9 Benefits of Ashwagandha & How To Use It

Heather Dessinger

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ashwagandha benefits

Have you ever been so wiped out that you feel like you need to sleep for a week . . . maybe a month? When you do sleep, do you wake up still feeling drained? If you answered yes, I’d love to introduce you to one of my favorite herbal adaptogens: ashwagandha. 

Adaptogens, or herbs that help us adapt to stress, have long been used to help fortify resilience during times of chronic stress. But they don’t just help us stay strong for longer . . . they can help rebuild when we’ve already overdone things. That’s why Ayurveda classifies ashwagandha as a rasayana, or “herb that deeply rejuvenates and promotes longevity.” (1) 

Ashwagandha roughly translates from sanskrit as “smell and strength of horse,” and um, part of that doesn’t seem like a selling point. However, according to Herbal Medicine for Beginners

Ashwagandha might be translated as ‘strength of a thousand horses,’ but its action is quite a bit more gentle and foundational than the image conjured up by the translation! Unlike more stimulating herbs, such as ginseng or eleuthero, ashwagandha is a slow, restorative builder. There’s no big rush of energy, which means there’s no corresponding crash of energy running out.

Instead, each day you have a little more resilience than the day before – until, after a while, you feel like your old self again! Ashwagandha is particularly appropriate in cases of extended exhaustion, depletion, and deficiency.”

ashwagandha root benefits

Health Benefits of Ashwagandha

The roots of the ashwagandha (Latin name Withania somnifera) can be made into a strong tea that is blended with milk, mixed with coffee, or sipped on its own to “‘tune-up’ the whole system, especially during times of stress and heavy workloads.” (2)

Known in some places as winter cherry or Indian ginseng, ashwagandha root can also be ground into a powder and added to smoothies and other recipes. I’ll share some of the easiest methods for preparing ashwagandha later in this article, but first let’s take a look at its benefits. 

#1 – Helps With Restful Sleep

Ashwagandha is the type of herb that refuses to be classified as offering just one or two benefits. Although it’s considered helpful for supporting energy levels, its species name – somnifera – means “sleep inducing” in Latin. 

Researchers have found that one compound in the leaves – triethylene glycol – plays a role in its sleep promoting properties. (3) Although leaves were used in that study, ashwagandha roots are usually favored because they are thought to be more potent. 

In another animal study, ashwagandha influenced the GABA neurotransmitter pathway, which is one of the main sedative neurotransmitters. GABA is associated with improved mood, a sense of calm and tranquility, improved sleep, help with PMS, and calm focus. (4)

#2 – Stress Relief & Overall Well-Being

Several human studies have shown that it can reduce symptoms in people experiencing stress and feelings of anxiousness.

For example, in one study, participants who received full-spectrum ashwagandha root extract showed signficantly lower cortisol levels and higher resistance to stress than the control group. One important thing to note is that the study was sixty days long. (5) As mentioned earlier, ashwagandha is a “slow, restorative builder” that typically works best when taken consistently for a period of time. 

There are a lot of different mechanisms by which ashwagandha supports well-being. One worth noting here, though, is that it seems to help the body reduce cortisol, the “stress hormone.” Adults with chronic stress, for example, experienced an average 30% reduction in cortisol levels when they took the maximum dose of ashwagandha that was available in this study.

#3 – Immune Support

According to Botanical Medicine for Women’s Health (and several animal studies), ashwagandha is a powerful immune system modulator, which means it helps balance between an underactive immune system (increased susceptibility to infection) and an overactive one (autoimmunity). (6) (7)

It’s been shown to have a positive impact on natural killer cells, macrophages and lymphocytes, which all help our bodies deal with pathogens. (8) (9) (10)

#4 – Memory & Cognitive Support

Ashwagandha has long been recommended in Ayurvedic medicine to help with memory, and recent studies seem to support this traditional use. 

In one study, adults taking 300 mg of ashwagandha root twice daily showed significant improvements in both immediate and general memory, plus “executive function, attention, and information processing speed.” (11)

In another study, healthy men who took 500 mg of standardized ashwagandha extract once daily showed improvements in brain function, specifically reaction time related to cognitive tasks. (12)

#5 – Thyroid Support

According to The Modern Herbal Dispensatory, “Ashwagandha helps boost the conversion of T4 (the thyroid storage hormone) to T3 (the active thyroid hormone).”

