Ashwagandha

Botanical Name: Withania somnifera
Herb Type/Actions: Adaptogen, Immune Modulator, Nervine, Healthy Inflammatory Response Support, Yang Tonic, Alterative
Parts Utilized: Root
Taste Profile: Bitter, acrid, sweet
Energetic Properties: Neutral to mildly warming
Traditional Uses: Adrenal support, nervous system support, stress relief, sleep aid, cognitive and mood support, immune system enhancement

Ashwagandha is a grounding adaptogen and nervine from Ayurvedic traditions that aids thyroid and adrenal health, enhances stamina, and supports a balanced response to occasional stress.*

With a history stretching back over 6,000 years, Ashwagandha is one of the most ancient herbs in Ayurvedic medicine—predating even the invention of the wheel. While it is primarily associated with India, Ashwagandha also grows wild across parts of Africa, where it’s known by names such as Ubuvumbha (Zulu) or Ubuvuma (Xhosa), and southern Europe.

Adaptogens, including Ashwagandha, are renowned for their multitasking capabilities in supporting human health. They not only bolster physical endurance and mental acuity but also help the body recover during periods of occasional stress. The term “adaptogen” highlights their ability to enhance resilience, helping the body adapt to stressful situations in a balanced manner.

As one of the foundational adaptogens, Ashwagandha works to normalize and regulate key systems in the body—including the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems—via the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis. This complex system acts as the body’s stress response mechanism, ensuring hormonal balance and helping maintain smooth energy levels. Ashwagandha supports this feedback loop, fostering stable energy during the day and restful sleep at night.

The herb’s roots are most commonly harvested and consumed to ease minor tension, enhance mood, and maintain healthy energy levels. Its additional benefits include promoting immune function, reducing temporary inflammation, and supporting cognitive health by encouraging healthy blood circulation to the brain.*

Beyond its adaptogenic roots, Ashwagandha has a rich cultural significance. In Africa, its leaves are applied topically for rejuvenation, while its vibrant orange fruits were once used in ancient Egypt to adorn royal coffins. Modern Western medicine has focused its studies on Ashwagandha’s stress-relieving properties, highlighting its role in balancing occasional anxiousness and cognitive support.

Often referred to as the “Ginseng of India,” Ashwagandha shares similarities with Ginseng in promoting adrenal and endocrine health. However, while Ginseng is primarily invigorating, Ashwagandha’s effects are more calming, making it ideal for stress relief and relaxation.*

The name Ashwagandha translates to “smells like a horse,” though its earthy, pungent aroma is more reminiscent of its natural environment. Encapsulation in supplements is common to mask its strong scent, ensuring accessibility for those who might find its aroma overwhelming. Some believe the name also reflects its ability to impart the “strength of a horse,” a nod to its adaptogenic prowess.

Ashwagandha

Withania somnifera

Botanical Name: Withania somnifera
Herb Type/Actions: Adaptogen, Immune Modulator, Nervine, Healthy Inflammatory Response Support, Yang Tonic, Alterative
Parts Used: Root
Taste Profile: Bitter, acrid, sweet
Energetic Properties: Neutral to mildly warming
Traditional Uses: Adrenal support, nervous system support, stress relief, sleep aid, cognitive and mood support, immune system enhancement

Ashwagandha is a calming and grounding herb from Ayurvedic tradition that supports your body through occasional stress, boosts energy, and promotes restful sleep. Known as an adaptogen, it helps the body stay balanced and resilient, even during busy or stressful times.*

This amazing herb has been used for over 6,000 years, making it one of the oldest known remedies in Ayurvedic medicine. While it’s most commonly linked to India, Ashwagandha also grows in parts of Africa and southern Europe, where it’s equally valued for its health-boosting properties.

Adaptogens like Ashwagandha are true multitaskers, helping to improve stamina, focus, and recovery during challenging periods. The name “adaptogen” comes from their ability to help the body “adapt” to occasional stress by supporting the systems that regulate energy, mood, and overall wellbeing.

Ashwagandha is especially good at calming the HPA axis (Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal), your body’s built-in stress response system. By helping maintain balance in this system, Ashwagandha encourages steady energy during the day and better sleep at night. If you’ve ever felt worn out or “wired but tired,” Ashwagandha can help regulate these ups and downs so you feel more in sync with your natural rhythms.

Most people use Ashwagandha’s roots to ease occasional tension, balance mood, and support energy. It’s also great for promoting immune health and improving focus by supporting blood flow to the brain. In some African countries, the leaves are used topically for skin healing, while the plant’s bright orange berries were once used in ancient Egypt to decorate royal tombs.

Modern research highlights Ashwagandha’s ability to relieve occasional anxiousness and improve cognitive health. Its slightly warming properties make it especially good for boosting brain function and promoting mental clarity.*

Sometimes called the “Ginseng of India,” Ashwagandha shares similarities with Ginseng in supporting energy and vitality. However, while Ginseng is stimulating, Ashwagandha is more calming, making it perfect for relaxation and stress relief.*

The name “Ashwagandha” translates to “smells like a horse,” but don’t worry—its earthy aroma is often masked in capsules or powders. Some say the name refers to its ability to give you the “strength of a horse,” a nod to its powerful adaptogenic benefits.