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Ashwagandha: Nutrients & Benefits

 

Ashwagandha is an herb said to help the body adapt to stress and anxiety while supporting feelings of relaxation and restfulness. Research shows these potential medicinal benefits result from adaptogens that help regulate physiological processes in the body and mind.

Importance of Adaptogens

Adaptogens help ashwagandha to survive environmental changes, such as drought, temperature fluctuations, disease, and other factors. (1) Similarly, when humans ingest ashwagandha, adaptogens help the body better respond to or survive stress, anxiety, and related situations. (2).

Because stress and anxiety can contribute to several negative symptoms, ashwagandha has many secondary potential benefits. Ancient texts and modern clinical trials suggest that ashwagandha may support many areas of the body and mind, including the following:

  • Anxiety
  • Adrenal fatigue
  • Inflammation
  • Immune function
  • Thyroid health
  • Hormone production
  • Joint pain and mobility
  • Male sexual health
  • Female sexual health, reproduction, and menopause
 

What is Ashwagandha?

 

Ashwagandha, known by the scientific name Withania somnifera, is a short perennial shrub that belongs to the Solanaceae (nightshade) family of plants that includes tomatoes, bell and chili peppers, and tobacco. This family of plants comprises herbs, vines, shrubs, trees, weeds, and ornamentals. (1)

 

Ashwagandha is also known by many other names:

  • Ajagandha
  • Ayurvedic ginseng
  • Indian ginseng
  • Ghoda asoda
  • Hayahvaya
  • Winter cherry
  • Vajigandha

The name of the herb has changed with its spread around the world and adoption into local cultures, medicine, and sometimes cuisine.

Ayurvedic Rasayana

Ayurveda is one of the oldest systems of medicine that 70% of the Indian population still practice today. (3)(4) The earliest known Ayurvedic texts date back 5,000 years and describe the practice of treating sickness and disease by balancing the mind and body with the use of medicinal plants and Ayurvedic herbs, food, meditation, aromatherapy, exercise, and body cleanses.

While the modern sciences are still working to uncover what pathways ashwagandha uses to provide medicinal benefits in humans, Ayurvedic practitioners long ago explained that ashwagandha is a Rasayana, which is a Sanskrit word that means taste, essence, or emotion. (5) When broken down, the word "rasa" means to preserve, transform, and replenish; and "ayana" means to increase or circulate.

Therefore, an herb that is a Rasayana might provide physical or mental clarity. Other herbs and plants said to be Rasayana include amalaki, bibhitaki, haritaki, shilajit, long pepper, black pepper, ginger, Guggulu, Guduchi, and shatavari. Combining one or more of these herbs with ashwagandha may provide optimal support and feelings of rejuvenation.

       

Practitioner’s Take on Ashwagandha

 

Angela Halderson, RDN, CHC, and Integrative & Functional Nutrition Practitioner, describes ashwagandha as an accessible herb with many potential medicinal benefits. "Ashwagandha is a gentle yet powerful herb," she explains. "It is what I describe as an entry-level adaptogen. An adaptogen is an herb that helps the adrenal glands release less cortisol." Understanding cortisol is important for knowing why we experience stress.

Cortisol is the stress hormone, released by the adrenal glands in important moments, such as grabbing your kids from the street or running from a burning building. Without cortisol, people might react appear lethargic or uncarring. In some ways, cortisol is vital to a long and healthy life. However, the typical American lifestyle creates an environment where cortisol never really stops flowing from the adrenals.

"Fueling your day with caffeine; juggling kids, the dog, and work; and the needs of a partner; running from meeting to meeting; and eating in front of the computer or the car are all everyday activities that drive up our cortisol levels and don't allow our bodies to relax." Angela tells us that because modern lifestyles invite chronic stress, people are desperate for a solutions. This is where the popularity of ashwagandha comes from.

"Ashwagandha happens to be highly accessible, with relatively few side effects." Angela expands on this, saying, "I describe ashwagandha as entry-level because I see it as the perfect herb for daily stress."

But ashwagandha is good for more than managing cortisol. "Ashwagandha is great at supporting the thyroid too." If your thyroid is sluggish and unable to promote thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), a daily dose of ashwagandha may help to increase TSH levels. "An increasein T4 and T3 levels is what we want. Another benefit is that ashwagandha also plays a role in immune system function. It can help the production of more white blood cells."

