Popular in Indian Ayurvedic medicine, the herb ashwagandha is known to support mental and physical wellbeing.
Ashwagandha also goes by the name of Indian ginseng and winter cherry. Over recent years, ashwagandha supplements and tablets have soared in popularity across the globe, as ashwagandha’s benefits have come to light.
Here, we delve a little deeper into what ashwagandha is good for and our best ashwagandha supplement.
Highlights
Quick Answer: Ashwagandha is a plant used for many centuries in traditional Ayurvedic practices and is often taken as a supplement to support relaxation, as well as mental and physical wellbeing It can be taken at any time of day, with or without food, and is generally suitable for most adults when taken as directed, although it should be avoided during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
What is ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha, which goes by the Latin name Withania somnifera, is a small evergreen shrub from the nightshade family (Solanaceae), native to areas of Asia, Africa and parts of Middle East. It’s also commonly known as Indian ginseng and winter cherry.
Ashwagandha has been used for many centuries in traditional practices, particularly in India’s Ayurvedic system, as well as in parts of the Middle East and Africa, to help support relaxation.
Ashwagandha also contains phytochemicals and alkaloids, two types of plant compounds. Supplements are most commonly made using ashwagandha root, which is carefully dried and processed to concentrate its naturally occurring compounds.
The leaves are sometimes used in other products though the ashwagandha root is the form most often found in supplements.
What is ashwagandha good for?
There are many potential benefits of ashwagandha which may make it a useful supplement to consider as part of your routine to support overall mental and physical wellbeing.
