Withania somnifera
Also known as Indian Ginseng, Winter Cherry, and Withania.
Ayurvedic all-round strengthening tonic. Ashwagandha is particularly high in iron. It is used in Ayurvedic medicine as a tonic for tired or overworked bodies, and is particularly useful for low sex drive in women.
Learn about Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is one of the most widespread herbs used in India, where it holds a position of importance similar to ginseng in China.
Ayurvedic practitioners have been using ashwagandha for thousands of years in oral and topical preparations as a general tonic and for a variety of health disorders. The Sanskrit word “ashwagandha” means “the smell of a horse,” symbolizing the strength and vigor of a stallion.
Ashwagandha is traditionally prescribed to strengthen the immune system after an illness. It acts mainly on the reproductive and nervous systems, having a rejuvenative effect on the body. It is also used to treat nervous exhaustion, debility, insomnia, wasting diseases, failure to thrive in children, impotence, infertility and multiple sclerosis.
It is well-known as a natural sedative and general stress reliever. The active compounds in ashwagandha have anti-anxiety, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-arthritic properties that may be effective in reducing stress caused by physical and emotional fatigue; increasing mental alertness, focus and concentration; relieving nervous tension and anxiety; invigorating the body; decreasing inflammation and balancing out and leveling mood swings.
Ashwagandha appears to inhibit cyclooxygenase (COX), the same mechanism of anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving drugs such as ibuprofen and aspirin. Other uses are that the fruit is rich in saponins and can be used as a soap substitute, and also that the leaves are an insect repellent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which herbs should I use for sleep?
Which herbs should I use for sleep?
We have many herbs for sleep that work great on their own or in a blend. The blended teas we offer are gentle and useful when you don't know which is the exact herb to use, but if you want to learn more about the different actions of each sleep herb that would suit your condition, then we can guide you through that.
Below is a quick reference for you, or view the herb profile for further information and FAQs.
Ashwagandha - Promotes sound sleep, regular use not a quick fix.
Passionflower - Sedation and relaxing the nervous system.
Valerian - Sedation, relaxing.
Mulungu - Our most powerful sedating herb, may lead to next day drowsiness.
Skullcap - When you have a busy mind.
California Poppy - Always useful for sleep, especially when pain is the issue.
Hops - Restlessness and anxiety.
Wild Lettuce - Sedating and pain relieving.
Lemon Balm - When low mood is causing sleeplessness.
Blue Lily - Dreamy, relaxing.
Kava - Relaxing and sedating. (Particularly our Borogoru strain)
Chamomile - Gentle relaxant before bed. Soothing and nice.
Lavender - Gentle relaxant before bed. Fragrant and nice.
When should I use Ashwagandha for sleep?
When should I use Ashwagandha for sleep?
Ashwagandha is an adaptogen, which means it helps the body adapt to stress. This herb can be particularly helpful for those who struggle with sleep due to anxiety or stress. It’s available in various forms, including dried root, powder, capsules and teas. Regular use of Ashwagandha may support better sleep by lowering cortisol levels and promoting a sense of calm and promotes a sound sleep. It's not a quick fix but is great to add to your daily routine if you are having sleep issues.
Common Uses
Adrenals, Anti-Ageing, Anxiety, Aphrodisiac, Arthritis, Back Pain, Cold & Flu, Convalescence, Debility, Depression, Endurance, Energy, Energy Tonic, Erectile Dysfunction, Exhaustion, Fatigue, Fertility, Gout, Immunity, Impotence, Infections, Infertility, Inflammation, Joint Pain, Libido, Longevity, Male Reproductive Health, Mood Enhancement, Nervous System, Oedema, Premature Ageing, Relaxation, Restlessness, Rheumatism, Sexual Anxiety, Sexual Function, Stamina, Stress, Stroke Prevention, Tension, Trauma (Emotional), and Vitality.Herbal Actions
Adaptogen, Anti-Inflammatory, Aphrodisiac, Bitter Tonic, Hypotensive, Immune Tonic, Immunomodulator, Nervine Tonic, Sedative, and Tonic.Precautions
Cautioned when taking thyroid hormone (i.e. thyroxine) as it may potentiate drug effects. Cautioned when taking immunosuppressant drugs as there is a theoretical reduction in drug efficacy due to the herbs immunostimulant activity. Ashwagandha has theoretical additive effects to antidiabetic/hypoglycemic drugs, antihypertensive drugs and benzodiazepine and CNS depressant drugs. Ashwagandha is best avoided in the first trimester of pregnancy as it may have a stimulatory effect on uterine muscle.
Precautions
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Ashwagandha
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AphrodiTea Herbal Tincture
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SereniTea Herbal Tincture
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References
<http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Withania+somnifera>
<http://www.livestrong.com/article/159038-the-truth-about-ashwagandha-herbs/>
Michael Tierra (1988), Planetary Herbology, pp. 309, Image: by JMK (Own work) CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons