Ashwagandha, known scientifically as Withania somnifera, is commonly known as “Indian Ginseng” and “Indian Winter Cherry.”
Ashwagandha is one of the most important herbs of Ayurveda, a natural system of medicine that originated in India more than 3,000 years ago.
Ashwagandha is classified as an adaptogen, which means that it can help the body manage stress-induced symptoms under fatigue with prolonged, beneficial effects. Unlike prescription medications or medicinal herbs that provoke a specific response in the body, adaptogens regulate multiple physiological processes simultaneously to aid with homeostasis in the body.
Over time, adaptogens help to optimize mental and physical function by reducing the negative effects of stress on the body and improving energy efficiency.
Ashwagandha also provides numerous other benefits for your body and brain, including:
- Lower blood sugar levels in healthy patients and those with diabetes
- Reduce cortisol levels in chronically stressed adults
- Manage symptoms of anxiety
- Boost testosterone and increase fertility in men
- Balance thyroid hormones
- Reduce cholesterol and lower triglyceride levels
- Decrease inflammation
- Protect against oxidative damage
- Strengthen the immune system following illness
- Enhance stamina and physical performance
- Improve sleep quality
How Ashwagandha is Consumed:
Historically, people consumed ashwagandha by mixing a powder form with milk or ghee. Today people are expanding and experimenting using the raw powder in a variety of drinks and other recipes.
Raw ashwagandha herb has a bitter taste which can be hard to mask when used in any significant amount. Foods and beverages that use ashwagandha as a whole herb rather than an extract may only include small amounts—making them less effective and harder for the consumer to know exactly what they are getting. If you want to maintain a consistent daily dosage of ashwagandha, which is the only way to enjoy its full potential, seek out products that list the amount of ashwagandha as well as the potency.
Ashwagandha potency and quality varies in different products due to numerous factors such as how and where the herb is prepared and what production quality controls, such as cGMP, are in place for the product.
Whole Herb vs. Standardized Extracts:
Many ashwagandha products on the market use a simple, whole herb preparation in which the root of the plant is used to make a tincture. While this is the traditional method for preparing and consuming Ashwagandha and has a safety history spanning thousands of years, it may not be the best way.
Whole herb medicines are low in potency and require higher doses to achieve results. They also have a limited shelf life and steadily lose their potency over time. More importantly, whole herb medicines have no consistency controls. The potency and chemical makeup of the herb can change depending on the region of where the plant is grown, soil conditions, time of harvest, and so much more.
Standardized herbal extracts are generally more potent than the whole herb since the fully standardized conditions in which the plants are gown assures biochemical consistency and optimizes the safety and efficacy of every crop by removing all of the variables that come from being grown in a natural habitat.
When it comes to ashwagandha, a standardized extract is approximately 10 times more potent that products made with a whole herb. Consequently, a standardized ashwagandha extract will retain that potency for several years.
Standardized herbal extracts will list their potency on the label. Ashwagandha potency is usually measured by the concentration of withanolides in the product. The level of withanolides will be consistent with each dose, allowing you to control your dosage precisely.
Whether you take your ashwagandha as a supplement, as a food, or mixed into your favorite drink, it’s important to remember that its effects are cumulative, meaning that you will need to take it regularly to enjoy its benefits.
Ashwagandha Safety:
Ashwagandha is considered to be safe. Yet as with any medication, vitamin, or supplement it is important to speak with your healthcare provider before beginning any new regimen.
There are certain individuals should not take Ashwagandha, including pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Other people who should not consume Ashwagandha unless authorized by their healthcare provider include people with conditions such as, lupus, Type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and anyone taking medication for thyroid disease.
Ultimately, the source of the Ashwagandha and its formulation is of the utmost importance. Consumers need to be assured of all ingredients in a supplement as well as production standards.
Hendybe is a cGMP certified facility adhering to the highest levels of manufacturing practices possible. Furthermore, the expertise of our Diamond Team brings a unique quality standard that is unmatched in the industry.
