Ashwagandha Root 100 g, 50 g, 25 g

Ashwagandha Root 100 g ($12.99), 50 g ($8.99), 25 g ($5.99)

Benefits
Ashwagandha has been used for more than 2,500 years as a “vitalizer.” Today, we would place it in the category of adaptogens. It is rejuvenating, balancing, strengthening, and calming to the nervous system. Ashwagandha is useful for relieving fatigue, nervous exhaustion, and memory loss. This herb also has a reputation as an aphrodisiac and is believed to help prevent sterility in males and sexual ailments. A mild sedative, ashwagandha reduces mental chatter and promotes calm sleep. It also promotes tissue regeneration and slows the aging process.

It is excellent for use in bodybuilding and for any type of physical sport, as it gives an instant charge of long-lasting energy without the use of stimulants. Ashwagandha contains iron and may promote growth in children and improve hemoglobin levels. In addition, ashwagandha has shown promise in treating hypothyroidism (low levels of thyroid hormone in the blood).

Stress, Anxiety  Ashwagandha is perhaps best known for its ability to reduce stress. It’s classified as an adaptogen, a substance that helps the body cope with stress. Ashwagandha may help control mediators of stress, including heat shock proteins (Hsp70), cortisol, and stress-activated c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase (JNK-1). It also reduces the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, a system in your body that regulates the stress response. Ayurvedic medicine has used ashwagandha as a general tonic for centuries to stimulate long-term endurance. Ashwagandha contains steroid-like compounds that may increase resistance to stress. Research shows that ashwagandha may help relieve stress and anxiety.

In a small study with 58 participants, those who took 250 or 600 mg of ashwagandha for 8 weeks had significantly reduced perceived stress and levels of the stress hormone cortisol compared with those who took a placebo. Those who took the ashwagandha also saw improvements in sleep quality compared with the placebo group. Another study in 60 people found that those who took 240 mg of ashwagandha per day for 60 days had significant reductions in anxiety compared with those who received a placebo treatment. Thus, early research suggests ashwagandha may be a helpful supplement for stress and anxiety.

However, a 2021 review of studies concluded that there’s not enough evidence to form a consensus on the most appropriate dosage and form of ashwagandha for treating stress-related neuropsychiatric disorders such as anxiety.

A recent review published in Phytotherapy Research analysed 12 papers and revealed a beneficial effect in both stress and anxiety following Ashwagandha supplementation.

The key chemical ingredients in ashwagandha are withaferin A and withanolide A. These mimic GABA, an amino acid which acts as a neurotransmitter in your central nervous system and calms nervous activity, according to a rodent study by California State University. Previous human studies have shown it can reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety. When researchers in India asked people with chronic stress to use ashwagandha root, 69 per cent reported a reduction in anxiety and insomnia, compared with 11 per cent in the control group.

A new study published in Medicine found that ashwagandha helps to reduce cortisol levels, too. Stress causes a surge in the adrenal hormones – adrenaline and cortisol – that increase alertness. Not only does ashwagandha regulate cortisol levels and nourish the adrenal glands, 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.

Muscle Growth and Strength  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. A more recent review published in The Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology found that ashwagandha can benefit muscular strength and fitness levels. This quality of ashwagandha also makes it helpful for recovering from weakness in any post-illness convalescence period.

Athletic Performance   Research has shown that ashwagandha may have beneficial effects on athletic performance and may be worthwhile for athletes. One analysis of 12 studies in people who took ashwagandha doses between 120 mg and 1,250 mg per dayshowed that the herb may enhance physical performance, including strength and oxygen use during exercise.

Another analysis that looked at five studies found that taking ashwagandha significantly enhanced maximum oxygen consumption (VO₂ max) in healthy adults and athletes. VO₂ max is the maximum amount of oxygen a person can use during intense activity. It’s a measurement of heart and lung fitness. Having optimal VO₂ max is important for athletes and nonathletes alike. Low VO₂ max is associated with increased mortality risk, while higher VO₂ max is associated with a lower risk of heart disease.

