cover image of nature chill pill article — *Cover image: Nature’s Chill Pills*

It feels like everywhere you look, there is no chill, and you're not alone. According to The World Health Organization (WHO), 1 in 4 people will deal with a mental health condition at some point in their life, placing mental disorders among the leading causes of ill-health and disability worldwide (1). And in Indonesia? According to the Indonesian Ministry of Health (Kemenkes), nearly 1 in 10 Indonesians reported experiencing emotional and mental disorders in 2018, up from 6% in 2013 (2). Yikes.

With this growing awareness and concerns for mental health, people are starting to look for solutions. Aside from therapy and medications, Indonesian's appreciation of Jamu and natural alternative is an exciting space to tap into. Enter, adaptogens.

Adaptogens - Nature's Chill Pills

Have you ever had someone say to you, "dude, take a chill pill!"? Now you can literally do that.

Adaptogens are nature’s way of helping you deal with stress. These special herbs and roots have been used for centuries in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine, and now, modern science is catching up. They work by supporting your body’s ability to adapt (hence the name) to stress, keeping you balanced instead of overwhelmed.

In simpler terms? Adaptogens help your body stay cool under pressure, whether it’s mental, emotional, or physical stress. Here is a chart to better visualize how your body reacts to stress with vs without adaptogens:

a chart to show body stress with vs without adaptogens — *A chart showing our body stress response with vs without adaptogens*

The Hottest Adaptogens Right Now

💆‍♀️ Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) – The ultimate stress-buster! Studies show that it helps lower cortisol (your body’s stress hormone) and improves sleep quality. A 2021 study even found that taking 600mg of ashwagandha daily reduced stress levels by 44%. (3)
⚡ Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea) – Need an energy boost? Rhodiola is known for reducing fatigue and increasing mental clarity. Perfect for when your to-do list is longer than your patience.
🧠 Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis) – A powerful berry that supports endurance, brain function, and liver health. Basically, it keeps you sharp while helping your body detox.
🌿 Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) aka Holy Basil – A beloved herb in Ayurveda, Tulsi helps calm the mind while supporting immune function. Stress-free and sniffle-free? Yes, please.

Wait... Where is the But?

Like any supplement, adaptogens aren’t a one-size-fits-all fix. While generally safe, some people might experience digestive issues, drowsiness, or even interactions with certain medications. And while research is promising, scientists are still figuring out the best doses and long-term effects. Taking natural supplements during pregnancy also comes with a warning, since most research doesn't include pregnant women in the studies (so sorry to stressed-out expecting mothers, hang in there).

The bottom line? Adaptogens are amazing, but they’re not a replacement for professional medical care. Always check with a healthcare provider before consumption.

Why This Matters for Indonesia

Here’s where things get exciting—Indonesia is home to some of the richest biodiversity on the planet. That means we have the potential to cultivate and develop our own adaptogenic ingredients, creating world-class wellness products rooted in local resources.

Some local players are already tapping into this market with herbal drinks, supplements, and wellness teas featuring adaptogens, but there’s still a ton of room for innovation.

Imagine this:

Adaptogenic-infused snacks and RTD beverages - Mood booster squared = happy tummy + happy mind
Adaptogenic-infused skincare - A literal relaxing skin care routine to end the day and get a better sleep
Liquid courage for big moments - Just like you reach for tolak angin at the sign of "masuk angin", you can reach for adaptogen sachets for overwhelming moments (read: a chill pill)

Imagine launching a game-changing adaptogen-infused product that fits seamlessly into the Indonesian lifestyle. The potential is huge, and the time to innovate is now!

Let’s Talk Adaptogens for Your Next Product!

At DBKemindo, we’re all about bridging global innovation with local potential. If you’re curious about how to source or develop adaptogen-infused products, let’s chat! Whether it’s R&D, formulation, or ingredient supply, we’re here to help bring next-gen wellness solutions to life.

Drop us a message, and let’s create something amazing together!

Reference:

(1) www.who.int

(2) clinical-practice-and-epidemiology-in-mental-health.com

(3) ods.od.nih.gov