Biohacking is a growing movement centered on taking control of your biology to optimize health, performance, and longevity. In essence, biohackers experiment with diet, environment, lifestyle, supplements, and sometimes technology—with the aim of improving mood, energy, immunity, and lifespan.
The word “biohacker” refers to someone who uses science, data, experimentation, and often unconventional methods to make their body and mind function better. These methods can include tracking biomarkers, changing diets, exercising differently, using nootropics, adopting fasting protocols, using cold exposure or infrared light, etc.
Natural Remedies & Adaptogens in Biohacking
One of the tools in many biohackers’ toolkits is natural remedies—herbs, plant extracts, lifestyle practices rooted in traditional medicine—and adaptogens.
What Are Adaptogens?
Adaptogens are plants or herbs that are believed to help the body adapt to stressors, whether those are physical, chemical, or biological. They are often used for:
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Energy and stamina
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Stress relief and mood
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Hormonal balance
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Immune function
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Recovery after workouts or illness
Some common adaptogens include ashwagandha, Rhodiola rosea, holy basil (Tulsi), ginseng, as well as various medicinal mushrooms like reishi or cordyceps.
How Biohackers Use Natural Remedies & Adaptogens
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Reducing cortisol & stress: adaptogens help dampen excess stress responses, improve resilience. For example, ashwagandha is used to reduce perceived stress. wecmelive.com+1
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Enhancing immunity: herbs are used to support immune system function, reduce inflammation, aid recovery. wecmelive.com
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Brain health & focus: nootropics + adaptogens to improve mental clarity, reduce brain fog. E.g. Rhodiola, ginseng, or blends with mushrooms. London Supplements+1
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Lifestyle integration: Biohackers often pair adaptogens with other health hacks—good sleep hygiene, intermittent fasting, cold or heat exposure, breath work—to get holistic benefits.
Considerations & Safety
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Dosage and quality matter: herbal supplements are not always well regulated.
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Individual variation: what works for one person may not for another.
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Long-term effects: many adaptogens have promising short-term data, less is known about very long term use.
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Interactions: adaptogens and herbs can interact with medications. Always best to consult a healthcare provider.
Profiles of Key Biohackers
Here are a few people often cited in the biohacking / longevity space—people who use or promote natural remedies, adaptogens or lifestyle biohacking (plus tech, data, etc.):
| Biohacker | What They’re Known For | Natural / Adaptogen / Lifestyle Hacks They Use |
|---|---|---|
| Dave Asprey | Often considered one of the founders of the modern biohacking movement; creator of Bulletproof Coffee; author; longevity entrepreneur. Wikipedia+3Merriam-Webster+3Men's Health+3 | He integrates whole foods, healthy fats, avoidance of toxins, careful sleep hygiene, stress management, and uses various supplements. He also advocates natural remedies and herbs in his diet and promotes lifestyle interventions (fasting, light exposure, etc.). Men's Health+2Dave Asprey+2 |
| Tim Ferriss | Entrepreneur, author, podcast host (The 4-Hour series), well known for experimenting with diet, supplements, performance hacks. | Uses supplement stacking, recovery protocols, natural and plant based remedies; also emphasizes sleep, meditation, etc. (He experiments heavily and shares what works and what doesn’t). biohackerblueprint.com |
| Bryan Johnson | Tech entrepreneur who is deeply involved in anti-aging, healthspan, biomarkers, and making radical lifestyle changes to reverse or slow biological aging. The Times of India | While many of his hacks are high tech or medical (extensive diagnostics, experimental therapies), he also uses foundational practices: diet, environment control, good sleep, stress management. He shows how ‘high-end’ biohacking still relies on many of the same pillars that adaptogen users rely on. The Times of India |
Why It Matters: Health Optimization, Longevity & The “Why” Behind Biohacking
People are turning to biohacking because:
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They feel traditional health advice is generic and want personalized, data-driven approaches
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They want to increase energy, productivity, mental clarity
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They want to slow aging, increase healthspan (not just lifespan)
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They seek resilience to stress, illness, and environmental challenges
The use of adaptogens and natural remedies often overlaps with traditional medicine (e.g. Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine), giving biohackers access to thousands of years of herbal knowledge—just backed by more modern experimental protocols and tracking.
How to Start Biohacking (Using Natural Remedies & Adaptogens)
Here are practical first steps:
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Define your goals: Stress relief? Better sleep? More energy? Longevity?
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Track your baseline: Sleep quality, mood, bloodwork, stress levels.
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Choose a few natural remedies/adaptogens: Maybe ashwagandha for stress, rhodiola for fatigue, reishi for immunity. Start with one at a time to see effects.
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Support with lifestyle: Good sleep hygiene, clean diet, movement, regular relaxation.
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Measure & adjust: Use journals or apps to track improvements, side effects.
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Consult with professionals if using herbs or supplements, especially if you have health conditions or are on medications.