For those with difficulty sleeping, ashwagandha may also help promote feelings of restfulness. "Ashwagandha taken before bed can help improve sleep. It does this by decreasing cortisol levels which can keep a person up later or wake them throughout the night."

But there are caveats to ashwagandha. People with certain disorders or health problems may find that ashwagandha hurts more than it helps. "Since ashwagandha increases thyroid hormones, someone hyperthyroid would want to avoid it. Also, if a person is sensitive to nightshades or follows the autoimmune paleo diet, they would want to avoid ashwagandha, as it is a nightshade."

In addition to taking ashwagandha for daily stress, Angela also recommends vitamins, minerals, and herbs for optimal support. "If someone uses ashwagandha for daily stress, I highly recommend supplementing with extra Bvitamins and magnesium. These are easily used up by the body when we are under stress. I like to pair ashwagandha with passionflower, skullcap, or valerian for someone suffering from insomnia. These herbs help relax our nerves, calm the mind, and promote restful sleep."

If you decide to take ashwagandha, you will also need to be mindful of the form and dosage of the herb. "There are many forms of this herb and dosages. Some liquid herbs can be better absorbed than capsules. However, quality and potency are very important when purchasing a liquid herbal supplement. Look for a root extract with a 1:1 ratio. Don't be afraid of alcohol tinctures. Alcohol can pull out valuable nutrients from the root of ashwagandha, which may be more beneficial than an alcohol-free tincture. If liquids are too challenging, find a liquid capsule or a whole herb-dried extract. As always, organic or wildcrafted is best. Dosing is very individualized. Herbs benefit the body for about 4 hours, so dosing repeatedly throughout the day may be indicated for some people."

Before trying to figure out dosing for yourself, Angela suggests consulting with an experienced practitioner. "The internet is full of misleading information. Good sources for herbal reference can be found in the National Library of Medicine, the American Herbalist Guild, PubMed, and even your local library. I like to read books published later than the 1850s when dosing and recipes were very specific so everyone could care for themselves or their families."

Ashwagandha Benefits

 

As described previously, the effects of Withania somnifera on the body are numerous. Continue reading to learn more about the specific health benefits of ashwagandha.

Stress and Anxiety

Ashwagandha is well known for its potential to support a healthy stress and anxiety response in the central nervous system. Research suggests that the adaptogens in ashwagandha help regulate two brain aspects. The first is how the body perceives outside pressures, including work, finances, relationships, and other life events. (6) The second is how adaptogens help to manage the release of adrenaline and cortisol. (7)

When the body is overwhelmed by stress and anxiety, you are more likely to experience the fight-or-flight response. In early human history, the fight-or-flight response prepared humans for danger. Either to meet a challenge head-on or to flee from it. While a predator can trigger a fight-or-flight response, the fear of losing your job, an overdue bill, or some other sudden change in life can have the same effect.

Normally, escaping danger would stop adrenaline and cortisol from being released, and the body would calm down. But excessive or prolonged stress and anxiety caused by modern life can lead to temporary or chronic health problems. Since you can not always remove yourself from situations that cause stress or anxiety, taking ashwagandha may help to manage your reaction and reduce your risk of health problems.

Failure to address stress and anxiety can cause or worsen headaches, stomach disorders, hives, eczema, psoriasis, allergies, and asthma. (8) Acute episodes of stress can also cause gastrointestinal tract disorders, ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, gas, cramping, and other digestive challenges. Emotional circumstances, anxious thoughts, constant conflict, and repeated frustrations can also lead to stress or can be a symptom of it. In effect, stress causes health problems that, in turn, cause more stress, and the cycle repeats and takes a toll on the body. Some of these risks may be related to elevated blood pressure, trouble sleeping, or emotional instability that increases the risks of substance abuse or poor dietary habits.

Ashwagandha has been touted for its ability to help balance the hypothalamic, pituitary, and adrenal (HPA) glands. These glands form the HPA axis. (9)(10) The HPA axis directly influences the hormones cortisol, DHEA, and norepinephrine. These hormones are important for helping the body move between states of stress and relaxation. However, sustained stress can cause HPA axis dysfunction, leading to a negative health state. Researchers suggest that ashwagandha may be key to helping the HPA axis remain healthy and working properly.

