Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an adaptogenic herb that—based on multiple randomized trials and reviews—can reduce stress, anxiety and morning cortisol; improve sleep quality and some measures of cognition; enhance physical performance, muscle strength and recovery; raise testosterone and improve semen parameters in some infertile men; help lower blood sugar and improve lipid markers modestly; and shows antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and possible cardioprotective and anticancer effects in preliminary studies—however most results come from small or short trials, and safety concerns (drug interactions, effects on thyroid/autoimmune conditions, and avoidance in pregnancy/breastfeeding or before surgery) mean people should consult a clinician.

What is ashwagandha?

What is ashwagandha? If your reply to that question is “Ashwa-what-now?” – you’re in the right place.

Ashwagandha – the name comes from Sanskrit – is a potent herb with rich, natural health benefits. It has been used for thousands of years in traditional Ayurvedic medicine and continues to be a popular herbal supplement.

Also known as Indian ginseng or winter cherry, ashwagandha is a small evergreen shrub with yellow flowers that originates in India, the Middle East and parts of Africa. It is an adaptogenic herb, or adaptogen.

Adaptogens are a certain group of herbs, roots and plants—like turmeric and ginseng along with ashwagandha—that have been used either by themselves or in various combinations in ancient medicinal practices to help the body adapt to occasional stressors.

Health Benefits of ashwagandha

Ashwagandha makes the list of adaptogens because it contains withanolides, beneficial plant nutrients with powerful antioxidant properties. People have turned to ashwagandha and its withanolides for various reasons over the years.

Today, research supports using ashwagandha for sleep support and to help with occasional stress

Ashwagandha for stress and mood

Ashwagandha has been used for centuries to support the body's resilience to occasional stress. Several studies have shown people who took ashwagandha felt less occasional anxiety and stress over time and that the herb lowered stress hormones.

To help support a balanced mood and a healthy response to life’s occasional stressors, Nutrilite Organics Ashwagandha contains 670mg of ashwagandha extract and 220mg of ashwagandha roots from plants grown on Nutrilite’s own certified organic farms and partner farms.

Jennifer Chuang, Ph.D., a senior research scientist and clinical investigator for Nutrilite products, said Nutrilite Organics Ashwagandha uses full spectrum extract that contains the key natural components of the plant, just like they would be found in nature.

“Full spectrum means that the delicate balance between the various components found in the root are not disturbed,” she said.

Ashwagandha for sleep

Research also shows that ashwagandha can help promote a good night’s sleep.

“Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies showed that ashwagandha promotes a good, restful night’s sleep, helping to avoid occasional restless nights,” Chuang said. “The levels of ashwagandha extract and root in the Nutrilite Organics product was formulated based on those studies.”

Nutrilite Organics Ashwagandha Capsules are also standardized to ensure the potency in each capsule.

“This means that every batch of ashwagandha extract used in our product has been made and tested to ensure that every daily serving of the capsules contains at least 34mg of withanolides,” Chuang said. “With standardized herbal extracts, you can have confidence that you’re getting the same amount of the nutrients you care about most in each serving.”

Is ashwagandha safe? Potential ashwagandha side effects

It’s a good idea to check with your doctor before you start taking any dietary or herbal supplements. That’s especially true if you are taking any prescription drugs as some supplements may interfere with medications.

Outside of that, is ashwagandha safe? In studies where participants used ashwagandha extracts for up to three months, they experienced few if any side effects and there were no safety concerns.

†This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.