The ashwagandha plant is commonly known as “Indian Winter cherry” or “Indian Ginseng” and is scientifically known as Withania Somnifera (in Latin, meaning “sleep-inducer). Ashwagandha is a small shrub with yellow flowers that grows in India, Africa, and Southeast Asia. It has been an essential Ayurveda medicine for over 3,000 years. It’s classified as an adaptogen (helps the body adapt to stress), as the plant’s leaves and roots are believed to relieve stress, anxiety, and other conditions.
the Benefits of Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha has been extensively studied for its various health benefits, including its ability to reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, enhance cognitive function, improve sleep, boost energy levels, and support overall well-being. It is believed to work by regulating cortisol levels, the primary stress hormone, promoting calmness and relaxation.
Moreover, Ashwagandha possesses antioxidant properties that help combat oxidative stress and inflammation, contributing to its health-promoting effects.
Fun Facts about Ashwagandha
Consumer demand for Ashwagandha increased by 1,100 percent from 2018 to 2021, making it one of the most popular supplements in the United States.
Ashwagandha supposedly smells like horses—in Sanskrit, ashwa means ‘horse,’ and gandha means ‘smell.’
While various parts of the plant are used, including the leaves, seeds, and fruit, the ashwagandha root is most commonly used.
Ashwagandha comes in many forms, including powder, gummy, capsules, tablets, tinctures, and teas.
Ashwagandha root extract is considered to possess better bioavailability than powder form.
Clinical Trials
In 2019, a study showed that adults who took Ashwagandha for eight weeks experienced a significant decrease in perceived stress levels and a substantial drop in blood cortisol, a hormone produced when stressed, compared to the placebo group.
In 2021, a study showed that 500 adults who took the herb for 6-8 weeks saw a reduction in anxiety, stress, and cortisol. They also reported less fatigue and better sleep.
In 2021, a clinical study showed a significant improvement in sleep quality and managing insomnia despite a person’s health condition or age.
Some studies have also been found to have pharmacological effects on Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s disease.
Should You Take Ashwagandha?
Keep in mind that Ashwagandha is not for everyone. While the side effects are minimal, some common ones include upset stomach, loose stools, nausea, drowsiness, and irritability. If you are taking medications, pregnant, or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before taking Ashwagandha.
However, if correct for you, it will enhance the body’s ability to manage stress better, calm the mind, and improve sleep, cognitive function, and libido. It is recommended to start with 250-500 mg daily for at least one month and work up from there if needed. It is also recommended to take with food and to cycle off of Ashwagandha after three months of use.
The most important thing to remember is that Ashwagandha is a supplement rather than a pharmaceutical medicine. The FDA doesn’t regulate supplements for purity and potency. It’s essential to ensure the product has undergone extensive safety assessments and has studies to prove effectiveness, so I buy all of my supplements from FullScript. All supplements sold on FullScript are reputable, quality brands and third-party tested; plus, you will receive 20% off and free shipping on orders over $50. Here is the one I recommend. Click HERE