Learn exactly why Ashwagandha is so popular. Discover this ancient mind body wellness healing herb and boost energy today!
Ashwagandha is very popular in Ayurveda, a 3,000 year old holistic approach of medicine. A recent increase in research has paved way for its rise in popularity in Western cultures. Studies feature benefits on hormone balance, improved energy, stress relief and more. It’s easy to see why Ashwagandha shows increased interest. Ashwagandha is central to Ayurvedic thinking as a preventative. It is also one of the best adaptogens (more on those in a minute).
What are Ashwagandha supplements?
Ashwagandha is a small shrub in the Solanaceae family that grows mainly in India but can also be found in the Mediterranean and African areas. It is is a perennial plant that can grow up to a meter and a half in height. Green or purple flowers bloom on the bush, the fruit is red. The plant belongs to the nightshade family that grows in Africa, South Asia, the Mediterranean, and Mauritius.
The name ashwagandha came about because of its strong smell that is ‘horse-like’. In Sanskrit, ‘ashva’ means horse and ‘ghanda’ means fragrance. Ashwagandha is generally all about the root, although the best Ashwagandha supplements use a broad-spectrum manufacturing process to use all parts of the plant and root for optimal efficacy.
How Do Ashwagandha supplements Work?
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is the most popular Indian botanical plant and is the basis of Ayurveda. In India, it is quite common to take a daily tonic with Ashwagandha for general support. A recent increase in Western scientific research on the pharmacological properties of the supplement has greatly increased interest in the rest of the world.
Ashwagandha is central to Ayurvedic thinking as a preventative. It is one of the best adaptogens available as a supplement or superfood and provides energy. What’s more is it is widely used for stress relief and balance.
Healthy Substances in the best ashwagandha supplements:
What is the effect of Ashwagandha and what is it good for? Both women and men can take advantage of the benefits of ashwagandha. In India, Ashwagandha is often referred to as the prince of the herbs due to its wide application and therapeutic effects. It has a complex phytochemical composition, including the steroidal lactones withanolides and withaferine, the saponins alkaloids somniferine, scopoletin, withanine, and anaferine.
Withanolides are an important bioactive component of the Ashwagandha root (root). The components of this plant are similar in effect to the main component of Panax ginseng (hence Indian Ginseng). Ayurvedic experts explain, however, that Ashwagandha is more than just a high withanolide preparation. The synergistic effects of the various components are particularly important to get the maximum effectiveness from this high-quality herb.
It is an adaptogen:
Ashwagandha is part of the adaptogens category. This is a group of substances that have a therapeutic effect on our hormone balance, helping to normalize and restore it. Adaptogens are widely applicable, promote a balanced and balanced stress response, and have stress-reducing and performance-enhancing properties. The prolonged overload of the adrenal glands due to stress leads to poor production of hormones. It also supports (chronic) fatigue and stress by positively regulating the hormone balance, and in particular cortisol, in the adrenal glands. In addition, Ashwagandha can also at the cellular level limit sensitivity to stress and the possible damage that it causes due to its modulating effect on the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis).
The Uses, Benefits, and Effects of Ashwagandha:
- Contributes to adaptability in stressful situations.
- Contributes to the normal functioning of the heart.
- It helps balance your body.
- Gives peace of mind.
- Good for the brain.
Good for mind body wellness
The active substances from the Ashwagandha root have a positive effect on the state of mind. Since it has an adaptogenic effect on both the body and mind, it can be used for many applications. An ‘adaptogen’ can have both a calming and stimulating effect, depending on the situation. Today we live in a hurried society and it is precisely this extract that can provide good support. In the experiences of our customers, the soothing effect of this herb is remarkably often mentioned. A relaxed mind is also important for good sleep. And a good night’s sleep is often the start of a new day full of energy with a good mood.
Stress problems? You can tackle this with a healthy lifestyle, supported by a natural herb, superfood, or nutritional supplement. Natural powders and capsules are food supplements. They support your health but are not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle. Always consult a doctor if you are on medication, pregnant, or breastfeeding before taking any herb, superfood, or dietary supplement.
Best Ashwagandha Supplement to Buy?
There is a wide range of ashwagandha for sale online, which sometimes makes it difficult to choose. Then you have one more question: which one is the best to order?
There are several things to keep in mind when buying ashwagandha. For the purity of the product, you are looking for an organic variant. With ashwagandha, there are other things that are important to remember. A good ashwagandha supplement should contain at least withanolides and (to a lesser extent) oligosaccharides. These are the active ingredients. Choose a product with as little as possible withaferin A. The withaferin A reduces the effectiveness and increases the risk of side effects.