#6 – Healthy Energy Levels

The roots of ashwagandha are rich in withanolides, which positively influence the body’s energy production system. (5)

In a study done with elite cyclists, ashwagandha improved energy levels related to cardiorespiratory cardiovascular endurance. (13)

#7 – May Support Healthy Blood Sugar Levels

“When you’re in stress overload, your cortisol levels will remain unnaturally high instead of following the daily high-to-low pattern. Elevated cortisol means elevated blood sugar, which then raises insulin – the fat storage hormone.” (14)

Due to its positive influence on cortisol, ashwagandha appears to have a beneficial effect on blood sugar as well. Several human studies have shown it to be helpful for maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. (15) (16) (17) (18) 

#8 – Counteracts Oxidative Stress

We know that excessive amounts of free radicals – which our bodies produce as byproducts of metabolism – cause oxidative stress that can lead to accelerated aging and several disease processes. Fortunately, as this Live Science article puts it, 

Antioxidants are able to give an electron to a free radical without becoming destabilized themselves, thus stopping the free radical chain reaction. ‘Antioxidants are natural substances whose job is to clean up free radicals. Just like fiber cleans up waste products in the intestines, antioxidants clean up the free radical waste in the cells,’ said Wright.”

Ashwagandha is rich in several antioxidant compounds, including withanamides, which possess “potent antioxidant properties that help protect against cellular damage caused by free radicals.” (19) (20)

#9 – Hormone & Reproductive Support

Ashwagandha is regarded as an aphrodisiac in Ayurveda, and some modern research indicates that it is. (21) Recent research also suggests it may have a positive impact on hormone health and reproductive function as well. 

Several studies have concluded that it improves sperm quality and sperm count by supporting healthy hormone levels and reducing oxidative stress. (22) (23) (24)

ashwagandha benefits

How To Prepare Ashwagandha Root

Ashwagandha can be blended with other adaptogenic herbs or taken solo as a tea, tincture or powder. Here are some of the easiest ways to incorporate it into your life: 

How To Make Ashwagandha Tea

Roots and woody plant parts need a extra coaxing to release their therapeutic compounds, so when you make them into tea you need to simmer them in water for awhile. This type of herbal preparation is called a decoction (long-simmered tea), and it can be made in relatively big batches that you can keep in the fridge and sip over the course of several days.

Ingredients

Instructions

Place ashwagandha root and water in a pot and cover with a lid. Bring water to a low simmer and allow herbs to decoct for 20 minutes, then remove the decoction from heat and allow it to infuse for one hour before straining out the ashwagandha root. 

How To Take It

The Modern Herbal Dispensatory: A Medicine-Making Guide recommends drinking 1/2-1 cup three times daily. It can be mixed with coffee or blended with the milk of your choice and a sweetener. 

How To Make Ashwagandha Tincture

Tinctures are rapidly absorbed by the body, making them a favorite with many herbalists. Here’s how to make one with ashwagandha: 

Ingredients

Instructions

Place ashwagandha root and alcohol in a mason jar and secure with a lid. Place the jar in a dark cabinet and allow the mixture to infuse for six to eight weeks, shaking occasionally.

Another option is to purchase pre-made ashwagandha root tincture and follow the instructions on the label after talking with your healthcare provider.

How To Take It

The Modern Herbal Dispensatory: A Medicine-Making Guide suggests 1-10 ml (0.2-2 tsp) of this tincture 3 times daily.

How To Use Ashwagandha Powder

Traditionally the powder has been mixed into wine or ghee, but I prefer to mix it into smoothies, coconut milk drinks, and nut butter balls. (Keep an eye out for new recipes this fall.)

Adaptogens are herbs rather than pharmaceutical drugs, so there are no dosages. However, herbalists do share knowledge about what approaches to consumption seem to produce a beneficial effect for most people.

The suggestions below are based on those found in The Modern Herbal Dispensatory: A Medicine-Making Guide:

  • Tincture: 1-10 ml (0.2-2 tsp) 3 times daily using the recipe in this article. Another option is to buy a pre-made tincture like this one  and follow the instructions on the label after talking with your healthcare provider.
  • As a decoction – 1/2-1 cup taken three times per day.
  • Capsules – 2-6 capsules (1,000-3,000 mg) 3 times daily

Safety Considerations

According to the Botanical Safety Handbook: 2nd Edition, ashwagandha is a Safety Class 2 herb. If you’re not familiar with their rating system it ranges from 1-3. Safety Class 1A herbs have no known restrictions, Safety Class 2 herbs have some restrictions, and Safety Class 3 should only be used under the supervision of a qualified expert. 

The restriction given by the Botanical Safety Handbook is that ashwagandha should not be used during pregnancy due to conflicting information about whether it may act as an abortifacient.

With regard to breastfeeding, the handbook notes that ashwagandha has long been used in Ayurvedic medicine to support lactation. 

Ashwagandha is in the nightshade family, so it is recommended that you avoid ashwagandha if you are sensitive to nightshades.

Unlike some herbs that can interact with certain medications, ashwagandha is not expected to have any clinically relevant interactions with other supplements or medications.

