Ashwagandha – Naturally Towards More Balance

Aug 23, 2021Roman Ladyzenskij

Do you often feel restless, stressed, or nervous? Then it's time to get to know Ashwagandha better. This Ayurvedic medicinal plant helps bring more balance into your life. Find out everything you need to know about Ashwagandha here.

What is Ashwagandha?

Behind this unusual name lies a medicinal plant that is presumed to originate from Africa. However, it is now widely spread and known worldwide. The plant is most popular in India, where its current name Ashwagandha also comes from. In Old Indian (Sanskrit), it means "smell of a horse."

In this country, Ashwagandha is also known as winter cherry or Indian ginseng. Botanically, the plant is also called Withania somnifera and belongs to the nightshade family. Its appearance is comparable to that of physalis.

In Germany, Ashwagandha usually refers to powders or capsules used as dietary supplements, which are made from the roots of the winter cherry. It is also a valued adaptogen.

CLAV Magazin Ashwagandha Applications

When is Ashwagandha used?

In traditional medicine, Ayurvedic treatments, and among biohackers, the winter cherry is highly valued. As its name suggests, it is believed to promote sleep and calm. But at the same time, it is also said to energize. Together, this creates an effect that brings more balance into your life.

Ashwagandha is attributed the following properties:

improves sleep
relaxes and leads to inner peace
increases stress resilience
prevents anxiety
lowers cholesterol levels
anti-inflammatory effects
strengthens power and endurance
increases libido and potency
keeps you young
improves memory performance
alleviates pain

Although Ashwagandha has been used for a long time, there are few scientific studies confirming the effects of the plant. The current knowledge about the winter cherry mainly comes from India and Asia. Western research, however, is still sparse. Therefore, further studies are needed to recognize the effect of the root.

Previous studies have come to these conclusions:

Improved athletic performance (endurance) after eight weeks with Ashwagandha.
More muscle mass and strength in combination with strength training while taking Ashwagandha over eight weeks.
Antidepressant effect and reduction of anxiety.
Extracts of the winter cherry can rebuild neural networks, making them useful for memory deficits and potentially applicable in neurodegenerative diseases (so far only shown in an animal model study).
Improved memory and cognitive abilities after eight weeks of Ashwagandha extract use.
Reduced cortisol levels (stress parameter) after 60 days of Ashwagandha treatment.
Stress-related infertility in men can be improved by the medicinal plant. After three months of intake, subjects showed fewer signs of stress, more antioxidants, and improved sperm quality.
Faster falling asleep and more efficient sleep after eight weeks of Ashwagandha intake.

It is assumed that the various effects of the root are due to its contained ingredients such as alkaloids and withanolides.

CLAV Magazin Ashwagandha Balance

Buying Ashwagandha: What you should look out for!

Have the positive effects convinced you and you want to buy Ashwagandha? Then you should consider a few things:

Side effects

The medicinal plant is generally well tolerated. At high doses, stomach pain or diarrhea may occur.

Who is the winter cherry not suitable for?

Children and pregnant women should not take Ashwagandha. If in doubt due to existing illnesses or taking medications, you should first discuss with your doctor whether Ashwagandha is suitable for you.

Dosage form

Powders, capsules, and tablets are the common forms in which you can buy Ashwagandha. Occasionally, dried berries or roots are also offered for a tea. Since the root and powder made from it have a bitter taste, capsules for swallowing are the most uncomplicated to use.

Quality

For products from reputable manufacturers, you can see from the packaging how much Ashwagandha is contained. You will also find information about production, such as vegan, and recommendations for intake.

Ashwagandha: Conclusion

The winter cherry (Withania somnifera) has long been known in Ayurvedic medicine. It is used for sleep disorders, restlessness, anxiety, stress, and is also said to provide more energy. An ideal combination for inner balance.

In Western medicine, the medicinal plant has so far seen little use, as further research is demanded. However, there are already some studies that confirm the effects of Ashwagandha and acknowledge good tolerability.

In Germany, you can buy products made from the plant as dietary supplements in the form of capsules or powder. For an even better effect, Ashwagandha is combined with other ingredients that also support inner balance, such as Siberian ginseng.

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