Additionally, ashwagandha may help increase muscle strength. In a 2015 study, male participants who took 600 mg of ashwagandha per day and participated in resistance training for 8 weeks had significantly greater gains in muscle strength and size compared with a placebo group. These studies suggest that taking ashwagandha can help improve athletic performance as well as, muscle recovery after exercise. However, more studies need to be done to see if there is really a beneficial effect.

Brain Function, Memory  Taking ashwagandha may benefit cognitive function. One review of five clinical studies found early evidence that ashwagandha could improve cognitive functioning in certain populations, including older adults with mild cognitive impairment and people with schizophrenia.

Cognitive functions it may benefit included executive functioning, attention, reaction time, performance on cognitive tasks

A study in 50 adults showed that taking 600 mg of ashwagandha/day for 8 weeks led to significant improvements in the following measures compared with taking a placebo:

• immediate and general memory
• attention
• information-processing speed

The researchers noted that compounds found in ashwagandha, including Withania, have antioxidant effects in the brain, which may benefit cognitive health. Ashwagandha has traditionally been used to boost memory in Ayurveda, supported by research showing it promotes antioxidant activity that protects nerve cells from harmful free radicals.

Studies suggest it also has the power to improve other aspects of brain power. Adults who took 300mg of ashwagandha root twice daily ‘significantly improved’ general memory, task performance, and attention in one study. In a study of healthy men, the herb brought about ‘significant improvements’ in reaction time and task performance.

Alzheimer’s, Memory  Ashwagandha helps correct memory loss by modifying the way in which the brain uses acetylcholine, a chemical that transmits messages from nerve cell to nerve cell. If oxygen levels are low, the brain acquires acetylcholine by destroying its own cells. The cell remnants form neurofibrillary tangles, blocking the transmission of nerve signals and resulting in Alzheimer’s-like symptoms. Ashwagandha decreases the likelihood that the brain will cannibalize its own cells. This action reduces cognitive deficit and memory loss in diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

Mental Health  Some evidence suggests that ashwagandha may help reduce symptoms of other mental health conditions, including depression, in certain populations. In one study, researchers looked at the effects of ashwagandha in 66 people with schizophrenia who were experiencing depression and anxiety. They found that participants who took 1,000 mg of ashwagandha extract daily for 12 weeks had greater reductions in depression and anxiety than those who took a placebo.

Limited research from 2013 also suggests that ashwagandha may help improve cognitive impairment in people with bipolar disorder. A 2021 review concluded that ashwagandha may help manage depression, anxiety, insomnia, and other mental health-related and neurological issues. More research is needed into all these uses, to improve understanding. Researchers think that ashwagandha could help with symptoms of depression and anxiety in patients, including those with schizophrenia.

Blood Sugar  Limited evidence suggests that ashwagandha may have some benefits for people with diabetes or high blood sugar levels. A review of 24 studies, including 5 clinical studies in people with diabetes, found that treatment with ashwagandha significantly reduced blood sugar, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), insulin, blood lipids, and oxidative stress markers.

The reason may be that certain compounds within ashwagandha — including one called withaferin A (WA) — have powerful antidiabetic activity and may help stimulate cells to take in glucose from the bloodstream. There is evidence that ashwagandha can help lower blood sugar levels and levels of inflammation in the body.

According to research, ashwagandha might help people with diabetes manage their blood sugar. However, many of the studies that suggested ashwagandha could help lower blood sugar were done in a lab, not in humans.¹¹ Several small human studies that have shown blood sugar lowering effects were done in people who did not have diabetes.¹³

Ashwagandha may also reduce markers (c-reactive protein) in the body that are linked to inflammation, which is common in many chronic health conditions.

Inflammation  Ashwagandha contains compounds, including WA, that may help reduce inflammation in the body.

