Raw Organic Ashwagandha
An ancient adaptogenic herb that helps the body manage stress.
Also known as: Withania somnifera • Indian Ginseng • Winter Cherry
Overview
Ashwagandha is a prominent herb in Ayurvedic medicine, used for centuries to relieve stress, increase energy levels, and improve concentration. As an adaptogen, it helps the body resist stressors of all kinds, whether physical, chemical, or biological.
Key Benefits
Reduces Stress and Anxiety
Ashwagandha is best known for its ability to reduce stress. It's thought to help control mediators of stress, including heat shock proteins, cortisol, and c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase (JNK-1).
Improves Sleep
Some studies suggest that ashwagandha can help people fall asleep faster, spend more time asleep, and experience better sleep quality.
Enhances Athletic Performance
Ashwagandha may help improve physical performance, including strength and oxygen use during exercise.
Dosage & How to Take
Dosages vary depending on the form and reason for use. Standardized root extracts are most common in clinical studies.
| Purpose | Dose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Stress and Anxiety | 300-600 mg/day | Standardized to contain withanolides. |
| Sleep | 250-600 mg/day | Taken in the evening. |
| Athletic Performance | 500-1,000 mg/day | Split into two doses. |
Best Time to Take
Can be taken with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with meals.
With or Without Food
Can be taken with or without food.
Forms & Bioavailability
| Form | Absorption | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Root Extract | High | General use, stress, and sleep | The most studied form of ashwagandha. |
| Root Powder | Medium | Traditional preparations | Less concentrated than extracts. |
| KSM-66 | High | Clinically studied for various benefits | A patented, full-spectrum extract. |
Side Effects & Safety
Common
- Drowsiness
- upset stomach
- diarrhea
Rare
- Vomiting
- liver problems
Contraindications
- Pregnancy, breastfeeding, autoimmune diseases, and thyroid disorders.
Interactions
May increase the effects of sedative medications.
May decrease the effectiveness of immunosuppressant drugs.
May increase thyroid hormone levels.
Scientific Research
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
Ashwagandha root extract exhibited a significant reduction in scores on all the stress-assessment scales on day 60, relative to the placebo group.
Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Extract in Insomnia and Anxiety: A Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Study
Ashwagandha extract is a natural compound with sleep-inducing potential, well tolerated and improves sleep quality and sleep onset latency in patients with insomnia.
Food Sources
Products With Raw Organic Ashwagandha
1 product in our database contains this ingredient
Frequently Asked Questions
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or are taking medications. The statements on this page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.