
Ashwagandha - a Saving Straw in Today's Stressful World
In today's stressful world, people are increasingly looking for ways to help themselves with natural remedies to increase their overall sense of well-being and peace. Do you also sometimes feel tired and stressed, even when you have had enough sleep? If so, then I invite you to read on, because in this article you will learn how an ancient plant can help bring balance to your body and mind. This ancient plant is ashwagandha, which is increasingly gaining popularity around the world. It is also worth reading for others who want restful sleep, better concentration, or faster recovery from exercise.
What is Ashwagandha or Indian Ginseng
Ashwagandha, sometimes known as winter cherry or Indian ginseng, has been used as an adaptogen in the traditional Indian systems of Ayurveda and Unani medicine for thousands of years. An adaptogen can be defined as a compound that increases a person's ability to resist, adapt to, or become nonspecifically resistant to biological, physical, or chemical stressors. This is why ashwagandha is commonly promoted as a stress and anxiety reducer. Ashwagandha is grown in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa, and Europe. However, this ancient medicinal herb is available to everyone on the shelf of a store or pharmacy.

The Ashwagandha plant is divided into two parts for use – the roots and the leaves. However, they should not be lumped together, as their chemical composition, benefits and method of use are different. Ashwagandha is a natural herb whose active ingredients – withanolides – help the body better adapt to stress and stressful situations, while supporting energy levels and mental balance. In addition to withanolides, the plant contains several other natural substances that together give ashwagandha its attributed effects. The balance of these active substances is important, because the effect of ashwagandha depends on it. These compounds work together, and if one group is too predominant, the effect can become irritating or uneven.
The concentration of active substances in the root is more balanced and this is why ashwagandha root powder or root extract is mainly used in supplements today.
Health Benefits of Ashwagandha
I hope that by getting this far, you've become more interested in learning about the benefits ashwagandha can have on our health. Let's take a look at the clinically proven positive health effects of ashwagandha.
Reducing stress and anxiety. It is believed to work by regulating the body’s stress response and reducing inflammation. This effect is considered promising, but it is recommended to be used as part of a broader treatment plan (e.g., along with lifestyle changes and therapy).
Improving sleep quality and duration. Ashwagandha extract improves sleep duration and quality, and morning mental alertness. One possible explanation is its association with GABA receptors, which promote calmness and reduce anxiety.
Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Active compounds, especially withanolides, have shown antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in laboratory studies. These effects have been biochemically established, but their exact effects on human health require further investigation.
Cognitive benefits. Ashwagandha supports cognitive performance, primarily indirectly by reducing stress, anxiety, and sleep problems. For example, ashwagandha reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which otherwise impairs memory and concentration, especially in cases of prolonged stress.
Ashwagandha KSM-66
Today's life is not made easier, because the choice of ashwagandha supplements on the market is also wide. However, one very specific recommendation can be given, which ashwagandha to prefer in supplements. That is KSM-66. I will explain why right away.
KSM-66 is a full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha, which means that it contains a wide range of natural compounds from the root, with the aim of preserving the overall profile of the herb for a more balanced effect. It has the highest concentration of all the main root-only extracts available on the market. KSM-66 is standardized to 5% withanolide content.
KSM-66 ashwagandha is produced using a unique patented extraction process based on the principles of "green chemistry". This means that no alcohol or other chemical solvents are used during the process. Sounds promising.
How Much and How to Take Ashwagandha?
When it comes to ashwagandha root powder and root extract, what is the difference between them? Root powder is the dried root that has been powdered. Root extract is the extraction of the main compounds from the root, which is usually offered as a dried powder or liquid. Due to the extraction process, ashwagandha root extract is usually more potent and concentrated than the powdered form, containing a higher amount of active compounds. Iconfit KSM-66 ashwagandha supplement contains a 12:1 root extract, which means that 12 grams of raw ashwagandha root is used to make one gram of extract.
Check out ICONFIT´s ashwagandha HERE.
The recommended daily dose of ashwagandha can vary depending on your needs, but as little as 250-500 mg taken for one month can have a positive effect.
Let’s take a closer look at what the studies say about, for example, the effects of ashwagandha on stress and sleep quality.
In most clinical studies, the positive effects of ashwagandha on stress and sleep quality have been observed at doses of 300-600 mg per day of standardized root extract (usually with 5% withanolides). This dosage range has been used in several clinical trials and has also been recommended by an international expert group (WFSBP and CANMAT) for generalized anxiety disorder.
Generally, ashwagandha can be taken at any time, but depending on your goals and tolerance, dear reader, you may prefer to take it in the morning or evening. If you want to make taking this Indian ginseng part of your morning vitamin and mineral routine, then take it in the morning. Since taking ashwagandha on an empty stomach can cause stomach upset for some people, it is worth taking it after breakfast or adding it to your morning smoothie, for example. If your goal is to sleep more soundly, you can focus on taking it in the evening.
It is important to remember that ashwagandha is not a miracle cure that works instantly. It may take days to weeks to notice its effects.
Check out ICONFIT KSM-66 Ashwaghanda here
Ashwagandha Safety, Interactions and Possible Side Effects
Although this herb, which has been used in Ayurveda for thousands of years, is generally considered safe, it is not suitable for everyone. When used short-term (up to 3 months), it is generally well tolerated by healthy adults. However, the effectiveness and safety of long-term use of ashwagandha over months or years (for stress, anxiety, or sleep) is unknown.
Possible mild side effects of ashwagandha:
- Indigestion, such as mild diarrhea or nausea
- Drowsiness
If you are taking thyroid, blood pressure, diabetes, or immune-suppressing medications, it is a good idea to consult your family doctor before starting to consume ashwagandha. Like any bioactive herb, ashwagandha may enhance or interfere with the effects of other medications and substances. It is also a good idea to consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
In today's increasingly fast-paced life, many people probably feel that anxiety and stress are taking over. However, when it becomes too much, it begins to affect our quality of life and health. However, sometimes the solutions are simpler and closer than we think. When it comes to managing anxiety and stress and improving the quality of sleep, it is worth taking a look back at the past and embracing knowledge that existed thousands of years ago. The knowledge of the miraculous power of ashwagandha, one of the main medicinal plants of Ayurveda. In addition to the much-talked about stress and anxiety management, it also has properties that improve the quality and duration of sleep, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. There are also effects that modern scientists recognize, but have not yet found sufficient clinical evidence.
Give your body and mind a gift in the form of ashwagandha!
Links to Sources:
- AN OVERVIEW ON ASHWAGANDHA: A RASAYANA (REJUVENATOR) OF AYURVEDA, National Institute of Medicine
- Ashwagandha: Is it helpful for stress, anxiety, or sleep?, National Institues of Health
- KSA-66 Ashwagandha, Woeld´s best ashwagandha
- With herbal supplements, what is the difference between root powder and root extract? Does it matter?, ConsumerLab.com
- Ashwagandha Dosage for Different Effects, healthline
- When Is the Best Time to Take Ashwagandha?, helathline
- The benefits—and downsides—of taking ashwagandha, National Geographic
- Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) for the treatment and enhancement of mental and physical conditions: A systematic review of human trials, Journal of Herbal Medicine, ScienceDirect