To help assess the potential benefits of ashwagandha for reducing stress and anxiety in adults, researchers conducted a study with 64 subjects who reported a history of chronic stress. (11) The subjects were treated with 300 mg of full-spectrum ashwagandha root extract or a placebo. Follow-up analysis occurred at 15-day intervals, with a final assessment conducted on day 60. The study assessed "the level of stress, depression, anxiety and general wellbeing of an individual using three different sets of stress scales, and serum cortisol levels, a biochemical marker of stress." The study concluded that "ashwagandha root extract improves an individual's resistance towards stress and improves self-assessed quality of life. High-concentration full-spectrum ashwagandha root extract can safely be used as an adaptogen in adults under stress."

In another study, researchers compared the use of naturopathic care (NC) and standardized psychotherapy intervention (PT) during a 12-week period. (12) The study included 81 participants with moderate to severe anxiety. Following the study, researchers noted that both groups showed "significant improvements in patients' anxiety. Group comparisons showed a significant decrease in anxiety levels in the NC group over the PT group. Significant improvements in secondary quality of life measures were also observed in the NC group compared to PT."

However, these studies are limited. Some individuals seek to use ashwagandha as an antidepressant, for bipolar disorder, or other cognitive functions. Do not seek to self-diagnose or treat these or related disorders with ashwagandha.

Inflammation

Ashwagandha may also help to regulate pro-inflammatory factors in the immune system. (13) The immune system uses inflammation to protect and heal cells from damage. However, this immune response can cause a negative outcome on health and even result in long-term tissue damage. In a study that examined the effects of a supplement blend with ashwagandha root extract, zinc chloride, magnesium gluconate hydrate, and sodium selenate on inflammation, researchers found that these ingredients provided "significant inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines." Researchers suggest that a combination of these ingredients may be useful in complementary or alternative treatments to provide the body with anti-inflammatory properties that seek to support various types of inflammatory disorders.

Thyroid Health

Research has suggested that ashwagandha root extract may change thyroid hormone concentrations. (14) In animal studies, ashwagandha root extract contains antioxidant factors that stimulate thyroid activity and help protect hepatic tissue from oxidative damage.

Adrenal Fatigue or Insufficiency

Health practitioners use the term adrenal fatigue to explain a myriad of non-specific symptoms in patients who experience repeated exposure to stress. (15) This is a theoretical condition that explains why a patient suffers from fatigue, aches, depression, trouble focusing on tasks, or any other symptom with no explainable cause.

However, adrenal fatigue is not recognized as medically diagnosable. Effective treatment for adrenal fatigue is likewise unproven. According to some critics, people seeking treatment for adrenal fatigue could mask more serious underlying causes of their health problems, such as depression, fibromyalgia, or Addison's disease. (16)(17) Before accepting a diagnosis of adrenal fatigue, it is suggested that any patient first receive an evaluation to check for "anemia, sleep apnea, autoimmune diseases, infections, other hormonal impairments, mental illnesses, heart and lung problems, and kidney and liver diseases," according to the Harvard Medical School.

Medical doctors and alternative medicine providers have developed techniques to diagnose people with adrenal fatigue. One method includes the drawing and analysis of blood from a patient. (18) Normally, the adrenals release "feel good" hormones that provide feelings of energy or a positive outlook, as well as hormones that help to regulate various functions throughout the body. As the adrenals can no longer properly balance hormone levels in the body due to overwork, an irregular or low number of hormones would be present in the blood. A second method is a more simple analysis of the patient's physical and mental wellbeing.

Due to the nature of adrenal fatigue and a lack of understanding of whether it is valid, addressing concerns is difficult. But there are some suggestions for helping to deal with symptoms associated with adrenal fatigue. (19) Consider combining some of these suggestions for optimal results.

  • Herbs – Adaptogenic herbs such as ashwagandha, Rhodiola, or licorice root may help to balance the normal release of hormones in the body and a healthy reaction to stress and frustration.
  • B Vitamins – vitamins may help fill nutritional gaps that may affect the endocrine system, brain, or healthy habits that affect how the body functions.
  • Magnesium – This essential trace mineral supports more than 300 enzymatic reactions in the body, including the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA), which regulates stress.
  • Coenzyme Q10 – This antioxidant helps to take the burden off of cells during energy production, allowing them to focus on energy production and not antioxidant production.
  • More sleep – Healthy sleep patterns help maintain the normal hormone production rhythm during normal sleep.
  • Diet – Reducing or eliminating processed foods, salts, saturated fats, simple sugars, and desserts or other snack foods can help to regulate blood sugar levels and provide the body with the right mix of nutrients to balance hormones.

