienced, then the “fight or flight” feeling will be present.  This is a common experience of an intense boost of cortisol, enabling one to react quickly in times of perceived danger.  Cortisol also regulates energy and suppresses inflammatory responses.  Cortisol levels are highest in the morning so that one can start the day with energy, and lower at night to enable rest.

Negative Side Effects

Too much cortisol from inadequate sleep, stressful life circumstances or overtraining will have a host of negative effects.  High levels of cortisol will inhibit the muscle synthesis process and promote fat accumulation.  Additionally, it will weaken one’s immune system, suppress hormonal functions and cause further anxiety, which will then result in more cortisol. 

Impact on Performance

With high levels of cortisol will come impaired athletic performance.  As stated above, the muscle synthesis process will be hindered with unmanaged cortisol levels.  Recovery will be insufficient for the athlete, leading to more inflamed tissue and a more extreme injury risk.  By increasing the amount of fat storage, overall health gains will be affected. 

How Best to Manage Cortisol with Lifestyle

There are many ways in which to lower the stress in one’s life, which will lead to a healthy balance of cortisol.  Consistent exercise is paramount in reducing stress, but it is important not to overtrain, as more cortisol will result.  Obtaining enough quality sleep will keep cortisol levels in a healthy balance.  An often overlooked strategy for stress management is taking intentional time with loved ones.  When living a balanced life, cortisol levels will remain at a healthy threshold.

Consistent Exercise

Consistent exercise will help to manage stressful feelings by the good feelings it produces.  The brain releases many “feel-good” hormones during and after a workout, combatting perceived stress levels.  Exercise also keeps an overall hormone balance, indirectly supporting cortisol levels.  It is important to workout within the limits of one’s body, as overtraining can create a higher likelihood for injury while raising cortisol levels.

Sleep

Obtaining proper sleep is paramount for the health of every aspect of one’s life.  Cortisol levels fluctuate throughout the day depending on one’s sleep schedule.  When one has a quality seven to 10 hours of sleep each night, the body will be in a position to appropriately regulate its hormones, including cortisol.  By pursuing sleep, muscle synthesis will be quickened, leading to shorter recovery periods and a lesser likelihood of overtraining. 

Time with Loved Ones

Spending time with others–especially friends and family–reduce one’s overall stress levels.  Mankind thrives on human connection, and the results are physiological.  Less anxiety, less stress and more calm will accompany positive time with others.  Go out and see some friends–it will indirectly help muscle synthesis!

Close-up of hands gripping barbell during weightlifting exercise.

How Oh!mino Manages Cortisol

A balanced and healthy lifestyle will manage cortisol levels excellently.  The assistance of an all-natural supplement will only further the benefits derived from proper living.  The slate of all nine Essential Amino Acids in our Muscle Synthesis Activator directly and indirectly supports cortisol levels.  The herbal adaptogens in our patented blend have been studied for their effects on brain health.  With our MSA improving one’s recovery and improving one’s muscle building capacity, performance will be supported.

Impact of Essential Amino Acids

EAAs are the building blocks of muscle; the protein that muscle consists of is made from EAAs.  When one trains, cortisol will increase and threaten to break down muscle.  EAA supplementation will hinder this process and keep muscle synthesis activated.  Post-exercise cortisol elevation can also occur, with EAAs indirectly reducing these levels. 

Impact of Adaptogens

The adaptogens included in many of our products (astragalus, ginseng and Chestnut Rose) have been studied for their effects on mood and cognition.  Astragalus has been observed reducing elevated cortisol levels when under long-term stress.  Tienchi Ginseng has been seen to reduce stress-related cortisol spikes.  Rosa roxburghii was studied for its reduction of cortisol from stress and exercise, due its antioxidant support and vitamin C content.

Impact on Performance

With stress reduced and overall cognition improved, workouts will be more enjoyable.  Adherence to one’s training regimen will result from a perceived reduction in effort.  The nine EAAs present in our Muscle Synthesis Activator will keep muscle from unnecessary, cortisol-induced breakdown.  Muscle recovery will then be shorter, due to the EAAs supplying the lean tissue with what it needs during each workout.

Results of Oh!mino with a Balanced Lifestyle

Taking our products on their own will not automatically create a healthy life–one must put in hard, daily work.  This hard work will then be supported and sustained by our all-in-one MSA.  Weight will be managed more effectively and muscle recovery will be improved.  Alongside these tangible benefits, one’s overall wellbeing will be supported.

