If you're familiar with adaptogens, you may recognize ginseng and ashwagandha as two of the most common herbs in this category. If you're not aware of how they work, you might find it interesting that they are often used to support various aspects of daily life, such as mental focus, energy, sleep, and physical performance. Adaptogens are thought to help the body manage mental and physical stress. Compounds in ashwagandha, known as withanolides, are believed to interact with cortisol, a hormone associated with stress. This interaction is thought to assist the body in handling everyday stressors.