Ashwagandha Root within Herbalism

The main use of ashwagandha root (Withania somnifera) in herbalism is primarily as an adrenal nerve tonic. Ashwagandha root is a safe herb that is calming and rejuvenating to the nerves, body, and mind, unlike many herbal tonics that stimulate and strengthen without promoting rest and recovery, such as coffee and tea.

In addition to being a nerve tonic, ashwagandha root is a qi tonic that assists with good and bad stresses on the body, emotions, and mind, by increasing stress-tolerance. This is known scientifically as an adaptogen, so it can be used to help a person adapt to their current activities with less fatigue.

Taking ashwagandha root like a tonic over the long term of 60-120 days or more can help people with fatigue, exhaustion, and burnout from overwork and performing too much. Take ashwagandha root with complete balanced meals to make it work better with the diet for rest and recovery.

Ashwagandha root is taken to calm the nerves and rebuild the energy of the body and mind. Indian Traditional Medicine uses ashwagandha for people who are the Vata dosha, where they are constantly going, often excited, and always expending energy without a focus balanced daily energy levels and recovery times. Ashwagandha root works with the body and diet to bring it back to place of recovery and regeneration. Anyone can take ashwagandha root, including children and the elderly, for anything caused by a lack of rest and recovery.

Some of the main constituents that work in ashwagandha root are alkaloids called withaferin A and somniferine which have been studied to calm the nerves, improve the mind and memory, and promote deep dreamless sleep. In fact, the alkaloid somniferine has the word somniferous in it which means 'to induce sleep'.

As with many herbs, some undesirable outcomes may be encountered with ashwagandha root such as digestive upset, drowsiness, irritability, and tension.

No known harmful effect of taking the appropriate serving of ashwagandha root with complete balanced meals during pregnancy and lactation. Consult a healthcare provider when adjusting lifestyle, exercise, diet, and supplementation.