1. What is Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha is an evergreen shrub that grows in Asia and Africa, belonging to the Solanaceae family, its roots and berries have been used as a traditional medicine in India for 6000 years, known as the king of Ayurvedic herbs, also known as Indian ginseng, winter cherry, known for its calming, hypnotic, stress and anxiety-reducing properties, it is also used as a tonic to enhance physical performance, increase testosterone levels, and improve reproductive health.
Ashwagandha extract powder is a necessary Chinese herbal medicine in the discipline of Ayurveda Rasāyantantra. In the Sanskrit context, rasa means ore/metal, so Rasāyantantra therapy is also known as Indian alchemy. Materials that are often used in this discipline are metals (such as mercury), ores, pearls, corals, precious stones, herbs, etc. Organic ashwagandha root extract is one of the most important Chinese herbal medicines. Hundreds of handed-down “alchemy” recipes that contain heavy metals or some exotic ingredients have been abandoned, while recipes containing Chinese herbal medicines are still widely used by Indians and added to food and beverages.
2. What are the health benefits of Ashwagandha root extract powder?
Ashwagandha extract contains high concentrations of withanolide and other active ingredients such as choline, scopolamine, chlorogenic acid, tannin and flavonoids. Its health benefits include:
(1) Ashwagandha, like Valerian, is called a “Sleeping Herb”. Its extract contains trimethylene glycol, which can promote people to enter the non-REM sleep period and treat insomnia. It also can enhance gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor (GABA A) signaling, improving total sleep time and sleep quality.
(2) Anti-anxiety and stress relief. It affects the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, reduces cortisol levels (one of the body’s primary stress hormones), reduces stress responses, and improves depression and anxiety.
(3) Increase the level of antioxidant enzymes, play the role of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and resist cancer cells.
(4)Like ginseng, it has the effect of enhancing non-specific defense ability and improving body resistance.
(5)By increasing hemoglobin levels, increasing maximum oxygen uptake, and improving endurance and physical performance, this has aroused interest in ashwagandha among athletes.
(6)Beneficial to reproductive health and increasing testosterone levels, this effect is more pronounced in men with infertility and low testosterone levels, it can increase sperm count and activity, and improve male fertility.
(7)Balance thyroid hormones.
3. How to use Ashwagandha?
(1) Sweet bedtime hypnotic drink
You can make yourself a delicious healthy drink that will give you a restful night’s sleep and reduce anxiety and restlessness, pain and inflammation. Production method: ⑴ 250 ml of milk, hot milk is a natural sleep aid. (2) 1/2 teaspoon Ashwagandha powder, has a sedative effect. ⑶ 1 teaspoon of turmeric juice, can create the perfect color, it also has an anti-inflammatory effect. ⑷ A little spice, such as cinnamon, star anise black pepper, and cardamom. ⑸ You can add some honey, a little sweetness can increase happiness. Slowly simmer the milk first, then add turmeric, ashwagandha, cinnamon, rose or any other spice you like, whisk off the scum, simmer for 5-10 minutes, then turn off the heat, cool a little, add a little honey and stir Enjoy.
(2) Take Ashwagandha Supplements
Different parts of Ashwagandha are used to make herbs, including roots, leaves, seeds, flowers, stems, fruits, and bark. Extracts thereof are generally in capsule and powder form. You should take it as directed by your healthcare practitioner and according to the directions, starting with a lower dose and splitting morning and evening is more beneficial to you.
4. How to use Ashwagandha safely?
It is a mild herbal supplement that is well tolerated, but a small number of people may still experience discomfort, including vomiting, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal symptoms. It can also cause hormonal changes, such as problems such as hyperthyroidism in women or high testosterone in men. To prevent potential side effects, care should be taken:
(1) Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding are prohibited.
(2) People who use diabetes drugs, antihypertensive drugs, immunosuppressive drugs, sedatives, or thyroid drugs are contraindicated.
(3) People with autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis should not use.
3. It should not be used by people who need to undergo anesthesia surgery. It is not recommended to mix it with alcohol, mood-altering drugs, or sedatives, as it can increase drowsiness and cause mood changes.
5. Ashwagandha root powder vs extract
Ashwagandha extract is processed by physical grinding, and the extract is by water/alcohol extract. The extract has a higher content of active ingredients, like Withanolide 1.5%~5%, but the price is also higher than root powder. For root powder, we don’t test the content of active ingredients. Customers can choose according to their requirements. Lyphar is professional Ashwagandha extract suppliers/manufacturers.
6. Ashwagandha vs. Maca Root vs. Ginseng
Similarities
All three plants contain powerful antioxidants known to help improve memory and brain function, improve mood, improve sexual function, regulate blood sugar levels, reduce inflammation and increase energy levels.
All three plants are widely available in extract, capsule, and powder form, and they are most commonly made from the plant’s root for therapeutic use.
Difference
The three plants have very different flavors. Ashwagandha extract powder is known for its bitter taste and equine smell, which is why it works better in capsule form or as a powder mixed with other foods. Maca root is earthy and nutty, and ginseng is bitter and spicy.
Ginseng is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine, maca root can be traced back to ancient Peruvians, and ashwagandha is a staple in Ayurvedic medicine and one of the most popular Ayurvedic herbs.
The recommended dose for each herb is different. Effective doses of ginseng are 200 to 900 mg per day, maca root is one to three tablespoons per day, and Organic ashwagandha root extract is the recommended daily dose of 1,000 to 1,500 mg per day.