What is ashwagandha really? Ashwagandha is an herb that has been used for thousands of years in traditional Ayurvedic medicine in India. In recent years, it has become extremely popular in other parts of the world, such as here in Sweden. The scientific name for ashwagandha is Withania somnifera .
It is used in a variety of areas, including managing stress, improving sleep, increasing energy, and promoting general well-being. There are many studies on ashwagandha and more and more uses are being discovered for this interesting plant, with the root in particular seeming to be attracting the most interest.
In this article, we will dive deep into ashwagandha and its properties!
Read more about Elixir Ashwagandha here .
Ashwagandha – what is it and where does it come from?
Ashwagandha, Withania somnifera , is an herb used in the traditional Indian medicine known as Ayurveda. Ashwagandha is also known as Indian ginseng and has been used for thousands of years for its balancing properties. Ashwagandha belongs to the Solanaceae family, the same family as the tomato, and it grows mainly in dry regions of India, the Middle East and parts of North Africa.
The name "ashwagandha" comes from Sanskrit and is often translated as "the scent of a horse." This may relate to the herb's root, which is said to have a characteristic odor and is believed to provide the same strength and vitality as a horse.
Both the root and leaves of the herb are used, but the root is especially popular for creating various forms of dietary supplements, including powders, extracts, and capsules, which are then used for their health-promoting properties.
In Ayurveda, ashwagandha is used to help the body manage stress, increase energy, and promote overall well-being. Its adaptogenic properties are believed to help the body adapt to physical and mental stress and are believed to have a balancing effect on the stress hormone cortisol. Ashwagandha has also been studied for its potential effects on sleep, hormone balance, the immune system, fertility, and other aspects of health.
A somewhat unusual fact is that the roots of the ashwagandha plant have also been traditionally used as a natural dye in some contexts. They produce a yellowish color and have historically been used to dye textiles and food.
What is good about ashwagandha?
There are many benefits to ashwagandha! As it is considered an adaptogen, it has balancing properties that help the body cope with stress, for example. An adaptogen is a term used to describe certain herbs, mushrooms and other substances that are believed to help the body adapt and cope with various forms of stress and strain.
What does an adaptogen do?
Adaptogens normalize and optimize the body's functions to create balance, they do not stimulate a function to its upper limit. They do not work in the same way as central stimulants, such as caffeine, which have a lower effect the more times you use them and which stimulate even when you are in balance. Adaptogens have the same effect continuously without you having to gradually increase the dose to get the same effect as at the beginning. They are also not addictive.
The name adaptogens comes from the English word "to adapt", meaning to adapt.
To be classified as an adaptogen, a substance must meet certain criteria, including:
- Non-specific effects: Adaptogens are considered to have a non-specific effect on the body, meaning that they should help normalize and regulate the body's functions regardless of the type of stressor.
- Normalization of body functions: Adaptogens are expected to support the normalization of the body's physiological functions by helping to restore balance to systems affected by stress.
- Minimal toxic effects: Adaptogens should be relatively safe to use and not cause significant side effects at normal doses.
Benefits of ashwagandha
- Balances the body during emotional stress
- Supports the body against fatigue and physical exhaustion
- Provides increased focus and endurance
- Contains antioxidants that can help fight harmful free radicals in the body
- Can increase strength and endurance and improve recovery after physical exertion
When should you take ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha as a dietary supplement can be beneficial for some people, especially those who experience a lot of stress and fatigue, but also in training, Ashwagandha can be relevant as a supplement. Below are examples of where ashwagandha can help:
- For stress and anxiety: Because ashwagandha is considered to have adaptogenic properties, it can help the body adapt and manage stress by affecting the hormone cortisol. Many people use ashwagandha to reduce feelings of worry and anxiety and promote relaxation.
- For difficulty sleeping: Ashwagandha may have calming properties and can be used to promote relaxation, which may be beneficial for those who have problems with sleep or sleep quality.
- People who exercise regularly: Ashwagandha can help increase strength and endurance as well as improve recovery after exercise.
- Older adults: Ashwagandha may be beneficial for older adults by supporting energy levels, reducing stress, and promoting overall well-being.
- Reproductive health: Ashwagandha may have positive effects on male reproductive health, including sperm quality.
When to take Ashwagandha during the day, if you take it as a supplement, depends a bit on what effect you want. Many people choose to take Ashwagandha in the morning if they have a lot of stress during the day, while others take it in the evening for a relaxing effect before nightfall. If you want to have an effect all day long, we recommend taking it both morning and evening.
Take ashwagandha with meals.
Who should not take ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha is generally considered safe for most people when taken in recommended doses. There are some groups of people who should be especially careful or avoid ashwagandha without the advice of a doctor:
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women: There is not enough research to determine the safety of ashwagandha during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so these groups should avoid using ashwagandha.
- People taking medications: If you are taking any medications, including immunosuppressants, thyroid medications, or medications for insomnia, you should consult your doctor before using ashwagandha. There may be interactions that you need to be aware of.
- People with low blood pressure: Ashwagandha has been reported to lower blood pressure. If you already have low blood pressure or are taking medications to lower blood pressure, you should exercise caution and consult your doctor.
As with all supplements, it is important to use ashwagandha in moderation and follow the recommendations given on the packaging.
Does ashwagandha have side effects?
Ashwagandha is considered safe when used as recommended and in reasonable doses. However, some individuals may experience minor side effects or adverse reactions. Here are some potential side effects or precautions to be aware of:
- Stomach upset: Some people may experience stomach upset such as nausea or upset stomach when taking ashwagandha. Taking ashwagandha with food may help minimize any effect on the stomach.
- Low blood pressure: Ashwagandha has been reported to lower blood pressure. People who already have low blood pressure or are taking blood pressure-lowering medications should exercise caution and monitor their blood pressure closely.
- Allergic reactions: Although uncommon, some people may be allergic to ashwagandha and experience allergic reactions such as swelling and itching.
- Drug Interactions: Ashwagandha may potentially interact with certain medications, especially those that affect the central nervous system or hormonal system. If you are taking medications, you should consult your doctor before using ashwagandha.
- Boosts immune system activity: There is research that shows that ashwagandha can boost immune system activity, which is a positive for most people. However, people with autoimmune diseases should consult a doctor before using ashwagandha.
It is important to note that individual reactions to ashwagandha may vary, and it is always wise to consult your doctor if you have an existing health condition or are taking medication. Following the recommended dosages and monitoring how your body responds can also help minimize any side effects.
Is ashwagandha illegal?
No, ashwagandha is not illegal. Ashwagandha has been used traditionally for centuries. Ashwagandha is legal to buy and sell as a dietary supplement in Sweden and many other countries around the world, including the United States, EU countries.
Ashwagandha from Elexir Pharma
At Elexir Pharma, we naturally have a high-quality ashwagandha supplement in our range. Elexir Ashwagandha contains extract from the roots of the plant, which contains extra high levels of a group of active substances called withanolides. The extract is standardized and contains 2.5% withanolides, which corresponds to 15 mg per daily dose.
Ashwagandha Elixir is supplemented with vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) and the black pepper extract Bioperine®. B5 is added as it helps maintain normal mental performance and reduce tiredness and fatigue. Bioperine® is a patented black pepper extract with a full 95% piperine that increases the bioavailability, i.e. absorption, of certain herbs and nutrients.
- 300 mg root extract per capsule
- Helps maintain focus and endurance
- With Vitamin B5 which helps maintain normal mental performance and reduce tiredness and fatigue
- With Bioperine® which increases bioavailability
- Recommended daily dose: 2-4 capsules
- 100% vegan