Opinion: Joe Jackson
Joe Jackson, nutritionist and founder of Surrey-based store Apothecary 27, discusses the merits of adaptogens — and ashwagandha specifically — for bringing the body back into balance.
I don’t know about you, but sometimes it feels like the pace of life has quietly cranked itself up to full throttle while we’ve all been too polite (or too tired) to say anything. More and more, we see people coming into the shop not necessarily feeling unwell, but just a bit ‘off’. Worn around the edges. Saying things like: “I haven’t been sleeping that well,” or “I just can’t be bothered lately.” One day they’re firing on all cylinders, the next they’re not moving from the sofa, not even sure why they feel so flat. Wired, but weirdly exhausted. It’s a state I know well myself sometimes. And that’s exactly where adaptogens come in.
If you’ve ever had a chat with me or the team at the counter in Apothecary 27, you’ll know we talk about adaptogens a lot. Whenever someone asks what they actually are, I find myself repeating my go-to line: “They’re all-natural, functional herbs that help bring your body back into balance.”
Adaptogens help support your adrenal system and encourage your body to respond to stress in a more balanced way. They don’t sedate you or give you a big hit – they just gently guide your nervous system back to where it should be.
And when it comes to adaptogens, ashwagandha is the one I always come back to. We used it in our own Ashwagandha & Lemon Balm blend for a reason. It’s the one I take myself, and it’s the one we get the most consistently positive feedback on. What I love is that people don’t always notice a dramatic change straight away – it kind of sneaks up on you. A few weeks in, they suddenly realize: “Oh, I’ve actually felt more level-headed this month.”
Ashwagandha works by supporting the adrenal glands and regulating cortisol – your main stress hormone. With consistent use, it helps build better stress resilience, supports mood stability and reduces those internal freak-out moments (like when it’s been suspiciously quiet in the shop for a few days and you start questioning everything – I know my fellow business owners can relate!).
“Wellbeing isn’t about always feeling amazing; it’s about feeling steady.”
When we formulated our Ashwagandha + Lemon Balm capsules, we paired our organic Indian ashwagandha with something a little closer to home – organic lemon balm. It’s one of those herbs that so many of our customers already know and love. I’ve had plenty of conversations where people light up when I mention it, saying they grow it in their own gardens. Lemon balm is gentle, fast-acting and great for calming a busy mind. Many people brew it as an evening tea, but it’s even more potent in a capsule.
Together, they’re a bit of a dream team. Lemon balm offers that immediate sense of calm, while ashwagandha quietly supports you over the long haul. A lot of our customers say they like knowing that something is working in the background, helping them stay centred.
Personally, I take it once or twice a day – especially during those simmering low-level stress phases. Not big, dramatic life events, just that constant feeling of being ten minutes behind yourself. Or the classic customer line: “I have time for everyone else but not for myself.” That’s usually when I gently recommend they give ashwagandha a go.
It makes me genuinely happy to see more people getting curious about these herbs. We’re moving away from quick-fix-thinking and beginning to understand that wellbeing isn’t about always feeling amazing; it’s about feeling steady. Grounded. Like yourself, but more in control.
So no, I don’t think adaptogens are just another wellness trend. I think they’re essentials for modern life. And as someone who uses them daily and sees their impact in my community, I can say with confidence: ashwagandha has earned its permanent place on our shelves, and in my own routine.
If you’ve been feeling stretched thin lately (and honestly, who hasn’t?), this might just be the gentle support you need to bring you back to centre. It certainly has for me and for so many of our customers here at Apothecary 27.
Joe Jackson, Apothecary 27