origin

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is also called "Indian ginseng" and is a nightshade plant that bears bright red fruits. Its root is used primarily in Ayurveda. Translated from Sanskrit, Ashwagandha means "smell of the horse" because it is believed that those who consume it become as strong as a horse. In Ayurveda, Ashwagandha has been valued for over 3000 years for infertility, signs of aging and strengthening blood flow.

From an alternative medicine perspective, Ashwagandha is also an adaptogenic plant. Adaptogenic plants have attracted particular interest from scientists in recent years because they can adapt to environmental factors. In other words, they take away what is too much and replenish what is lacking. In other words, the idea behind using these plants is that they could also contribute to this self-regulation in the human organism.

Benefits and Effects

In Ayurveda, Ashwagandha is used to calm the Vata and Kapha doshas. In German, it is also called "sleeping berry", which already reveals another use in Ayurveda: Promote sleep and relaxation as well as alleviate anxiety and memory and concentration problems.

Ashwagandha supports the balance of the nervous system and, according to the teachings of Ayurveda, ensures calm and clarity of mind. It is therefore particularly recommended for overexertion and chronic fatigue frequently used.

A study published in the Journal of the American Nutraceutical Association 2008;11(1) 50 – 56 double-blind study with 98 participants from 2008 is dedicated to the reduction of stress-related parameters by taking 125 mg or 250 mg Ashwagandha twice a day – with the result of a significant Reduction of clinical and biochemical stress indicators without unwanted side effects.

The biologically active components of the root of Withania somnifera are Withanolides (steroids) and alkaloidsThe root has been used in traditional medicine to treat Bronchitis, dyspepsia, impotence, scabies and ulcers as well as abortion (WHO, 2009). In traditional Chinese medicine, the rhizome is used as analgesic, antipyretic and antimalarial (Teuscher and Lindequist, 2010).

Withania somnifera roots are classified as “Rasayana”, which means “tissue regeneration” and is a description of the group of rejuvenating agents (Gupta and Rana, 2007; Rege et al., 1999). In addition to life-prolonging and rejuvenating effects Withania is said to have sedative properties (Andrade et al., 2000; Mirjalili et al., 2009). It is used as a tonic known as “Medharasayana”, which means “promotes learning and memory”, and for geriatric problems (Mirjalili et al., 2009).

A study from 2015 suggests a contribution of Ashwagandha for muscle building vicinity: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26609282/

The roots are considered to be a Health-promoting nutrient for pregnant women and the elderly used (Mirjalili et al., 2009).

There is a positive WHO monograph for medicinal use of the root of Withania somnifera (Radix Withaniae) (WHO, 2009). The dosage for medicinal use is 3–6 g or as an anti-stress agent 250 mg of the dried and ground root twice daily (WHO, 2009) Source for the abovePoints: Source: https://www.bfr.bund.de/cm/350/risikobewertung-von-pflanzen-und-pflanzlichen-zubereitungen.pdf

Legal Consumer Information

German and European law aims to protect consumers from allegedly misleading claims about effectiveness. The statements made here refer to the original Ayurvedic and TCM texts. This knowledge, which has been passed down for thousands of years, is based on experience passed down from generation to generation. It is not intended to claim that the products described here have an effect in the sense of Western medicine. All products are food supplements; they are not medications and have no medical effect. If you are ill and require medical care, please contact your doctor or pharmacist.