Ashwagandha. Bit of a mouthful, and I have to spell it out when I type it (which is a lot), but this humble root has been doing the rounds for over 3,000 years in Ayurvedic medicine. 

Right now you are probably seeing a lot about it online because its having -and rightfully so- a serious moment on the wellness Ferris wheel

Don’t be fooled by its earthy, gnarly root appearance—Ashwagandha is all about bringing calm to the chaos. Ancient practitioners believed it boosted strength, stamina, and emotional resilience. Today, it’s being looked at as nature’s anti-stress remedy (and honestly, who isn’t looking for that?).

Science is starting to catch on. Early studies suggest Ashwagandha may help lower cortisol (aka the stress hormone) and improve sleep and mood. Some people even use it to help with anxiety symptoms, though again—we’re not doctors. Just humble herb lovers.

Want to nerd out a bit? Here are some studies if you're keen to know more about this ancient adaptogen.

Ashwagandha: Is it helpful for stress, anxiety, or sleep? National Institute of Health. Link

The benefits of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) supplements on brain function and sports performance. Link