Five years ago, I stumbled across something unexpected, not in a wellness retreat or a doctor’s office, but in the fine print of a hair supplement label.  As menopause set in, I found myself in disbelief at how quickly my body was changing, including the unexpected thinning of my hair. I tried everything: natural remedies, not-so-natural remedies, and expensive serums. Nothing helped.

But one ingredient kept showing up: ashwagandha.

At first, I didn’t pay much attention. It was just another exotic-sounding herb in a long list of ingredients I wasn’t even sure how to pronounce.  But after taking the hair supplement for a week or two, I felt different. Not with my hair, but in my stomach. The butterflies, that anxious flutter from the fight-or-flight response, had been quiet for days. I used to feel them almost every day.  And despite dealing with some stressful situations, I felt noticeably calmer. More grounded. And no butterflies. 

So I did what I always do, I looked it up. I learned that ashwagandha isn’t just a trendy wellness buzzword,  it’s a powerful adaptogen, a class of herbs that help the body respond to stress in a more balanced way. And it’s been used in Ayurvedic medicine for over 3,000 years to support vitality, resilience, and emotional steadiness.

What Are Adaptogens?

Adaptogens are nature’s silent supporters. They help regulate the body’s stress response by supporting the adrenal system and balancing cortisol levels, the hormone responsible for fight-or-flight reactions. Unlike stimulants or sedatives, adaptogens don’t force your body into a state. They gently guide it back to calm.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), often called “Indian ginseng” or “winter cherry,” is one of the most studied adaptogens. It’s known to:

• Reduce anxiety and improve mood
• Lower cortisol levels and support adrenal health
• Enhance sleep quality and reduce fatigue
• Support thyroid function and hormonal balance
• Improve cognitive function and focus
• Reduce inflammation and oxidative stress

My Daily Rituals with Ashwagandha

After realizing how much calmer I felt, I stopped taking the hair supplements (they didn’t work for me) and started adding ashwagandha powder to my morning smoothie. I use this ashwagandha powder by Microingredients, but any organic ashwagandha powder blends easily and brings the same support. 

I also discovered a brand whose supplements include ashwagandha. Paradise Earth’s Blend formulas, like their multivitamin and b-complex, feature this plant-based support system, combining ashwagandha with other adaptogens to help the body respond to stress more gently. I use a few of their supplements regularly and feel noticeably calmer and more balanced.

Why It Matters

You’ve probably heard it a thousand times: You can’t always control what happens to you, but you can control how you respond. Ashwagandha helps make that possible, not by numbing you, but by supporting your body’s natural ability to stay calm, clear, and resilient.

t’s not a miracle cure. It’s not a quick fix. But for me, it’s been a quiet companion in my journey toward peaceful living. As always, listen to your body, consult your healthcare provider, and choose what feels aligned with your needs and values.

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