Managed Weight

One will only be able to effectively manage weight with a proper diet and adequate exercise.  Once these two factors are achieved, our Muscle Synthesis Activator will quicken recovery and support the body’s use of proper metabolic processes.  The adaptogens present in our products can improve insulin sensitivity (astragalus), enhanced metabolic function (ginseng) and improved fat oxidation during exercise (Rosa roxburghii).  Additionally, our Patented Fat Burning Complex--as found in our Fat Burner--will stimulate more calories spent at rest.  This stack (alongside a dedicated lifestyle) will help one to achieve real goals. 

Improved Recovery

All nine Essential Amino Acids found in our all-natural MSA will support recovery of worn and tired muscles.  The adaptogens in our blends support the nutrient uptake of the EAAs, as well as other key nutrients ingested from diet.  With enhanced bodily uptake, the nutrients needed to support muscle growth will be properly utilized. 

Overall Wellbeing

A balanced diet and intentional workout plan will increase one’s overall wellbeing.  Our supplements aid in this process, by supporting the body and mind that works hard each day.  From anti-inflammatory support to nutrient uptake and cortisol reduction, the adaptogens in our blends are vital for supportive health. 

Enhance Your Gains with Oh!mino® Muscle Synthesis Activator & Creatine Complex

Take your muscle-building journey to the next level with Oh!mino®’s next-generation supplements, specifically engineered to maximize strength, endurance, and recovery.

Oh!mino® Muscle Synthesis Activator

Our patented formula delivers all nine essential amino acids, including the crucial BCAAs, in an optimal ratio to fuel muscle growth while minimizing soreness. Designed for pre-, intra-, and post-workout use, it stimulates muscle protein synthesis up to 11x more than whey protein and 20x more than standalone BCAAs, helping you recover faster, reduce stiffness, and train harder. 

Enhanced with adaptogens and fully balanced electrolytes, it supports endurance, hydration, and overall performance. Non-dairy, vegan, and free from sugar, carbs, calories, and artificial additives, it’s a clean, science-backed supplement trusted by athletes.

Oh!mino® Muscle Synthesis Activator supplement container.

Oh!mino® Creatine Complex

Our patented Creatine Complex combines clinically studied forms, micronized Creatine Hydrochloride and Creatine Monohydrate, with adaptogens to boost absorption by over 300%. Each scoop delivers 3 grams of free-form creatine to support muscle growth, enhance recovery, and improve training endurance. 

Delicious lemon-lime flavor makes it easy to stack with our Muscle Synthesis Activator or use on its own for maximum results. Designed for pre- and post-workout consumption, it complements your training regimen while keeping your supplement routine clean, vegan, and free from unnecessary additives.

Together, Oh!mino® Muscle Synthesis Activator and Creatine Complex provide a comprehensive, science-backed approach to building lean muscle, accelerating recovery, and enhancing performance, all with a clean-label formulation that supports serious gains without compromise.

Creatine remains one of the most researched supplements for muscle volume and strength.

Start Your Transformation with Oh!mino® Today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do adaptogens completely suppress cortisol?

No they does not.  The body needs cortisol for regular functioning; adaptogens merely balance cortisol and can help suppress stress-induced spikes.

How long does it take to notice effects from adaptogens?

Many athletes taking our products begin to notice results in seven to 10 days.  As one takes our supplements consistently, the body will have more EAA and adaptogen availability, leading to increased support and recovery.

Can adaptogens interfere with natural training adaptations?

With our standard dosages of adaptogens, training will not suffer.  Our balanced ratio of adaptogens will support training and will not interfere with hypertrophy.

Who should use caution with consuming adaptogens?

If one has a chronic medical condition and/or is taking prescription medication, consult first with a doctor.  For most healthy adults, adaptogen consumption will only benefit their health and longevity.

Are EAAs necessary alongside dietary protein intake?

Essential Amino Acids are not meant to replace dietary protein.  However, not all protein consumed with food will be transported straight to muscle–some protein will be stored elsewhere.  EAAs bypass digestion and head straight to one’s lean tissue, fully benefitting muscle synthesis.  EAAs, alongside of a balanced diet, will support quicker recoveries and more muscular endurance.