At A Glance
Scientific Name: Withania somnifera
Locale: India, North Africa, and Middle East
Uses: As a relaxant and calming aid in the evenings
Nicknames: Horse root, winter cherry, Indian Ginseng (but not really Ginseng)
Appearance: Comes from the root of a plant closely related to tomatoes. The plant itself produces bright orange berries resembling tomatoes, but all the medicine is in the root.
Active components: Withanolides, Withaferins, Sitoindosides Somniferine, Iron, and flavonoids
Complementary Pairings: Reish, Tulsi, Rhodiola, nut milk, honey, cinnamon and cardamom
Ashwagandha is a powerful herb that has been used for centuries in Ayurveda, an ancient Indian system of medicine. The root of the ashwagandha plant, which reportedly "smells like a sweaty horse," is known for its many health benefits, which is why it has grown in popularity over the years. Today, ashwagandha is used in modern medical treatments and is considered to be a valuable stress-supportive medicine and a remedy for overall system restoration. It is also used after illnesses to quicken recovery time.
Ashwagandha Benefits
Stress & Anxiety
Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb, which means that it helps the body to adapt to stress by supporting the adrenal glands. When our adrenal glands are functioning properly, they release hormones that help us to respond effectively to stress. However, when we are constantly under stress, our adrenal glands can become exhausted, which can lead to adrenal fatigue. Ashwagandha helps to support the adrenal glands and restore their function.
Ashwagandha is notably calming to the nervous system because it works by reducing levels of the "stress hormone" cortisol in the body. It does this by inhibiting the enzyme that converts adrenal hormones into cortisol. Low cortisol fosters a calm and balanced mood, while high cortisol can lead to anxiety. Cortisol should be high in the mornings to get you out of bed and then slowly taper off towards nighttime so you can fall asleep. Ashwagandha helps this regulatory process even during particularly stressful periods of life.
In addition, Ashwagandha helps to increase levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin, which are known to improve mood and promote feelings of well-being. This is one of the reasons that ashwagandha is such a valuable herb for treating stress and anxiety. It helps to calm the nervous system and restore balance, which in turn leads to improved moods and a greater sense of well-being.
Longevity
As a tonic for longevity, Ashwagandha has been used to restore health to nervous systems worn-out from long-term stress or old age. It nourishes and revitalizes many organs in the body, especially the liver and the thyroid. As a liver restoration remedy, it’s as potent as milk thistle. It has also been effective in treating nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in adults.
One way that Ashwagandha affects longevity is by reducing stress levels. As mentioned above, when we are stressed, our cortisol levels increase, which can lead to all sorts of health problems, including weight gain, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Ashwagandha is an effective stress reliever, helping to keep cortisol levels in check and preventing these health problems from developing.
Another way that Ashwagandha helps promote longevity is by fighting inflammation. Inflammation is a leading cause of disease and can lead to a number of chronic health conditions. Ashwagandha is an excellent anti-inflammatory agent, helping to reduce inflammation and prevent it from causing harm.
Lastly, to prolong the life of brain cells, it also has neuroprotective properties—protecting nerve cells against toxic damage. Modern research has shown that compounds in Ashwagandha can slow and even reverse damage to brain and other nerve cells.
Dosage
Ashwagandha is commonly purchased in powder, capsules, tincture, or dried root form. For the powder form, a daily dose of 200 to 500 milligrams is recommended. Depending on the individual, this can be gradually increased to around 1.2 grams per day.
Note that Ashwagandha is extremely bitter, so combining it with cooling foods or herbs may be beneficial (plant milk, ghee, etc). If it gives you an upset tummy on its own, then combine it with digestive support herbs like nutmeg, cardamom, or cinnamon. Always buy organic and prefer Ashwagandha sourced from India.
There are many ways to consume ashwagandha:
For stress relief, make a traditional decoction with milk, ghee, and honey before bed.
To assist with sleep prep, use nut milk (almond or coconut) instead of dairy and add syrup for a plant-based option.
For longevity goals, mix the root powder with cinnamon and cardamom and take it night or day.
And as a brain tonic, use the powder in a smoothie or tea in the morning
Recommendations
Some of my favorite health supplement products are readily available at your local food stores and even online:
This non-GMO formula is expertly formulated in a cGMP-registered facility in the United States. You can rest assured that this Ashwagandha product has been manufactured without any additives, so you feel confident taking it daily as directed.
Experience the confidence that comes with choosing a supplement that not only meets rigorous third-party testing but also upholds the principles of clarity and integrity in its formulation and production.
Share the Buzz Now!
Share the Herbal Tips with Your Friends!
Help your friends blossom learn about medicinal plants! Share Potion Keeper if you think they’ll find it useful! If they use your personalized link, we’ll enter you into our monthly prize raffles.
Here’s your personalized referral link that you can copy and paste easily on any social media channel or DM:
Until next time :)