If you know what an adaptogen is, you may know that ginseng and ashwagandha are two of the most common adaptogenic herbs. If you re not aware of how they work, you may be interested to know they may help support many aspects of health that affect us every day such as mental focus, energy, sleep, and physical performance. Adaptogens may help the body adapt to mental and physical stress. Specific compounds in ashwagandha called withanolides may support normal, healthy levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which often causes insomnia, fatigue, lack of mental focus and reduced physical strength and performance. Ashwagandha s effects on cortisol may help the body to adapt to many of the stresses we experience every day.