Renowned as a tonic in Ayurveda, the Ashwagandha meaning “strength of the horse” strengthens the body and helps to regain its vital energy. Ashwagandha is a great sleep enhancer that helps your body get better during the night. In Ayurveda, Ashwagandha is a so-called rasana plant, which regenerates the organism.

Latin name: Withania Somnifera

Other languages: Ashwagandha (Sanskrit) Winter cherry (English)

This herb come from India and grows wild on arid land. In Yemen, Ashwagandha is named, in an Arabic dialect as “the leaf of healing”.

The Ashwagandha has many properties active against:

• Insomnia with an active ingredient sleeping pills proved by researchers at the University of Tsukuba (Japan)
• The stress
• Arthritis inflammation
• Anxiety

This herbs is especially highly concentrated in:

• Steroidal Lactones, such as withaferin A, which is known for its broad activity in pharmacology (immunodulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenesis).
• alkaloids, organic nitrogen-based molecules that have a soothing activity at low doses.
• Flavonoids with antioxidant effect,
• Phenolic acids, scavengers of free radicals.

Ashwaghanda can be used as a face mask mixed with water or as a spice. Can also be consumed by mixing:

1 teaspoon (3 g) a day: fruit juice, hot water, tea, milk, yoghurt, smoothies, fruit salads and other foods.

The power of Ashwagandha has attracted the interest of many researchers, particularly because of its growing popularity. It has been studied for its beneficial properties for the immune system, including possible immune system support during radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Used in combination with licorice, shatavari and sesame seeds, Ashwagandha has been shown to be effective in maintaining healthy cholesterol levels and antioxidant properties. Additional studies on ashwaghanda are available on the Science Health website.