Ashwagandha

What is Ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha is a plant of the nightshade family, originally from South Asia. Larger natural occurrences are found in India and Nepal. In German-speaking countries, the plant is known under the names "Schlafbeere", "Winterkirsche" or "Indian Ginseng". The botanical name Withania somnifera is composed of the plant genus Withania and the species name somnifera, which means something like "sleep-inducing". In Ayurvedic medicine, ashwagandha has been used for 3,000 years due to its versatile applications and excellent tolerability.
For example, dried roots of the plant are ground into powder and boiled with milk, ghee butter and spices. Ashwagandha milk is traditionally taken to increase concentration and memory function, calm the nerves or improve sleep quality. In addition, Ashwagandha is used to increase fertility and libido.
But also modern research shows again and again that the use of Ashwagandha has its justification. For example, clinical studies have shown that Ashwagandha can increase sleep quality, brain power, muscle strength or endurance. In addition, a clinical study showed that daily intake of a root extract can normalize thyroid levels in hypothyroid patients.
The plant is particularly valued for its adaptogenic properties, which have been confirmed in numerous clinical studies. Adaptogens are agents that can help us better adapt to increased physical and emotional stress situations. In recent years, some studies have been published that have shown that ashwagandha can significantly reduce the "feeling of stress" or even "anxiety".