Ashwagandha: A Powerful Adaptogen for Stress and Anxiety

By Mark Hecht | Last updated on April 3, 2023

Ashwagandha, scientifically known as Withania somnifera, is an ancient herb commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine for over 4,000 years, to promote overall health and well-being. This adaptogen herb is renowned for its potential to help the body cope with stress and improve cognitive function, mood, and energy levels. In this article, we will delve into the health benefits of ashwagandha, and discuss how to incorporate it into your daily routine for optimal results.

What is Ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha is a small shrub native to India, the Middle East, and parts of Africa. For centuries, its roots and leaves have been utilized in traditional medicine to treat a variety of conditions, including anxiety, arthritis, and insomnia. The active compounds in ashwagandha, called withanolides, possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties, which make it a promising candidate for treating a wide range of health conditions.

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Also referred to as Indian Ginseng. Traditionally used in Ayurveda as Rasayana, a rejuvenative tonic. Traditionally used in Ayurveda as a sleep aid. In sanskrit, it's name means 'that which imparts the strength of a horse' a name that suggests one of its traditional uses as a tonic for strength, energy and vitality. Used in Ayurveda for memory and mood enhancement. Traditionally used in Ayurveda to relieve general debility.

Health Benefits of Ashwagandha

1. Stress and Anxiety Reduction

Ashwagandha is perhaps best known for its stress-reducing properties. Studies have demostrated that ashwagandha can help lower cortisol levels, the hormone responsible for the body's stress response, and improve symptoms of anxiety and depression.

A 2012 study published in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine showed that Ashwagandha root extract improved resistance towards stress and self-assessed quality of life in stressed individuals.

Another study published in the Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine investigated the efficacy of a high-concentration extract of ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults. The results indicated that the ashwagandha group had significantly lower stress and anxiety scores compared to the placebo group.

2. Improved Brain Function

Ashwagandha may help improve cognitive function, memory, and reaction time in both healthy individuals and those with cognitive impairment. One study discovered that taking ashwagandha extract for eight weeks significantly improved memory, attention, and task performance in healthy adults.

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study investigated the effects of a standardized aqueous extract of ashwagandha on cognitive and psychomotor performance in healthy adults. The results showed that the ashwagandha group had significantly improved reaction time and cognitive function compared to the placebo group, with no adverse effects reported.

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Ashwagandha, Withania somnifera, is recognized for its traditional use in Herbal Medicine as an adaptogen to help increase energy and resistance to physical and mental stress. It is also a revered herb in Ayurvedic tradition used as a Rasayana (rejuvenative tonic) for overall health, memory enhancement and as a sleep aid. Helps increase energy and resistance to physical and mental stress Each capsule provides 500 mg of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root extract standardized to contain 2.5% withanolides Made with hypoallergenic, vegan ingredients

3. Reduced Inflammation

Ashwagandha has been shown to have potent anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. One study from Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine showed that taking ashwagandha root extract for six weeks significantly reduced the inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress in adults with rheumatoid arthritis, compared to the placebo group, with no adverse effects reported.

4. Improved Exercise Performance

Ashwagandha has been shown to improve physical performance and muscle strength, making it a popular supplement among athletes and fitness enthusiasts. A systematic review and meta-analysis of nine studies investigated the effects of ashwagandha supplementation on physical performance. The results showed that ashwagandha supplementation was associated with significant improvements in endurance, strength, and recovery compared to placebo.

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Our Ashwagandha VegiCapsules are prepared from KSM-66® for enhanced potency and absorption in the convenience of a vegetarian capsule. KSM-66® is a concentrated, full-spectrum proprietary Certified Organic ashwagandha root that is not only clean and sustainably sourced, but also powerfully effective for dealing with stress and anxiety, as demonstrated by numerous clinical studies. Ours is a highly potent 12:1 concentration, with each 300 mg vegicapsule containing the equivalent of 3600 mg (300 mg x12) of dried Certified Organic ashwagandha standardized to contain at minimum 5% withanolides. This makes it a mighty and effective full spectrum extract that preserves the balance of the various constituents in the original herb together with all its critical tonic and adaptogenic qualities. Reduces anxiety and stress, improving stamina and brain function Provides a calming or relaxing effect Strengthens the body’s vitality and increases its resilience in the face of infection Anti-inflammatory Aphrodisiac One bottle = one month’s supply Who it’s for Individuals requiring a tonic for anxiety, nervousness, or insomnia Those looking for increased strength, endurance, and memory improvement Men and women seeking to improve sexual performance

How to Incorporate Ashwagandha into Your Daily Routine

Ashwagandha is available in various forms, including capsules, powders, and teas. Here are some easy ways to incorporate ashwagandha into your daily routine:

1. Add ashwagandha powder to smoothies, oatmeal, or yogurt.

2. Drink ashwagandha tea by steeping a teaspoon of ashwagandha root powder in hot water for 5-10 minutes.

3. Take ashwagandha capsules according to the recommended dosage on the label.

It's important to note that ashwagandha may interact with certain medications, so it's always best to consult with your healthcare provider before adding any new supplements to your routine.

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Rejuvenate! Ashwagandha is the herb that should come to mind when you are recovering from periods of exhaustion or illness. It has remarkable stress relieving and rejuvenating properties, and helps boost endurance while calming your nerves. Its only side effects are a more restful sleep and a better memory! Benefits Excellent rejuvenating tonic Supportive tonic for the nervous system Supportive remedy for convalescence Helps relieve general debility, especially with the elderly Sleep aid Memory aid Features Made from organic and wildcrafted herbs Therapeutic dose of condition-specific herbs Tinctures are rapidly absorbed and metabolized – absorption begins in the mouth, allowing the body to absorb up to 98% of the medicinal components Large 100ml bottle size offers great value

References:

1. Chandrasekhar, K., Kapoor, J., & Anishetty, S. (2012). A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults. Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, 34(3), 255–262.

2. Pingali, U., Pilli, R., & Fatima, N. (2014). Effect of standardized aqueous extract of Withania somnifera on tests of cognitive and psychomotor performance in healthy human participants. Pharmacognosy Research, 6(1), 12–18.

3. Usharani, P., Pushpavalli, G., & Fatima, N. (2014). Effects of Withania somnifera root extract on inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress in arthritis. Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine, 11(4), 233–240.

4. Shenoy, S., Chaskar, U., Sandhu, J. S., & Paadhi, M. M. (2012). Effects of Withania somnifera on physical performance: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 9, 43.