Female Fertility

In a study examining the effect of ashwagandha on healthy women with reported female sexual dysfunction (FSD), researchers reported that the herb might be useful as part of alternative therapy that seeks to restore sexual desire, including relief from reduced libido, dryness, reduced arousal, pain, and problems related to achieving orgasm due to neurovascular, hormonal, or psychogenic manifestations. (20)

The study states that a high concentration of ashwagandha root extract (HCARE) may reduce FSD by helping the body to adapt to stress and support the normal release of cortisol in the blood. To determine the potential efficacy of HCARE on women, 50 females diagnosed with one or more FDS conditions between the ages of 21 and 50, were enrolled in the study. Each patient received 300 mg of ashwagandha, given twice daily after food and water over 8 weeks.

Changes in FSD were reported on a series of standardized scales to measure personal experience and changes in sexual activity. Results show positive outcomes in several areas, specifically those resulting from stress, but psychological counseling, when combined with a placebo, had a greater effect than ashwagandha alone. Researchers did not look at a combination of counseling and ashwagandha.

Menopause

Hormonal changes mark menopause, specifically the reduction of estrogen production, which can affect normal habits such as sleep, mood, and the ability to deal with stress or other challenges. A study looking at the efficacy of the Indian tonic ashokarishta, ashwagandha churna (a powdered form of the herb), and praval pishti (an ayurvedic preparation made with coral) for the management of menopausal syndromes found positive results in patients with psychological complaints. (21)

Fifty-one women between the ages of 40 and 55 years, who were undergoing menopause, and met other reported criteria, were evaluated before and after the study. For three months, all patients received 25 ml of ashokarishta twice daily, 3 grams of ashwagandha churna twice daily with milk a one-half hour before food, and 1 capsule of 250 mg praval pishti with milk one half hour before food.

In concluding the study, the researcher noted that the combination of different formulas did improve "physiological disturbances such as white discharge and hot flashes," but proved most beneficial for "headache, irritability, depression, mood swings, sleep disturbances." No adverse side effects were reported.

Exercise Recovery

A study of 57 male patients with limited experience in resistance training was evaluated for the effect of ashwagandha on exercise recovery. (22) In the study, 29 patients were given 300 mg of ashwagandha root extract twice daily, and the remaining 28 were given a starch placebo. Baseline measurements were taken at the start of the study, with measurements of muscle size, body composition, serum testosterone levels, and muscle recovery recorded during the following 8-week period. "Muscle strength was evaluated using the 1-RM load for the bench press and leg extension exercises. Muscle recovery was evaluated by using serum creatine kinase level as a marker of muscle injury from the effects of exercise."

When concluding the study, researchers wrote that "ashwagandha supplementation is associated with significant increases in muscle mass and strength and suggests that ashwagandha supplementation may be useful in conjunction with a resistance training program."

Researchers also noted that the findings might lack clarity as the sample size of 50 needs to be increased, the duration of 8 weeks extended, and the introduction of older patients important to better understand the potential efficacy of ashwagandha in exercise recovery.

Joint Pain and Mobility

To test the potential efficacy and safety of ashwagandha in rheumatoid arthritis, 86 patients with joint pain took part in a series of treatments during a 7-week pilot study. (23) Patients received 5 grams of ashwagandha powder twice daily for 3 weeks, and Siddha (an ayurvedic mineral-based preparation) with honey for the following 4 weeks. Researchers noted that "a significant change in post-treatment scores of tender joint counts, swollen joint counts, physician global assessment score, patient global assessment scale, pain assessment score, patient self-assessed disability index score and ESR level was observed." However, due to the small sample size, duration, and other factors, further studies may be a reason to find this research conclusive, including its role in similar conditions, such as osteoarthritis.

Male Reproduction

Historically, practitioners of Ayurveda would recommend ashwagandha in males looking for reproductive support. To assess these claims, researchers looked at the effect of ashwagandha on semen quality. (24) This study focused on the relationship between stress and male reproduction. The study involved 121 male subjects between the ages of 25 and 38 with known infertility factors. Another 60 age-matched men that had started at least one pregnancy and had a normal semen profile were placed in a control group.

