Adaptogenic Nervous System Support:
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root is an Ayurvedic herb that is traditionally used similarly to ginseng. Also called Indian Ginseng and Winter Cherry, it is a nervous system restorative and has adaptogenic properties which increase one’s vitality and physical endurance. Dr. Vasant Lad sees it as "the best rejuvenative herb, particularly for the muscles, marrow and semen" hence it's long usage as a sexual tonic. However, it has benefits for everyone from children to the elderly in cases of weakness and tissue deficiency, debilitation by chronic disease, overwork, lack of sleep or nervous exhaustion and much more.
Ashwagandha is an annual native to India and likes very sunny, fairly dry conditions. As such it is a fairly drought-resistant plant. Bushes grow about 3 feet or more and develop their unique orange-red berries in the fall. You can harvest the roots in fall around the first frost.
Method & Dosage:
There are many ways to introduce Ashwagandha to your routine. Traditionally, it has been ingested as a Decocted Tea, paste (Swarnamritaprashana), medicated ghee, medicated oil, etc. It can easily be taken by capsule or tincture. A dry powdered dosage of between 250mg - 1g per day and a tincture dosage of 30 drops 1 - 3 times per day are solid baseline dosages for this herb.
Ashwaganda is useful for the following conditions: fatigue, general debility, anorexia, senility, irritability, anxiety, tremors, and stress-induced disorders. It also rebuilds and nourishes the immune system following a deep infection. Ashwaganda enhances libido.
**Contraindications: Consult your health care professional before consuming Ashwaganda during pregnancy. Avoid consumption during an acute infection.*
Herbal Formulations with Ashwagandha Root
7-Herb Energy: A Banyan Botanicals blend
This effective formula is a customer favorite! It promotes healthy, natural energy and focus
It contains: Ashwagandha root, American Ginseng root, Red Chinese Ginseng root, Gokshura fruit, Brahmi/Gotu kola leaf, Licorice root, Ginger root.
Hang in There, Baby!: A Moonrise tea blend
Ingredients: Organically grown herbs: Lycii Berries, Ashwagandha root, Rosehips, Schizandra Berries, Licorice Root & Hawthorne Berries
Adrenal Health: A Gaia Herbs combo
We love Gaia Herbs and can't praise this incredible formula enough! It effectively promotes balances the adrenal system to promote healthy stress management and gently provides energy as well.
Ingredients: Rhodiola root (Rhodiola rosacea), Holy Basil leaf (Ocimum sanctum), Ashwagandha root (Withania somnifera), Wild Oats milky seed (Avena sativa) fresh, Schisandra berry (Schisandra chinensis). Suitable for vegetarians.
Delicious Recipes with Ashwagandha Root
Dried Ashwagandha doesn't have an incredibly strong smell or flavor, so it can easily be thrown into various recipes without changing the flavor profile too much. That said, here are a couple of our favorite recipes featuring this marvelous herb!
Well Being Smoothie
1 Tb Roasted Dandelion root
1 tsp Ashwagandha root powder
1 tsp Astragalus root powder
1 tsp Tulsi (Holy) Basil leaf
1/2 tsp Ceylon Cinnamon powder
2 cups of your favorite nut milk
Blend all ingredients together until smooth. Optionally, you can add 5-7 ice cubes for a cold smoothie.
Grounding Trail Mix
1 Tb Coconut Oil
1 cup of your favorite raisins
1 cup Pumpkin Seeds
1 Tb. Sesame Seeds
1 tsp Cumin powder
1 tsp Cardamom powder
1 tsp Ashwagandha powder
1 tsp Maca root powder
In a small pan, heat coconut oil over medium-high heat until the oil becomes liquefied. Add cumin and cardamom to oil and heat for 1 minute or until they become aromatic. Add the raisins, pumpkin seeds, and sesame seeds (and optionally your favorite nuts) to pan and stir to evenly coat with oil and herbs. Leave over heat, stirring occasionally for 3–5 minutes or until the seeds start to brown. Remove from heat and stir in ashwagandha and maca. Transfer to parchment paper to cool.