Have a question about ashwagandha root? Please leave it in the comments below!

Ashwaganda: An herb for strength and sleep
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Ashwagandha Tea Recipe

Roots and woody plant parts need a extra coaxing to release their therapeutic compounds, so when you make them into tea you need to simmer them in water for awhile.
This type of herbal preparation is called a decoction (long-simmered tea), and it can be made in relatively big batches that you can keep in the fridge and sip over the course of several days.
Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Steeping Time 1 hour
Servings 7
Calories
Author Heather Dessinger

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place ashwagandha root and water in a pot and cover with a lid.
  • Bring water to a low simmer and allow herbs to decoct for 20 minutes, then remove the decoction from heat.
  • Allow it to infuse for one hour before straining out the ashwagandha root.

Notes

The Modern Herbal Dispensatory: A Medicine-Making Guide recommends drinking 1/2-1 cup three times daily. It can be mixed with coffee or blended with the milk of your choice and a sweetener.

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Article Sources

1. de la Foret, Rosalee (2017) Alchemy of Herbs: Transform Everyday Ingredients into Foods and Remedies That Heal

2. Swift, Katja and Midura, Ryn (2018) Herbal Medicine for Beginners: Your Guide to Healing Common Ailments with 35 Medicinal Herbs

3. Kaushik, Mahesh et. al. (2017) Triethylene glycol, an active component of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) leaves, is responsible for sleep induction

4. Kumar, A. and Kalonia, H. (2008) Effect of Withania somnifera on Sleep-Wake Cycle in Sleep-Disturbed Rats: Possible GABAergic Mechanism

5. Chandrasekhar, K et. al. (2012) A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults

6. Agarwal, R. et. al. (1999) Studies on immunomodulatory activity of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) extracts in experimental immune inflammation

7. Ghosal, Shibnath (1989) Immunomodulatory and CNS effects of sitoindosides IX and X, two new glycowithanolides from Withania somnifera

8. Davis, L. and Kuttan, G. (2000) Immunomodulatory activity of Withania somnifera

9. Davis, L and Kuttan, G. (2002) Effect of Withania somnifera on cell mediated immune responses in mice

10. Bhat, Jyoti (2010) In vivo enhancement of natural killer cell activity through tea fortified with Ayurvedic herbs

11. Choudhary, Dnyanraj et. al. (2017) Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal) Root Extract in Improving Memory and Cognitive Functions

12. Pingali, Ushurani et. al. (2014) Effect of standardized aqueous extract of Withania somnifera on tests of cognitive and psychomotor performance in healthy human participants

13. Shenoy, Shweta et. al. (2012) Effects of eight-week supplementation of Ashwagandha on cardiorespiratory endurance in elite Indian cyclists

14. Integrative Pain Science Institute. Stubborn Belly Fat: Are Your Adrenals To Blame?  

15. Auddy, Biswajit et. al. (2008) A Standardized Withania Somnifera Extract Significantly Reduces Stress-Related Parameters in Chronically Stressed Humans: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study

16. Raut, Ashwinikumar et. al. (2012) Exploratory study to evaluate tolerability, safety, and activity of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in healthy volunteers

17. Agnihotri, Akshay et. al. (2013) Effects of Withania somnifera in patients of schizophrenia: A randomized, double blind, placebo controlled pilot trial study

18. Andallu, B. and Radhika, B. (2000) Hypoglycemic, diuretic and hypocholesterolemic effect of winter cherry (Withania somnifera, Dunal) root

19. Singh, Narendra et. al. (2011) An Overview on Ashwagandha: A Rasayana (Rejuvenator) of Ayurveda

20. Jayaprakasam, Bolleddula et. al. (2010) Withanamides in Withania somnifera fruit protect PC-12 cells from beta-amyloid responsible for Alzheimer’s disease

21. Dongre, Swati et. al. (2015) Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Extract in Improving Sexual Function in Women: A Pilot Study

22. Gupta, Asish et. al. (2013) Efficacy of Withania somnifera on seminal plasma metabolites of infertile males: a proton NMR study at 800 MHz

23. Ambiye, Vijay et. al. (2013) Clinical Evaluation of the Spermatogenic Activity of the Root Extract of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in Oligospermic Males: A Pilot Study

24. Ahmad, Mohammed Kaleem et. al. (2009) Withania somnifera improves semen quality by regulating reproductive hormone levels and oxidative stress in seminal plasma of infertile males

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About HEATHER

Heather is a holistic health educator, herbalist, DIYer, Lyme and mold warrior. Since founding Mommypotamus.com in 2009, Heather has been taking complicated health research and making it easy to understand. She shares tested natural recipes and herbal remedies with millions of naturally minded mamas around the world.