The treatment for the infertile men included 5 grams of ashwagandha root powder each day for 3 months. The study measured hormones, stress, sperm count, and semen quality. The study noted that there was confirmation of previous reports outlining the antioxidant, adaptogenic, and aphrodisiac activities of ashwagandha. While all factors improved in some male subjects, lifestyle factors such as smoking and stress also affected male fertility. While ashwagandha can play a role in supporting male reproduction, other life changes may be necessary to achieve results.

DNA Synthesis and Tissue Growth

A test tube study of ashwagandha sought to confirm its potential ability to protect brain-derived cells against oxidative stress. (25) Researchers used cultured glioblastoma and neuroblastoma cells, introduced oxidative factors, and measured the outcome. In concluding the clinical study, researchers noted that "ashwagandha leaf extracts protect against oxidative stress, DNA damage, and glutamate excitotoxicity." The researchers suggested that some form of ashwagandha may function as a natural neurotherapeutic drug." However, it is also noted that "further studies may help to resolve the signaling pathways and mechanisms involved in the therapeutic potential."

Sleep

Falling asleep and maintaining a healthy sleep cycle is problematic for some people. (26) An estimated 50 percent of adults will eventually experience insomnia. Around one and ten people suffer from chronic insomnia. Due to a lack of knowledge in the area of sleep, a variety of drugs have been used to help induce sleep, but these can cause side effects that include dependency, rashes, allergic reactions, changes in behavior, headaches, confusion, and other problems that affect the waking hours. (27)

Researchers investigated the use of ashwagandha by practitioners of Ayurvedic medicine to induce sleep to see if it would provide an ideal alternative to sleeping drugs. (28) Because the compounds in the herb responsible for these sleep effects are not known, researchers focused on compounds found in the leaf and used animal models to test the efficacy of each compound.

The research found that the alcoholic extract of ashwagandha that contained the compound withanolides did not induce sleep. The water extract that contained trimethylene glycol reduced non-rapid eye movement during sleep, a marker for improved sleep quality. (29)

 

Ashwagandha Dosage

 

There is no established "correct dosage" for ashwagandha. (30) Individual sensitivities, prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and participation in medical therapies or procedures may affect how the body interacts with any herb. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid ashwagandha.

Studies examining the potential medicinal effects of ashwagandha have tested the herb at around 200 mg and up to or more than 2 grams. Supplements may contain amounts up to or within this range or greater depending on the intended use established by the manufacturer. Some research suggests that high doses of ashwagandha should be divided throughout the day. (31) Supplements containing the whole herb, extracts, or blends of other plant parts and extracts may affect how the body interacts with or absorbs ashwagandha. Follow the individual manufacturer guidelines for recommended use, or consult with a primary health care professional before beginning a regimen.

 

Ashwagandha Side Effects

 

Ashwagandha is well tolerated by most people, even in higher doses. Some individuals may have nausea, vomiting, rashes, or increased pH in the body. There are concerns about lead and mercury content found in the herbs that can result from environmental pollution. Continuous use of any herb that grows around roadways or industrial centers or contains pesticides or other contaminants may cause damage to the liver or kidneys. Purchasing herbal supplements from trusted manufacturers that can trace the origins of the herb will help to ensure the health of the body and optimal medicinal benefits.

 

Ashwagandha Nutrition

 

Ashwagandha contains various nutrients that may be ideal for supporting individual health goals. (32) Every 100 grams of ashwagandha root powder contains around 7% moisture, 4.41 gram of ash, 3.9 grams of protein, 0.3 grams of fat, 32.2 grams of fiber, 245 Kcal, around 50 grams of carbohydrates, 3.3 mg of iron, 23 mg of calcium, around 75 micrograms of carotene, and around 6 grams of vitamin C. Ashwagandha also contains flavonoids, antioxidants, and essential minerals that support hundreds of biological functions in the body.

 

Ashwagandha Cultivation

 

Ashwagandha can grow 30 inches tall, with branches reaching 5 inches long. (33) The branches produce small flowers throughout the year. These flowers open in a bell shape and sprout small orange-red marble size fruits. The greenish-yellow leaves are described as having a normal shape, meaning the plant may be more difficult to identify in the wild. Supplements and herbal mixtures use the fruit, root structure, and leaves.

