What Is Ashwagandha? Benefits, Traditional Uses & How to Enjoy It as Tea

What Is Ashwagandha? Benefits, Traditional Uses & How to Enjoy It as Tea

Erin O’DonnellAugust 04, 2026

Ashwagandha has become one of the most talked-about herbs in the wellness world. Used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine, it’s best known for supporting relaxation and helping the body adapt to everyday stress.

At Storehouse Tea, we source our organic ashwagandha root directly from India, where it has been cultivated and traditionally used for centuries.

What Is Ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an evergreen shrub native to India, the Middle East, and parts of Africa. While the plant produces small berries, it’s the root that has been most valued in Ayurvedic medicine for more than 3,000 years.

Today, ashwagandha is one of the world’s most popular adaptogenic herbs and is enjoyed in teas, tinctures, capsules, and powders.

What Is an Adaptogen?

Ashwagandha is commonly classified as an adaptogen - a group of herbs traditionally used to help the body adapt to everyday stress and support overall balance.

Although adaptogens have been used for centuries, they’re becoming increasingly popular as more people look for natural ways to support their overall well-being.

Traditional Ashwagandha Benefits

For generations, Ayurvedic practitioners have used ashwagandha to support overall wellness and vitality. Traditionally, ashwagandha has been used to:

  • Promote relaxation and a sense of calm
  • Help the body adapt to everyday stress
  • Support restful sleep
  • Support overall vitality and well-being

While modern research continues to explore these traditional uses, ashwagandha remains one of the most widely studied herbs in herbal wellness.

What Does Ashwagandha Taste Like?

On its own, ashwagandha has an earthy, slightly bitter flavor. While some people enjoy it on its own, we think it’s even better when paired with complementary herbs and spices that create a more balanced, enjoyable cup.

That’s exactly what inspired our Just Relax blend.

Why We Created Just Relax

When we created our Just Relax blend, we wanted to build a tea around ashwagandha that people would genuinely look forward to drinking.

We start with organic ashwagandha root sourced from India and pair it with organic tulsi - another herb traditionally used to support stress resilience. Then we add peppermint for a refreshing lift, cinnamon and cardamom for comforting warmth, and rose petals for a delicate floral finish.

As the hot water hits the herbs and spices, the aroma of cinnamon, cardamom, peppermint, and rose is incredible. A small spoonful of honey pairs beautifully with the warm spices. 

We recommend using 1 tablespoon of Just Relax per 8 ounces of boiling water and steeping for several minutes.

The result is a naturally caffeine-free herbal tea that’s both comforting and flavorful - perfect for slowing down and unwinding at the end of a busy day.

Our Favorite Way to Brew It

For a comforting Moon Milk (evening latte), gently simmer Just Relax tea directly in your favorite milk, strain, and sweeten to taste.

Simmering the herbs in milk creates a rich, velvety drink that’s perfect for cozy evenings. It’s a simple twist on a traditional cup of tea and one of our favorite ways to enjoy the warming spices in the blend.

Whether you’re already familiar with ashwagandha or discovering it for the first time, Just Relax is a delicious way to experience one of Ayurveda’s most treasured herbs.