Animal studies have shown that WA may also help reduce levels of inflammatory proteins such as interleukin-10 (IL-10), and there’s evidence ashwagandha may help reduce inflammatory markers in humans too. In a 2021 study, researchers gave people with COVID-19 an Ayurvedic drug containing 0.5 grams of ashwagandha and other herbs twice per day for 7 days. This reduced participants’ levels of inflammatory markers CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α compared with a placebo.

The treatment formulation also contained:

• 1 gram of giloy ghanvati (Tinospora cordifolia)
• 2 grams of swasari ras (a traditional herbo-mineral formulation)
• 0.5 grams of tulsi ghanvati (Ocimum sanctum)

Immune  However, research on ashwagandha’s potential effects on inflammation remain limited.

Ashwagandha is packed with potent antioxidants that protect cells against damage caused by free radicals, but that’s not all. Taking just 12ml of ashwagandha root each day also increases levels of infection-fighting immune cells, according to research from the National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, and a number of animal studies have shown that ashwagandha helps to decrease inflammation.

Autoimmune Disorders  Ashwagandha increases red and white blood cell counts after treatment with azathioprine (Imuran, Azasan), cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan, Neosar), or prednisone for autoimmune diseases such as lupus.

Sleep  Some studies have suggested that ashwagandha supplements or combination supplements with more than one herb can help reduce anxiety and improve sleep in those with insomnia. Many people take ashwagandha to promote restful sleep, and some evidence suggests it may help with sleep issues. For example, a study in 50 adults ages 65–80 found that taking 600 mg of ashwagandha root per day for 12 weeks significantly improved sleep quality and mental alertness upon waking compared with a placebo treatment.

Additionally, one review of five high quality studies found that ashwagandha appeared to:

• have a small but significant positive effect on overall sleep quality
• reduce anxiety levels
• help people feel more alert when they woke up

The results were more pronounced in people with insomnia and in those who took more than 600 mg daily for 8 weeks or longer.

Arthritis, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome  Animal studies have found that naturally occurring steroids in ashwagandha are more potent than treatment with the synthetic steroid hydrocortisone for controlling inflammation. These natural steroidal compounds also reduce the pain of arthritis as effectively as aspirin and phenylbutazone when given in the same amount, but without the immune-depressing side effects those drugs cause. Patients who have trouble with balance (called cerebral ataxias) gained better balance with ashwagandha. In a clinical study of patients with osteoarthritis, ashwagandha and other herbs reduced pain and disability significantly.

Cancer  Ashwagandha increases platelet counts, red blood cell counts, and white blood cell counts during cancer chemotherapy treatment with cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan, Neosar). Animal studies in India also have found that ashwagandha sensitizes cancer cells to radiation treatment, making treatments approximately 50 percent more effective. Studies have shown that ashwagandha is helpful in putting cancer tumors of the breast, central nervous system, colon, and lung into regression without killing healthy tissues. The herb may also help prevent chemotherapy-induced neutropenia (low white blood cell count). However, the effectiveness of ashwagandha in the treatment of patients with cancer is not yet determined.

 

Men’s Health
While there are a whole host of health benefits associated with taking ashwagandha, spanning cognitive function, immune system support, adrenal function, sports performance, energy metabolism and more, human studies have so far been small scale. There are also variables in the way ashwagandha is approached – the leaves, seeds, fruits and roots have been experimented with in different ways, and there isn’t a standard dosage that’s been studied by modern clinical trials. Even so, the science that does exist is promising. Ayurveda views ashwagandha as one of the most prized rejuvenating herbs, known as a ‘rasayana’ in Sanskrit.. Rasayanas are thought to enhance both the quality and quantity of life, nourish the mind and enhance physical vigour, making them perfect for when we are feeling weak and exhausted.

