Ashwagandha (1.5% Withanolides)

History:

Since antiquity, Ayurvedic physicians have used Ashwagandha as a rejuvenating tonic. Its use extends back four thousand years and is mentioned in the teachings of the great Indian sage, Punarvasu Atriya. It is a woody shrub that generally grows to about three feet, but some species are known to reach heights of seven feet. Ashwagandha is found in such diverse locations as India, Sri Lanka, Africa, the Middle East and Mediterranean regions, and the various geographic locations slightly influence the properties of each species. Ashwagandha derives its name from a Hindi word, meaning “horse's smell,” and the description refers not only to the odor of the horse, but also calls to mind the strength of the horse. The primary chemical constituents of this herb include alkaloids, steroidal lactones and the compounds known as withanoloids, which are believed to account for the multiple herbal therapeutic applications of this herb. It also contains iron. Today's scientists are studying and substantiating, through technology, many of the complex applications of Ashwagandha and other herbs used in Ayurvedic medicine so many years ago.

As a major herbal tonic for overall good health and stamina, Ashwagandha has been used for centuries to rejuvenate the body and counter the ravages of ageing. In recent studies, pharmacologists have suggested that it may support the body's own abilities to improve cerebral function, including learning ability, memory retention and senile dementia. It is said to work with the body to boost physical performance, stimulate sexual capacity and enhance reproductive function in both men and women.

Ashwagandha is regarded as an herbal "adaptogen," or substance that helps the body adapt to emotional and physical stress and reinstate the metabolic balance in the body after stressful situations have altered that balance, helping the body return to normal function and restoring a sense of well-being. The herb is said to produce healthful effects similar to those of Panax Ginseng (also called Asian or Korean Ginseng).

Ashwagandha supports the body's efforts to energize and revitalize the entire central nervous system, potentially helping to inhibit many stress-related disorders, including the depletion of vitamin C and the increase of cortisol.  Researchers have also found that the herb may reduce the incidence of gastric ulcers and may also potentially be a good general tonic to be used in situations involving overwork, overindulgence, nervousness and fatigue.  Ashwagandha may also assist the body's own abilities to decrease restlessness, stress and anxiety.

Ashwagandha is considered a botanical anti-inflammatory that may be very useful as a rheumatoid arthritis treatment. The plant's high steroid content was found to be more potent than hydrocortisone in animal and human arthritic studies.

As an herbal antitussive, Ashwagandha may act as a cough suppressant; as a botanical antiseptic, it supports the body's efforts to fight infection; and as a natural antispasmodic, it also works with the body's resources to relieve involuntary muscle spasms and cramps. The last may be particularly valuable when it relaxes spasms of the lungs, providing relief for both asthma and emphysema.

As its botanical genus, Somnifera, suggests, Ashwagandha is sometimes said to produce natural sedation. Used as a mild sedative, Ashwagandha has been especially helpful for those who suffer from insomnia and anxiety, and because it may support the body's ability to balance serotonin levels in the brain (which contribute to the sensitivity of pain receptors in the body), the herb has been reported to relieve pain, including headache.

Ashwagandha has been used for centuries to support, enhance and stimulate the immune system, as well as detoxify the body. Modern researchers state that its use appears to work with the body's own resources to lower serum cholesterol levels while showing significant increases in hemoglobin and red blood cell count (perhaps due to its iron content). The herb is considered a “vitalizer” and is regarded as excellent when used in bodybuilding or any type of physical sport, as it is said to provide instant and long-lasting natural energy without the use of stimulants.

Ashwagandha has for centuries been believed to help revive diminished sex drive. It is considered a sexual "grounding" herb that may be used as a potential means to reduce frequency of premature ejaculation and increase sexual stamina. Ashwagandha's active principles, alkaloids and withanoloids, are thought to have longevity-enhancing and sexually-stimulating properties, and the cumulative sexual effects are reported to usually take hold after about a week of daily use.

In laboratory tests, Ashwagandha was shown to possess certain qualities that support the body's efforts to combat serious invasive disease, as well as work with the body to inhibit the growth of malignant growths or help to put them into regression.

Ashwagandha is a plant-based “bitter” that is used to stimulate the appetite. It was reported that when Ashwagandha was administered to malnourished children as a supplement, it appeared to increase body weight significantly.

Ashwagandha is considered a good herbal tonic for the mind and may be useful for those who have overindulged in work, substance abuse or alcohol.

Recommended Dosage:
Take one (1) capsule, two (2) times each day with water at mealtimes.

Contraindications:
Do not use Ashwagandha Herbal Supplement if you are taking anxiety or anti-seizure medication. Ashwagandha may potentiate the sedative effect of barbiturates. You may feel as if you want to sleep more if you take Ashwagandha and pentobarbital (medicine used to help you sleep). Pregnant women should avoid this herb, and if you are breastfeeding, speak with your doctor before taking Ashwagandha. Do not take Ashwagandha if you have leukemia and are being treated with cyclophosphamide (a "chemo" medicine). Your supplement may be causing the following symptoms, which may mean you are allergic to it: Feeling cold (decrease in body temperature) or upset stomach.

Capsule Information:
Our Ashwagandha (1.5% Withanolides) supplements are encapsulated in 100% Gluten-free, Vegetable Cellulose, Certified Kosher, size "00" Capsules.(click here for size comparison) Each capsule contains approximately 600 mgs."

Special Note:
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Disclaimer:
The information presented herein by Herbal Extracts Plus is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.