Though historically little-known in the West, ashwagandha has now become very popular. This master plant from Ayurvedic medicine offers three exceptional benefits for physical and mental health. Discover them now!
Ashwagandha (also known as Withania somnifera) is a shrub from the Solanaceae family, bearing white flowers and red berries. Native to India, it is one of the most important plants in Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of medicine. This medicinal super-plant has probably been used there for more than 3000 years.
In India, it is categorised as a rasayana herb, ie, a compound that ‘regenerates and rejuvenates’. The term ‘ashwagandha’ actually translates in Sanskrit as ‘has the smell of a horse’, which may come from the plant’s distinctive scent and its ability, according to tradition, to impart strength to horses. Interestingly, in Yemen, ashwagandha is called ‘waraq as-sifa’, which means ‘healing leaf’.
Ashwagandha’s medicinal properties come from its exceptional content of active ingredients. Indeed, the plant contains:
More specifically, it is the plant’s roots that contain all these powerful compounds. For use as a phytotherapeutic agent, the root is dried and ground into a powder for formulating into supplements. Let’s look now at ashwagandha’s 3 main potential benefits.
Ashwagandha appears to be effective at supporting emotional balance and general well-being(1).
Taking ashwagandha looks to be particularly helpful during periods of nervous tension and anxiety(2). Clinical trials have generally found significant reductions in anxiety in subjects given Withania somnifera when compared with controls (3).
Whatever the situation, this unique plant seems to help promote optimal relaxation and physical and mental well-being(4-6). Which of course also helps you to fall asleep more easily! (7)
In addition, a number of studies have looked at ashwagandha’s effects on cardiac tissue and capacity for cardiorespiratory endurance (8-9).
It is highly probable that the plant has a beneficial effect on the heart and cardiovascular system(10).
Ashwagandha is most often mentioned as one of the herbs known as ‘adaptogens’. These plants are recognized as being able to help the body adapt to all forms of stress (biological, physical psychological ...) Traditional Chinese medicine categorises such plants as ‘superior tonics’.
Several studies indicate that ashwagandha has these adaptogen properties (11-13). One, for example, notes that “the classic Ayurvedic texts, as well as animal and human studies, describe ashwagandha as a safe and effective adaptogen”. It adds that ashwagandha extract “improves, with total safety and efficacy, an individual’s resistance to stress, and thus improves self-assessed quality of life” (14).
How can you obtain optimal benefit from ashwagandha’s many properties? In general, the recommended daily dose is 600mg of ashwagandha standardized to 5% withanolides (which equates to 30mg of withanolides a day). A few additional tips:
We’d suggest choosing a supplement in capsule form, for greater convenience and efficacy. The supplement Super Ashwagandha offers an optimal level of active ingredients and has no withaferin A (a substance recognized as cytotoxic). It was also judged ‘Ingredient of the Year’ at The NutraIngredients Asia Awards in 2018.
Ashwagandha is also available in combination with other adaptogenic plants in the supplement Adaptix. You may also be interested in the excellent Adaptogenic Potion, directly inspired by Ayurvedic tradition, which contains ashwagandha, holy basil, astragalus, medicinal mushrooms ...
References
drv.motscles
You must be connected to your account to leave a comment
Be the first to review this article
423 Days
I always get my order in a timely manner.
CLARK Jodi
426 Days
The order was exactly what I purchased and came in quickly. My package was completely opened on one end and taped with packing tape, but it was all there with safety seals around the neck still. I hope the bottles still contain what I ordered.
REAGAN
428 Days
great description of products & their uses.
Barb M.
429 Days
You have a good product, Berberine, that works, at least it does for me. Price is reasonable and shipping is ok!
FRAKES James
429 Days
Excellent experience and quality products!
Robert Maddox
431 Days
Fast service, great price, excellent products
Vicki Bryant
432 Days
This purchase was in responce to my inquiry of a different supplement. Great staff.
Larry
434 Days
High end products. Fast and easy delivery. Trustworthy company. Great!
BUISSON Laurence
436 Days
Order always right and in a timely manner
Derek Osburn
437 Days
Got fast delivery.
Stephanie Kyle
439 Days
Arrived as promised
MITCHELL Rachel
439 Days
Excellent produt line and service! Very satisfied!
Bropain
442 Days
Had a meniscus tear a couple months ago, think this helped it heal faster
NYBERG Leah
443 Days
Educational. I am learning of new supplements for old problems.
Larry
447 Days
Easy and reasonable price
Cindy Vogel