Testosterone, Male Fertility  Ashwagandha has been shown in some studies to benefit male fertility and increase testosterone levels. In 1 study, 43 males aged 40–70 with overweight and mild fatigue took tablets containing ashwagandha extract or a placebo daily for 8 weeks. The treatment was associated with an 18% greater increase in DHEA-S, a sex hormone involved in testosterone production. Participants who took the herb also had a 14.7% greater increase in testosterone than those who took the placebo.

Ashwagandha has been shown to boost testosterone levels in men. Testosterone is a hormone that is associated with sex drive. It also affects how males store fat in the body, bone, muscle mass, and sperm production. In one study, healthy men who took ashwagandha for eight weeks had changes in testosterone levels, improved vitality, and less fatigue.

Another study found that men taking ashwagandha while on a weight-lifting program had five times higher levels of testosterone than men who did not take the supplement and that it improved both their muscle mass and strength.⁵

‘Ashwagandha is traditionally used to improve sexual performance and libido in both men and women,’ says Pole. The plant has been recognised for its fertility-boosting properties across multiple human studies. A study of 75 infertile men found those who were supplemented with five grams of ashwagandha per day increased sperm count and motility and saw a significant increase in their T-levels. The theory that may explain why this happens is that by reducing cortisol levels, ashwagandha shifts hormone production to anabolic hormones – including testosterone and DHEA.

Sex Drive  Ashwagandha is a sexual “grounding” herb that reduces the frequency of premature ejaculation and increases sexual stamina. Ashwagandha’s active principles, alkaloids and with anoloids, have longevity-enhancing and sexually stimulating properties.

Ashwagandha is said to have aphrodisiac-like qualities, which means it could enhance sexual desire. Ongoing stress is a common cause of low sex drive and poor sexual performance. Research has shown that ashwagandha can offer stress relief, which can in turn affect sex drive and the ability to relax enough to feel desire and pleasure.

Additionally, ashwagandha’s effect on testosterone levels may help increase sexual desire and drive in men.⁷

Male Fertility  Ashwagandha may help with male fertility. Research has shown that ashwagandha raises sperm count and improves sperm movement (motility) in men with infertility. Another study found similar results, showing that ashwagandha can significantly improve sperm count and motility. Additionally, a review of 4 studies found that ashwagandha treatment significantly increased sperm concentration, semen volume, and sperm motility in males with low sperm count. It also increased sperm concentration and motility in males with normal sperm count.

Erectile Dysfunction  Ashwagandha is frequently claimed to be a treatment for the inability to get or sustain an erection (erectile dysfunction). While people may make these claims (anecdotal evidence), there has not been enough scientific proof to back them up. Very few studies have looked at the use of ashwagandha for treating ED. The research that has been done has not provided strong evidence that the herb works for ED. For example, one study looked at using ashwagandha to improve a type of ED associated with concerns about sexual performance and sexual anxiety (psychogenic ED). The study found that ashwagandha did not help men with this kind of ED.

 

Women’s Health
Balance Hormones  Ashwagandha’s ability to balance hormones can be particularly beneficial for women’s health, impacting aspects like the menstrual cycle, reproduction, and menopause. 2019 research suggests ashwagandha impacts the endocrine system, which governs mood, stress responses, and reproduction. This influence can help with hormonal imbalances, including anxiety, depression, and sleep issues.

Menstrual Regulation  Ashwagandha has a beneficial effect on key factors that influence your menstrual cycle, such as stress, inflammation, and hormonal fluctuations. It helps regulate your cycle by balancing reproductive hormones like serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and gonadotropin hormones. This balance may also be associated with a better balance of the stress hormone cortisol.

Conditions such as endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) often contribute to irregular menstrual cycles. Ashwagandha’s phytoestrogens may help restore balance and aid in cycle regulation.

PMS  By reducing cortisol levels, ashwagandha can help prevent elevated stress, which can exacerbate premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms. It may also be useful for soothing cramps, reducing fatigue, and enhancing sleep quality.