Ashwagandha is native to India, but farmers now cultivate it in places like the Middle East, Africa, and North America due to increasing demand. It is drought resistant and prefers to grow at higher altitudes but can be found at almost any elevation.

Ashwagandha prefers light, sandy soil with an acidity level between 7.5 and 8 pH. Its natural habitat is located around 2,000 feet above sea level, but it will grow in low-lying areas with proper care.

The soil should be well drained and watered sparingly. (34) Water liberally during the winter to encourage root growth in the spring. The plant grows best above 75 degrees Fahrenheit but can tolerate colder temperatures at the expense of slower growth.

Ashwagandha prefers to grow in open fields. Limit shade and interaction with competing plants. To plant, sow the seeds by tossing them onto loose soil or planting them in lines. If tossing the seeds out into an open area, wait for up to 60 days, then begin to thin the sprouts if they grow too close together. If growing in a nursery, lightly plant the seeds just below the soil line and water to start germination. Be wary of spider mites and other small pests that feed on the leaves and stems. Weeding should occur throughout the early stages of growth. Once the plant matures, it will smother other plant growth in the area.

If using the plant for medicinal purposes, do not use chemical fertilizers or pesticides. Any compound in the soil or sprayed over the plant will absorb into the plant and may pose a health risk when ingested.

If planted in late spring or early summer, expect flowers from December onward. If grown in a northern region, plant the seeds during the first warm spring days and expect blooms in the fall. Depending on the region, harvesting the plant may be possible during the first year of growth. In ideal growing conditions, maturity takes up to 180 days.

When ready to harvest, uproot the entire plant and cut a short distance above the crown (the part separating the root structure from the stem). Cut the roots into small pieces and dry, or leave the entire root to dry in the sun before cutting. The roots should be cleaned, trimmed, and graded before use. Pluck the berries separately. Dry and crush the berries to remove the seeds, or seed them when fresh. Use a knife to strip the stem and any branches. All parts of the plant can be used for medicinal purposes. (35)

 

Ashwagandha History

 

The word ashwagandha comes from the Sanskrit language. It combines the words "ashva," meaning horse, and "gandha," meaning smell, a description of the horse-like odor of the plant. (5) Ashwagandha also translates to "strength of the stallion," a reference to the virility of horses as the herb is said to support vitality as well as the reproductive function of men and women.

Some historians suggest that the first use of ashwagandha dates back to the formation of the Ayurvedic system of medicine around 6,000 BC (36). During this period, preparations of ashwagandha varied based on the patient's ailment. Plant oil or ghee (a type of paste or spread) were the most common preparations of ashwagandha for medicinal purposes.

Ashwagandha remains available today in many forms but is most commonly found as an extract. This extraction technique is a somewhat more modern innovation that involves various techniques that seek to separate key plant compounds from each plant part. This process allows the body to absorb the plant compounds compared to digesting the whole plant parts and potentially only absorbing a small percentage of compounds. Ashwagandha, which is dissolved in alcohol, is one of the more popular delivery methods. Alcohol is processed through the liver after ingestion, and when laced with ashwagandha, it may result in optimal absorption into the bloodstream. This method is believed to be best for stress or frustration relief as the stress hormone cortisol is processed in the liver. Thus ashwagandha will have a more direct impact.

 

Start Taking an Ashwagandha Supplement Today

 

Ashwagandha can be found in several convenient forms. These include capsules, tablets, liquid extracts, teas, or the whole herb. Ashwagandha is a primary ingredient in moon milk, a recreation of the popular golden milk. Moon milk contains most of the same ingredients, such as turmeric, coconut milk, black pepper, honey, and sometimes coconut oil, but it also adds ashwagandha. Golden milk is described as a "wonder drink" due to its purported medicinal benefits, while moon milk may be the best way to relax before bed.

Consider taking ashwagandha for its potential medicinal benefits, as outlined in this article. With a history dating back thousands of years to ancient systems of medicine, the herb remains popular today. As life becomes more stressful and it feels increasingly difficult to cope, seeking balance in life through healthy eating, diet, therapies, and herbs may provide optimal results during your health journey.

When seeking out ashwagandha supplements or other herbal formulas, always shop for trusted stores that research vendors prior to offering a product. The NHC.com store offers hundreds of ashwagandha supplements that a certified nutritionist has vetted. Try ashwagandha for your health needs and see if it makes a difference in your life.

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