Adaptogen Ashwagandha (Organic) - 50ml

ASHWAGANDHA

A great Rasayana tonic from the Ayurvedic tradition, well integrated into Western herbalism

Ashwagandha has been used for thousands of years in India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka for its many qualities. It is well-known in Ayurvedic medicine as an adaptogen and a regenerative tonic (rasayana), but it is a peculiar adaptogen: it is a calming tonic, which may seem somewhat contradictory.

Like all adaptogens, ashwagandha keeps the body from depleting its reserves during prolonged stress, keeping us healthy during difficult periods. It also tones the nervous system and calms anxiety, mood swings and the blues, which is appeasing and relaxing. Its latin name Withonia somnifera can be misleading as it does not cause sleep but rather, it regulates perturbed sleep cycles. The calm and restful sleep that ashwagandha provides gives us a stong energy without overexciting, contrary to other herbs like ginseng.

It is said that ashwagandha gives the strength of a horse, but here we mean a workhorse rather than an excitable stallion. When I think of ashwagandha, I see strong legs planted firmly in the ground, a solid back, powerful shoulders and a strong will. Ashwagandha makes us feel that we can move though thick and thin without wavering.

This herb gives strength and endurance so that we can tackle tasks that seem insurmountable. It gives the physical energy and mental strength to take on very demanding circumstances. For athletes, it increases performance and physical stamina. As an adaptogen and a calming nerve tonic, it is excellent for fatigue, exhaustion, weakness and loss of weight due to stress. It helps to get back on one’s feet after an illness and it prevents premature aging brought on by intense stress. It is a good herb to have on hand in these rapidly changing times.

Mode Of Action

As a calming tonic, ashwagandha promotes the proper functioning of the nervous system. It is appeasing and procures a feeling of calm. It is the ideal tonic for exhaustion and hyperactivity, conditions where Panax ginseng is not recommended due to its stimulating effect. As it mimics the activity of GABA, it has a tranquilizing effect and
is used in the treatment of chronic anxiety. It stabilises the mood, relieves symptoms of mild depression and its slightly sedative action helps regulate sleep cycles without causing drowsiness. It is used in Ayurvedic medicine as a regenerative tonic (rasayana) as it improves general health, promotes longevity and stimulates the spirit. It supports the organism when plagued with fatigue, weakness, thinness due to stress and nervous exhaustion. Withania somnifera is also used during convalescence, as it helps recover from acute diseases, intense stress or premature aging.

Ashwagandha normalizes the metabolism, stabilises cholesterol levels and promotes cardio-vascular health. It reduces many physiological responses to stress. As an adaptogen, it increases the resistance of the organism and helps it adapt to stress. It acts on the immune system, increasing the production of white blood cells, and promotes a healthy immune response. As an endocrine tonic, ashwagandha stimulates the production and liberation of thyroid hormones and regulates the functioning of the adrenal glands. Athletes and those losing muscle mass will notice an increase in physical performance and endurance when using this herb.

Withania somnifera is also a tonic of the sex organs. In men, it increases the quality of sperm and libido, counters infertility due to stress and helps treat erectile dysfunction. It reduces hair loss due to a testosterone deficiency. It is also a reproductive tonic in women, when used in association with shatavari (Asparagus racemosus).
Ashwagandha is an anti-inflammatory and an analgesic that relieves inflammatory conditions such as asthma, psoriasis and joint pain. It protects cartilage, stimulates blood production and has both antitumor and anti-proliferation properties. In Ayurvedic medicine, it is considered the best herb to balance Vata.

The main constituents of ashwagandha are alkaloids (isopelletierine, anaferine, ashwagandhinine, withasomnin, withaninin), steroidal lactones (withanolide, withaferin), saponins (sitoindoside VII-X), withaferin A, phytosterols and minerals (iron).

Helpful Associations

Nettle infusion for fatigue and during convalescence.
Green Oatstraw infusion for exhaustion and nervous system troubles.
Skullcap tincture for anxiety.
Rhodiola to increase memory and concentration.
Dreamtop for sleep disorders.
Cayenne tincture applied externally for joint pain.

Uses

Nervous system: fatigue, exhaustion, convalescence, high stress, anxiety, insomnia, cognitive troubles.
Bones and joints: arthritis, joint pain, rheumatoid arthritis.
Reproductive system: infertility in men, erectile dysfunction.
Endocrine system: reproductive tonic, hypothyroidism.
Integumentary system: psoriasis.

History

Originally from the dry regions of India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, ashwagandha is a major herb of the Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia. Its Hindi name, asgandh, is a reference to the odor of the roots which resembles that of horse urine. It is said that it gives the endurance and the strength of a stallion, alluding to its virtues as a sexual tonic. In India, it is used traditionally for indigestion, cardiovascular troubles, arthritis and during convalescence.