
08/04/2025
🌿 Herb of the Day: Ashwagandha Root (Withania somnifera)
Ashwagandha, often referred to as the “King of Adaptogens,” is one of the most revered botanicals in Ayurvedic medicine. Traditionally used to promote vitality and longevity, it has been studied extensively in modern integrative medicine for its adaptogenic, neuroprotective, and endocrine-supporting properties.
Clinical Benefits & Research Findings
1. Stress & Cortisol Regulation
Ashwagandha supports the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, helping to regulate the body’s stress response.
A randomized controlled trial (RCT) found that 300 mg of Ashwagandha root extract twice daily significantly reduced serum cortisol levels and improved perceived stress scores compared to placebo (Chandrasekhar et al., 2012).
2. Sleep & Nervous System Support
Ashwagandha is known to enhance sleep quality and calm the nervous system.
A double-blind study demonstrated that 300 mg twice daily for 10 weeks improved sleep efficiency, total sleep time, and reduced sleep latency (Langade et al., 2019).
3. Cognitive Function & Energy
The herb has neuroprotective properties, improving focus and memory while supporting energy without overstimulation.
An RCT of adults given 600 mg/day for 8 weeks showed significant improvements in working memory and executive function compared to placebo (Choudhary et al., 2017).
4. Hormonal & Reproductive Health
Ashwagandha may enhance thyroid function, improve male fertility parameters, and balance s*x hormones in women, making it valuable for hormone-focused blends.
In a clinical study, Ashwagandha significantly improved serum T4 levels in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism (Sharma et al., 2018).
How We Use It at Lotus Wellness
Ashwagandha Root Capsules: A single-herb option for daily adaptogenic support.
Zen Gut Restore: A synergistic blend with Triphala and Milk Thistle for digestive harmony and liver support while reducing stress-related gut imbalances.
Focus & Flow & Sacred Mama Fertility: Comprehensive blends for energy, mental clarity, and hormonal wellness.
Ashwagandha is a safe and effective herb for supporting stress resilience, sleep, cognitive performance, and hormonal balance, backed by centuries of traditional use and modern clinical evidence.
References:
1. Chandrasekhar K, Kapoor J, Anishetty S. A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of Ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults. *Indian J Psychol Med*. 2012;34(3):255-262. doi:10.4103/0253-7176.106022
2. Langade D, Kanchi S, Salve J, Debnath K, Ambegaokar D. Efficacy and safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root extract in insomnia and anxiety: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. *Cureus*. 2019;11(9)\:e5797. doi:10.7759/cureus.5797
3. Choudhary D, Bhattacharyya S, Joshi K. Body weight management in adults under chronic stress through treatment with Ashwagandha root extract: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. *J Evid Based Complementary Altern Med*. 2017;22(1):96-106. doi:10.1177/2156587216641830
4. Sharma AK, Basu I, Kumar P, et al. Efficacy and safety of Ashwagandha root extract in subclinical hypothyroid patients: A double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial. *J Altern Complement Med*. 2018;24(3):243-248. doi:10.1089/acm.2017.0183