She adds that Ayurvedic medicine is the traditional medicine system in India. It’s a healing tradition that uses nutrition, exercise, mindfulness practices and herbs to promote balance between the body, mind, spirit and the environment. The most important thing to remember is that ashwagandha is a natural remedy, rather than a pharmaceutical medicine, Khan adds. This means they aren’t regulated for purity and potency, “and are available as food supplements with no health claims,” she continues. “It’s important to choose brands which have GMP accreditation – Good Manufacturing Practices – to ensure the product has gone through extensive safety assessments and has studies to prove effectiveness.” People who like greens powders for the digestive benefits (probiotics and enzymes) will like this formula. Wankhede S, et al. (2015). Examining the effect of Withania somniferasupplementation on muscle strength and recovery: A randomized controlled trial. We live in an anxious world, especially with the coronavirus pandemic rearing its ugly head. This may explain why supplement companies have started marketing ashwagandha supplements as the next big thing to help you manage stress ​in these trying times.

It’s unlikely that this affects the product’s potency, but it’s clear that a large portion of customers prefer their ashwagandha to be certified organic, so we made sure to include it as a feature. There are a variety of different certifications, though — many feel the USDA is the gold standard. Still, there are also Organic Certifiers, and there’s the “made with organic ingredients” label, which means at least 70 percent of the ingredients need to be produced per organic standards. What are the Benefits of Ashwagandha? Another analysis that looked at five studies found that taking ashwagandha significantly enhanced maximum oxygen consumption (VO 2 max) in healthy adults and athletes. You should consider taking it first thing in the morning, especially if your goal is to regulate your energy. Anyone who wants a higher dose of Ashwagandha per capsule — you can find other products with single doses that provide up to 2,000mg of ashwagandha. Not only does ashwagandha regulate imbalanced cortisol levels and nourish the adrenal glands, Pole continues, but it also acts as a tonic. “This means it will strengthen an exhausted or agitated nervous system while at the same time calming it,” he says. 2. Ashwagandha Enhances Muscle Growth and StrengthFor this reason, some research has shown it to be effective in treating forms of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis. In one study, 43 males aged 40–70 with overweight and mild fatigue took tablets containing ashwagandha extract or a placebo daily for 8 weeks. Lopresti AL, et al. (2019). An investigation into the stress-relieving and pharmacological actions of an ashwagandha ( Withania somnifera) extract. Native to India, North Africa and the Middle East, ashwagandha’s botanical name is withania somnifera, though it’s sometimes referred to as Indian ginseng or winter cherry. If this all seems a bit too far removed from your local supermarket, ashwagandha is part of the nightshade family, which includes potatoes, tomatoes, bell peppers, and chilli peppers. While various parts of the plant are used, including the leaves, seeds, and even fruit, ashwagandha root is used most commonly.

The herb could supercharge your gym sessions, too, since it’s been shown to increase muscle mass, reduce body fat, and increase strength in men. In a study of 57 men, taking ashwagandha led to “significant increases in muscle mass and strength” and more than doubled their reductions in body fat percentage compared to a placebo group. If a person chooses to use this herb as part of a treatment plan, they should be sure to discuss it with their doctor first. Shop for ashwagandha This product works; however, caution is still necessary as this may not work for everyone. Always ask for your physician’s advice before buying it.People often use ashwagandha to reduce stress and anxiety and manage several chronic conditions. Research into the efficacy of ashwagandha for these purposes is inconclusive. Singh N, Bhalla M, de Jager P, Gilca M. An overview on ashwagandha: a Rasayana (rejuvenator) of Ayurveda. Afr J Tradit Complement Altern Med. 2011;8(5 Suppl):208-213. In a 2019 study in humans, researchers found that taking a daily dose of 240 milligrams (mg) of ashwagandha significantly reduced people’s stress levels when compared with a placebo. This included reduced levels of cortisol, which is a stress hormone.

Dr. Bindiya Gandhi is an integrative medicine physician with expertise in functional and holistic medicine based in Atlanta, Georgia.

People have used ashwagandha for thousands of years to relieve stress, increase energy levels, and improve concentration. Ashwagandha is a nontoxic herb gaining attention in the U.S. for its ability to modulate stress and anxiety. The herb is an important part of centuries-old Ayurveda, the traditional system of medicine in India, and is used to treat a range of conditions, such as rheumatism and insomnia [1] Singh N, Bhalla M, de Jager P, Gilca M. An overview on ashwagandha: a Rasayana (rejuvenator) of Ayurveda. Afr J Tradit Complement Altern Med. 2011;8(5 Suppl):208-213. .

Salve J, Pate S, Debnath K, et al. Adaptogenic and Anxiolytic Effects of Ashwagandha Root Extract in Healthy Adults: A Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Clinical Study. Cureus. 2019;11(12): e6466. One particular study indicated that ashwagandha can benefit sleep quality as well—researchers confirmed participants slept much better with doses of the herb compared to placebo doses [4] Salve J, Pate S, Debnath K, et al. Adaptogenic and Anxiolytic Effects of Ashwagandha Root Extract in Healthy Adults: A Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Clinical Study. Cureus. 2019;11(12): e6466. . 2. Lowers Blood Sugar and Fat Are there other conditions to consider? Ashwagandha may be unsafe if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, immunocompromised, soon undergoing surgery or have a thyroid condition. It’s also worth noting that some people who are allergic to nightshades or have certain grass allergies don’t tolerate ashwagandha well. If any of these situations apply to you, talk to your doctor or an integrative health specialist to determine whether it’s safe for you to take ashwagandha.

Organic Ashwagandha Capsules Ingredients

Ashwagandha root powder has instinctually been an integral part of traditional Ayurveda for 3000 years. Today, we understand it is a rich source of vitamins and minerals and an adaptogen.