Ashwagandha’s mood-boosting potential can help cultivate calmness by alleviating anxiety, depression, and irritability. Its anti-inflammatory effects may reduce fluid retention, breast tenderness, and low back pain.

Sexual Function  Ashwagandha has aphrodisiac qualities that may enhance libido and overall sexual wellness. This effect may be partially due to its potential to uplift mood and reduce stress. A 2023 review in healthy women found that consuming ashwagandha root improves sexual function.

In comparison to a placebo, taking ashwagandha significantly increased lubrication, orgasm, and sexual arousal scores. Researchers also noted a rise in the frequency of favorable sexual encounters. Results of a 2022 study indicate that ashwagandha may enhance sexual health in hormonally balanced women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). Compared to the placebo group, women who took ashwagandha significantly improved their scores on the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS) scores. The researchers also found that sexually active women were more likely to have quality sleep, suggesting that improving sleep quality might help enhance sexual function. In the above studies, women took 300 milligrams (mg) of ashwagandha root extract twice daily for 8 weeks.

Fertility  Ashwagandha positively impacts fertility by regulating hormone levels, optimizing ovarian function, and enhancing overall well-being. Its adaptogenic properties may help your body deal with stress and maintain balance.

According to a 2021 review, the isoflavones and flavonoids in ashwagandha can mimic estrogen activity, thereby supporting fertility. Furthermore, ashwagandha’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties help treat uterine infections and irregular vaginal discharge, helping promote a healthy reproductive environment.

Menopause   A potential benefit of ashwagandha is its ability to regulate hormone levels and alleviate symptoms of menopause. A 2021 study in women experiencing perimenopause found that, compared to a placebo, taking ashwagandha root significantly enhanced the quality of life associated with menopause and reduced physical, psychological, and urogenital symptoms. Ashwagandha consumption increased serum estradiol and significantly decreased serum FSH and LH. However, there was no significant effect on serum testosterone levels.

The women in this study took 300 mg of ashwagandha root extract twice daily for 8 weeks.

Recommended Uses
Ashwagandha is available in capsule form. The product you choose should be standardized for with anolides.

When used to increase sex drive, ashwagandha should not be taken in instances of acute sexual anxiety, as its effects take hold only after about one week of daily use. For the conditions listed above, be sure not to use a product called ashwagandha oil. That is a combination of ashwagandha with almond oil and rose water designed to be used as a facial toner. Do not eat ashwagandha berries, as they can cause severe gastrointestinal pain. Taking ashwagandha with tranquilizers may result in drowsiness and loss of coordination. You should avoid this herb if you are taking prescription drugs for anxiety, insomnia, or a seizure disorder. Human toxicity studies for ashwagandha are limited.

Botanical Name: Withania somnifera
English: Ashwagandha, Indian winter cherry, Indian ginseng Hindi: Ashvagandha, Asgandh
Sanskrit: Ashvagandha, Gandhapatri, Ashvakandika, Vajikari, Balada, Palashparni, Vajigandha, Balaja,
Ayurvedic: Ashwagandha
Also, known as: Asgandh, Amukkuram, Askagandha, Amukkaramkizangu, Pennerugadda, Asgand, Ashwaganda, Palashaparni, Aswagandha, Ashwaghanda, Ashvagandha, Ashwgandha
Origin: India
Habitat: Throughout India

General Information:
Ashwagandha holds a place in Ayurvedic pharmacology similar to Ginseng in Chinese medicine, yet it is far less expensive. Since ancient times Ashwagandha (aka Indian ginseng) is used in Ayurveda has been considered as a crucial part of ayurvedic treatment for several health conditions and as Rasayana (potent rejuvenative agent). It is the best rejuvenative herb. It is acknowledged to increase vitality and longevity. It improves memory, preserves mental functions and increases intelligence. It protects the brain from degeneration and dementia. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, it is widely used in all inflammatory disorders.
The Indian name Ashwagandha (ashwa-horse and gandha- smell), now also known as Asgandh. It is believed that consuming Ashwagandha in any form may develop or improve vitality, energy levels and strength similar to that of a horse. It stimulates sexual impulses and increase sperm counts.
Ashwagandha roots are stout and fleshy when dry. They are unbranched, straight and gradually tapering downwards. Roots have a brownish white color on the outer side and the inner region is creamy white in color.