Ashwagandha Extract
There are generally two different types of Ashwagandha supplements in use. Namely extracts and broad-spectrum formulas. It is important to know the difference in advance of purchase as it greatly affects quality and effectiveness.
Strong extracts contain a high amount of withanolides per capsule that can be particularly effective for a variety of applications. However, a broad-spectrum supplement is preferred. Broad-spectrum herbal extracts are often more effective than herbal extracts that contain only a few active ingredients without the other ingredients of the herb. And it also greatly reduces the risk of side effects.
When is the best time to take it?
So, when to take Ashwagandha depends on your goals. Take it in the morning or evening with a warm cup of milk before sleep. It works quite quickly; you can already notice the first effects after a week. We recommend taking it in the evening. For optimal results, it is best to take Ashwagandha in the evening. Especially because you feel the soothing effects before going to sleep. It takes some time before you feel the effect. This can take anywhere from 2 – 5 days to a few weeks.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ashwagandha Safe?
Ashwagandha is a superfood that has been used safely by people around the world for a long time. A lot of scientific research has been done with Ashwagandha and there have never been any results that call into question its safety.
Do I take ashwagandha in the morning or night?
Ashwagandha can be taken on an empty stomach early in the morning or just before you go to bed.
Does it have side effects and drawbacks?
Ashwagandha is very safe with no known side effects or drawbacks. Of course, there may be a personal sensitivity, which means that you can, for example, get some intestinal complaints at higher doses. This is rare. Although the herb is considered safe, it is not recommended for women during pregnancy. The herb does not give habit. So, you do not have to be afraid of addiction. If you take medication such as antidepressants, it can enhance the effects of the drug. Alcohol could also enhance the effects of ashwagandha. Be careful or speak to your doctor if you are taking antihypertensive drugs: If you are taking benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and other sedatives: it may enhance their effect.
Does it Affect the Thyroid?
Yes, in some cases it stimulates the thyroid gland. So, if you take thyroid hormones or have thyroid problems, you must be careful. If you take the adaptogen when you already have an excess of thyroid hormone in the blood, thyrotoxicosis can rarely occur. Thyrotoxicosis occurs when there is an excess of thyroid hormone in the blood. It is safe to take ashwagandha if you have an underactive thyroid gland. However, if you are on thyroid medication, it is advisable to consult your doctor first.
Ashwagandha in combination with antidepressants?
When taking this type of medication ashwagandha can enhance these effects.
Is ashwagandha addictive?
No, ashwagandha is not habituated and not addictive.
Is Too Much Ashwagandha Harmful?
It is difficult to get too high a dose, although speak with your Doctor first before taking any supplement! Your body is able to process Ashwagandha and has no noted toxicity in high doses. However, we always recommend acting according to the instructions for use.
How should you use ashwagandha?
Although available in various forms, it is most often consumed in powder form or capsules. You can also sometimes find it in cut form, seeds, or as an extract, oil, or drops. The uses are also diverse. You can use it externally and internally. Often it is added as a food supplement or in drinks. For example, you can make tea with it. To do this, boil water and the powder for 10 minutes. Use a maximum of one teaspoon per cup.
How long should you use ashwagandha for?
Most people use it for at least a few months in a row. In principle, you can use ashwagandha completely safely for as long as you want.
When is the best time to take ashwagandha?
When to take ashwagandha depends on what you want to use it for. Take it in the morning for stress or in the evening with a warm cup of milk for sleep. It works quite quickly. You can already experience the first effects after a week (for others two weeks). For optimal results, it is best to use the supplement for a longer period. At least a few months.
Ashwagandha before going to sleep?
Sleep problems due to stress can also be treated with Withania Somnifera.
What is the dosage?
The dosage depends on which product you choose. A typical dosage for a capsule is between 0.5 and 2 grams. The dosage of an ashwagandha powder varies widely, starting at about 50 milligrams, but can go up to 6 grams. Half a teaspoon (1 gram) is sufficient for normal support. More can be used for other applications. Always start with a light dose (approximately 500 mg). High doses should be divided into several portions throughout the day. For the correct dosage, it is best to consult the instructions for use of the relevant products.
Can I take Ashwagandha along with Rhodiola?
Ashwagandha and Rhodiola are both adaptogens and are commonly paired together. Rhodiola will provide extra energy.
When will I start to feel the effects of Ashwagandha?
How Fast Does Ashwagandha work? Remember, it is a food, not a pharmaceutical drug. It means that it takes longer for the effects to start to occur. Most people who start taking it every day will feel the effects after 2-3 days.
This article is NOT meant to be taken as medical advice of any kind; however, it can form the basis of your initial discussion about your concerns. Consult with your doctor about any health concerns you have.
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