Unlocking Nature's Secrets: The Root of Resilience - Exploring Ashwagandha Tea

When it comes to adaptogens, few herbs are as widely celebrated—or as deeply rooted in tradition—as Ashwagandha. Known as the “strength of the stallion,” this earthy, calming root has been used for thousands of years to help people adapt to stress, restore energy, and support overall vitality. In this edition of Unlocking Nature’s Secrets, we’re diving into the world of Ashwagandha—where it comes from, what makes it so special, and how you can sip it into your routine.

About Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a small shrub native to India, the Middle East, and parts of Africa. For over 3,000 years, it’s been a cornerstone of Ayurvedic medicine, traditionally used to enhance strength, stamina, and stress resilience. Its name literally translates to “smell of the horse,” referring both to its pungent aroma and its reputed ability to impart vitality.

Aroma

Ashwagandha has a distinct earthy, musky aroma, sometimes compared to the scent of dry hay or freshly dug roots. When steeped in tea, it becomes milder and slightly nutty, grounding the blend with a warm, calming base.

Flavor Profile

Flavor-wise, ashwagandha is bitter, slightly woody, and mildly astringent. It’s not a flavor-forward herb, but it plays well with warming spices, sweet roots like licorice, floral notes, or rich adaptogens like reishi or tulsi.

Benefits of Ashwagandha Tea

Ashwagandha is one of the most well-researched adaptogenic herbs in herbalism, meaning it helps your body better adapt to stress and restore balance—whether physical, mental, or emotional. Here's a closer look at what it does and how it works:

1. Reduces Stress & Balances Cortisol

Ashwagandha helps reduce levels of cortisol, the hormone released during stress. Chronically elevated cortisol can lead to fatigue, anxiety, poor sleep, and even weight gain. Compounds in ashwagandha called withanolides modulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis—your body’s central stress-response system. This helps calm overactive stress signaling and brings the body back into balance.

2. Supports Better Sleep

Because it downregulates cortisol and enhances GABAergic activity (your brain’s natural calming neurotransmitter), ashwagandha promotes relaxation and restorative sleep. It doesn’t knock you out—it simply supports a calm nervous system, helping you fall asleep easier and stay asleep longer.

3. Boosts Energy & Endurance

Unlike caffeine or stimulants, ashwagandha provides non-jittery energy by improving the function of mitochondria (your cellular powerhouses). Studies show it enhances VO2 max (a measure of aerobic capacity), improves muscle strength, and reduces post-exercise fatigue—making it a great option for anyone needing sustainable energy throughout the day.

4. Enhances Focus, Memory, & Cognitive Function

Ashwagandha contains antioxidants that reduce oxidative stress in the brain, which helps protect neurons from damage. It may also support acetylcholine signaling, a neurotransmitter associated with memory and learning. The result? Improved mental clarity, attention span, and working memory, especially under stress.

5. Regulates Hormones & Supports Mood

Ashwagandha’s adaptogenic nature extends to the thyroid and reproductive systems, making it beneficial for hormonal balance in both men and women. It may help regulate thyroid hormones, improve fertility markers, and enhance libido. Its calming effects also support a more balanced emotional state, reducing feelings of overwhelm or irritability.

6. Strengthens the Immune System

Chronic stress suppresses immunity. By modulating stress and reducing inflammation, ashwagandha indirectly supports immune resilience. It may also increase white blood cell count and enhance your body's natural defense mechanisms.

History & Fun Facts

• Ashwagandha has been used for over 3,000 years in Ayurveda.

• It’s sometimes called “Indian Ginseng,” though it's unrelated to ginseng—it earns the nickname for its revitalizing properties.

• In ancient texts, it was given to warriors, scholars, and yogis to increase resilience of body and mind.

Spotlight Blend: Root to Rise

A grounding yet energizing tea designed for clarity, calm, and inner resilience.

Ingredients:

• Ashwagandha – Adaptogen for stress and energy support.

• Reishi Mushroom – Calming and deeply restorative; supports the nervous system.

• Tulsi Basil – Balances stress and supports mental clarity.

• Licorice Root – Naturally sweet, soothes digestion and supports adrenal health.

• Cinnamon – Warming, energizing, and circulatory stimulant.

• Lavender – Floral note that promotes calm and emotional balance.

Flavor Profile of the Blend

Root to Rise is earthy, slightly sweet, and gently spiced. The ashwagandha and reishi provide a grounding base, while licorice and cinnamon add warmth and sweetness. Lavender and tulsi lift the blend with floral and herbal brightness.

Why These Ingredients Work Together

• Ashwagandha + Reishi create a deeply calming adaptogenic duo that supports long-term energy and nervous system repair.

• Tulsi + Lavender enhance mental clarity and emotional stability, helping offset tension.

• Licorice Root acts as a harmonizer and adrenal ally.

• Cinnamon improves circulation, digestion, and pairs beautifully with ashwagandha’s deeper notes.

Together, these ingredients form a tea that encourages steady energy, less stress, and more presence.

Ingredient Substitution Ideas

Want to personalize it? Try these swaps:

• For sleep: Replace cinnamon with valerian root or passionflower.

• For daytime focus: Sub in ginkgo or gotu kola for lavender.

• For a digestive twist: Add orange peel or fennel.

Try It or Create Your Own

Feeling inspired? You can:

• Copy this exact blend in our Create Your Own Tea section.

• Swap and mix ingredients based on your personal needs—more energy, better sleep, or enhanced focus.

• Try one of our own ashwagandha blends like the Get To It Tea for a high caffeine focus, or the Activi-Tea for a caffeine free more physically energizing feel.

Ashwagandha is incredibly versatile—make it yours.

Warnings & Interactions

Ashwagandha is generally safe for most people, but:

• Avoid during pregnancy unless advised by a qualified professional.

• Consult a doctor if you’re on thyroid medications or sedatives.

• May cause mild digestive upset in high doses.

Always check with a healthcare provider if you have health conditions or are taking medications.

Q&A

Q: Can I drink ashwagandha tea daily?

A: Yes! Many people enjoy it daily for long-term adaptogenic support. Just listen to your body and adjust as needed.

Q: Does ashwagandha make you sleepy?

A: It doesn’t sedate like valerian, but it can promote calm and better sleep over time by reducing stress and regulating cortisol.

Q: What does it taste like?

A: Earthy, a bit bitter, and grounding. It blends beautifully with warming or sweet herbs.

Recap

Ashwagandha is a powerful adaptogen with ancient roots and modern relevance. It helps you handle stress, stay focused, and feel more balanced—body and mind. When paired with supportive herbs like tulsi and reishi, it becomes the star of a deeply nourishing tea like Root to Rise.

Whether you’re navigating a busy day, a stressful season, or just want a moment of grounded energy, ashwagandha has your back. We’re excited to offer it in our catalog and even more excited to see how you decide to use it.

Try our Root to Rise blend or build your own version—your resilience ritual starts here.

Your fungi friend,

Octavio

MushroomTop Tea - Tea to help you feel like your top self