 

How to use:
We make these suggestions to help you get the best benefit from the herbs that you’re choosing to improve your health. Also we make these ideas and recommendations so that consuming them easier and better fit into your lifestyle by adding them to the food that you already eat.
For the full health benefit, it is best to consume (or use the whole herb in poultices) the whole herb. All of the compounds in the herb act best together, as nature intends. Extracts draw out the most prominent beneficial compounds and may concentrate them. What is not extracted can be helpful in ways that we do not yet understand.

Cut Pieces or Powdered Herb:
There are different ways to use cut pieces or powdered herb.
Food Preparation: You can add powdered or pieces of herb (if the pieces you buy are bigger than you like, a coffee or herb grinder will quickly reduce) to any yogurt, smoothie, apple or other sauces, spreads, salads or other foods more familiar to you that don’t use heat. Heat can be damaging to the beneficial compounds in the herb. Other options like oatmeal, scrambled eggs, pasta sauce, soup, cookies and anything else that fits your lifestyle, but minimizing (by adding near the end of cooking) the heat is helpful.
Also, for children, you can mix powdered herb with honey or glycerin to make paste. The thicker the paste, the more potent and herbal in taste. The sweet taste of honey and glycerin will help medicine go down. The resulting liquid is called an electuary.
For seeds in general, but especially small seeds, it’s best to grind these to break the protective hulls a short time before consumption. This makes all the benefits available, rather than some remaining locked inside the hulls that are unbroken by insufficient chewing.
To make adding herbs even easier, you could add a week’s worth of your chosen herb(s) to an amount of, for example, yogurt that you would eat in a week. Mix thoroughly and eat this each day of the week. So you make once /week and just eat each other day.
Hot Infusion: The basic method for dried herbs and flower is, take 2-3 tablespoons of dried herb in a cup or teapot. Pour hot water over it and cover it with lid for 10-30 minutes. The heat from making tea can degrade some of the beneficial compounds in the herb. This method minimizes this effect. For the full health benefit, it is recommended to consume what is left over after making tea.
Decoctions: Decoctions are suitable for roots, barks, large seeds & berries, and other dense material. The simple way to make decoction is, in a saucepan, add 1 tablespoon of dried herbs to 1 cup of water, Bring the water to boil, reduce heat and simmer for 30-60 minutes with the pot covered. Squeeze out as much as liquid as possible. Best practice is to drink the liquid and also consume the solid material that remains. Herb pieces can also be used.
Powdered Herb:
There are different ways to use powdered herb.
Capsules: HerbsCrafters makes capsules guaranteed to be filled with the pure herb with no filler or any other products. You can also use powdered herb to make your own capsules at home. These capsules are best taken with liquid to aid in digestion and absorption and to ensure it doesn’t stick in your throat.
Poultice: Poultice can be made with an herbal powder and liquid (mostly water) to form a paste which is then applied to the skin. This method is very helpful for skin conditions.
Herbal shot: Powdered herb can be mixed with water, fruit juice or other liquid to make herbal shot.

Tips:
You can sweeten your herbal decoctions with bit of honey, natural fruit juice, stevia leaves powder or licorice root powder.

Precautions:
You should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.
All information on this website is for educational purpose ONLY.
This information has not been evaluated by Health Canada.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

How Much To Use
For ashwagandha root, a recommended amount is 1-6 g of pieces or powder daily. Take in the morning or split into 2-3 portions during the day. Take as often as needed.
Capsules: 2-6/day.