6 mins
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha ( withania somnifera ) is a plant used in traditional Indian medicine for all of its beneficial effects on health.
Also called Indian Ginseng , it has calming properties, promotes sleep, acts to prevent certain diseases... But it is above all for its tonic and aphrodisiac properties that this plant with multiple benefits is known.
But deep down, what does this plant with its barbaric name hide: what is its composition? What are its benefits on the body? How to use it properly and find the right food supplement? In what cases should it be consumed… or not?
We tell you everything in this complete guide! 🌿
What is ashwagandha?
Short description and history of an ancestral plant
The very symbol of fertility and life, ashwagandha is a plant used for centuries for its medicinal properties, particularly in Ayurvedic medicine, India being its country of origin.
It is part of the nightshade family (like eggplant) and looks like a bush dotted with small orange/red berries. Its smell is also characteristic: not very pleasant, it is comparable to that of a horse. It is from this smell that the plant gets its name: ashwagandha is a combination of “ashva” and “gandha”, meaning “horse” and “smell”.
In Arabic, it is called waraq a-chifaa, the leaf of healing , because of its incredible and various benefits on the body.
An adaptogenic plant
Indian ginseng is what we call an “adaptogenic” plant, like other types of ginseng (Russian ginseng, Siberian ginseng, etc.). These plants present several main characteristics and effects, starting with increased resistance to stress, a versatile and non-specific action (which therefore targets all origins of stress, whether biological, physical or chemical), as well as an absence of toxicity and influence on the normal and valid functioning of the body.
Thus, an adaptogenic plant like ashwagandha has the function and characteristic of rebalancing your nervous system disturbed by stress, whatever its source, to regain your normal serenity.
Ashwagandha: what is its composition?
It is no coincidence that this plant can treat and relieve many ailments. Indeed, its composition is a source of amino acids, withanolides, tannins... But let's see in more detail what ashwagandha is composed of.
Free amino acids
Essential to the proper functioning of our organs, the amino acids present in ashwagandha are mainly made up of:
- Tyrosine, which stimulates dopamine production and helps regulate stress;
- Glycine, which allows for better muscle recovery;
- Proline, whose role is to synthesize collagen.
The plant also contains glutamic acid, or even alanine.
Withanolides
Found in ashwagandha leaves, withanolides are steroids with anti-cancer and antioxidant capabilities.
Withaferin A
A component of ashwagandha roots, withaferin A has adaptogenic, anti-tumor, cardioprotective and anti-stress properties. It is also neuroprotective and immunomodulatory.
Finally, the berries of the plant also contain a large number of elements beneficial to our health, such as flavonoids, which have antioxidant power, or tannins, known for their astringent properties.
We recommend you
Organic Ashwagandha
Formula based on pure organic Ashwagandha root extract patented KSM-66®.
- ✅ Patented KSM-66®
- ✅ 500 mg of ashwagandha per capsule
- ✅ 5% withanolides
- ✅ Certified Organic by Ecocert
What are the benefits of ashwagandha?
This plant has so many therapeutic virtues that it would be difficult to list all the benefits! Here are the main ones.
It boosts energy
Ashwagandha provides a boost in energy and vitality. It revitalizes the body, improves endurance and resistance , which in particular allows better physical recovery during sports practice.
The plant is also beneficial on a mental level, since it improves all cognitive functions. It is recommended to supplement with ashwagandha when you need to strengthen your concentration and your ability to memorize.
It reduces stress
According to a study carried out by Opinion Way, 9 out of 10 French people are affected by stress . It is therefore more necessary than ever to fight against this scourge, and if possible, in a natural way. This is why the use of ashwagandha is recommended: due to its ability to reduce the secretion of cortisol and adrenaline, it has relaxing properties and helps combat anxiety .
Be careful, however: as it is an adaptogenic plant, the effects are not immediate after taking it. Between 4 and 6 weeks of treatment are necessary to feel the benefits.
It promotes better sleep
Ahwagandha is also called withania somnifera , and for good reason: it facilitates and improves sleep. It helps fight insomnia naturally , which avoids the use of sleeping pills, which are often responsible for addiction and dependence.
It has aphrodisiac properties
Ashwagandha has been recognized since Antiquity for its aphrodisiac virtues among gentlemen. The consumption of the active ingredients of the plant generates an increase in blood flow to the sexual organs, which leads to an improvement in desire and vigor.
Thanks to ashwagandha, it is possible to alleviate erectile problems and reduced libido in a natural way.
Ashwagandha Dosage and Directions for Use
Ashwagandha can be taken in powder form, in capsules or in decoction. Although it is a natural treatment, it is preferable not to exceed the indicated dosages. Indeed, you risk suffering from digestive disorders in the event of an overdose.
Ashwagandha decoctions should be taken between meals, at a maximum of one or two cups per day. Indian ginseng root powder is consumed twice a day, at a maximum of 4 teaspoons.
The simplest solution which we recommend nevertheless remains capsules, which are easier to consume. Be sure to follow the prescribed doses. In this case, for our Organic Ashwagandha KSM-66 , simply take 2 capsules per day, with a large glass of water, at the time that suits you. The treatment lasts 30 to 40 days, and can be renewed after a 10-day break.
How to choose the right ashwagandha food supplement?
For all the reasons mentioned, the ashwagandha plant is an excellent dietary supplement. However, to be sure to benefit from all its benefits, you must choose it carefully! Indeed, many products are available on the market, but not all are of equal quality. In order to choose the best product, your ashwagandha food supplement should meet the following criteria:
- Be certified organic. This ensures that you are using natural products that do not contain substances harmful to your health.
- Be made from the roots of the plant, because they contain the most active ingredients beneficial to the body.
- Be part of KSM-66 patented products. This guarantees a quality food supplement (made only from the roots of the plant), concentrated and effective.
- Contain sufficient active ingredients, in particular withanolides (5% ideally).
- Be made in France to guarantee better quality.
Ashwagandha: contraindications
Although Indian ginseng does not pose a health risk, it is nevertheless contraindicated in certain cases:
- In children (not before 16 years of age);
- In pregnant and breastfeeding women;
- In people with thyroid disorders
Other health problems require the advice of a doctor before consuming ashwagandha, this is particularly the case for people suffering from autoimmune diseases or diabetes. In fact, the plant could alter current medical treatment.
To finish
We hope this comprehensive guide has given you all the information you need about ashwagandha!
As you can see, it would be a shame to do without the virtues of this plant with its many benefits. Its anti-stress, tonic, antioxidant properties... make it a perfect adaptogenic plant for people who are regularly stressed, or even athletes.
Of course, to benefit from its effectiveness optimally, you must consume it in the form of quality food supplements, respecting the prescribed doses and monitoring possible contraindications.
Nature offers us ways to improve our well-being, so let’s take advantage of it!
