Organic Ashwagandha Root Powder & Capsules Benefits

Organic Ashwagandha supplements are popular for combatting the negative effects of stress and supporting cognitive function. Ashwagandha is a small evergreen shrub between four and five feet tall that grows in arid regions. It is found in India, parts of Africa and the middle East.

The roots and berries of this shrub have been used in India’s Ayurvedic traditions for thousands of years. The herb is used as a general tonic, as well as a remedy for psychological and physical stress.

It goes by many names throughout the world, which include Indian Ginseng, Winter Cherry, Ayurvedic Ginseng and others. Organic Ashwagandha is a distinct plant from Ginseng, but the two are said to have similar effects on vitality and energy levels.

The name “ashwagandha” translates to “smell of horse.” This refers to the fresh root’s scent and also to the Ayurvedic belief that consuming ashwagandha would give a person the vitality and strength of a horse.

Ashwagandha

Adaptogen

Stress

Mood

Sleep

How It Works:

• Reduces stress and anxiety
• Improves concentration, fatigue & sleep
• Protects against oxidative stress

Dosage:

Between 300 - 1000 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Safe

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Organic Ashwagandha

Organic India is a popular brand of Ashwagandha sold on Amazon, Vitacost, Iherb, Swansom Vitamins, and many other online supplements.

There are also other supplement brands that may promote that their ashwagandha root extracts have an organic origin. But the definition of “organic” may not be the same in all countries around the world.

Organic supplements are those that are produced without the use of synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. For a product to call itself organic, it generally needs to be certified by an independent organization.

In the UK, that organization is usually the Soil Association. In the US, products may be certified organic by state entities or private organizations that have been accredited by the USDA.

Because of the number of certifying agencies, different ashwagandha supplements will have different organic labels. Additionally, many ashwagandha supplements are free of GMOs and sold in vegetable-based capsules. These may use organic farming techniques, but only products recognized by the USDA can officially bear the label “organic”.

Organic Ashwagandha Benefits and Uses

Organic Ashwagandha root powder and capsules are taken for a number of benefits. At this time, the research on ashwagandha’s medicinal uses are limited.

Ashwagandha may improve physical performance in both sedentary people and athletes. However, some studies have found conflicting results.

This supplement is most commonly taken as a stress reliever and a general tonic to revitalize body function. It is considered an adaptogenic herb. Other uses of organic ashwagandha include:

• Treatment of asthma
• Treatment of hiccups
• Treatment of infertility in women and men
• Correction of menstrual disorders
• Treatment of symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
• Decreasing inflammation
• Improvement of cognitive function

The organization Arthritis Research UK lists ashwagandha as a compound which has not been found to be beneficial in randomized controlled trials.

However, some research studies offer preliminary evidence that ashwagandha may have anti-inflammatory effects that may make it effective against some arthritis symptoms.

Other studies indicate that it many ease anxiety and stress, lower blood sugar, and can help treat fatigue.

Organic ashwagandha reviews are largely positive. The top-selling organic ashwagandha supplement on Amazon has 455 reviews, 89% of which are five-star reviews. Reviewers say that ashwagandha makes their moods more stable. They also report reduced levels of stress and anxiety.

A handful of reviewers reported a mildly intoxicating effect, similar to the sensation from drinking kava.

How Organic Ashwagandha Works

Ashwagandha contains steroidal lactones and alkaloids. Clinical trials, animal studies and in vitro experiemnts suggest that these substances have a number of physiological effects.

In rats, ashwagandha significantly slowed down coagulation, suggesting anticoagulant properties. Preliminary human research on people who have type 2 diabetes Ashwagandha may reduce blood sugar levels.

In vitro studies show anticancer effects when used on human cancer cells. However, significantly more research is needed before any medicinal properties can be attributed to Ashwagandha extract.

How to Take Organic Ashwagandha

Organic ashwagandha root is available in powder and capsule form. The dosage of ashwagandha depends on the effects you wish to achieve.

There are a number of studies on the use of ashwagandha in the following doses:

• As a general tonic, one to six grams of organic ashwagandha root powder in capsule form has been used.
• As an anti-aging supplement, one gram of ashwagandha was taken three times per day. The dosage was taken with a glass of milk.
• Powdered ashwagandha can be made into a tea by boiling or simmering one part ashwagandha root in 10 parts water for 15 to 30 minutes. The resulting liquid is consumed in doses of half an ounce to one ounce.
• To promote growth in children, two grams ashwagandha powder was taken per day for a period of 60 days.
• To treat diabetes, an unspecified quantity of ashwagandha was taken for thirty days.
• As a diuretic, an unspecified quantity of ashwagandha was taken for thirty days.

Organich Ashwagandha Side Effects

One of the reasons for consumers to use organic ashwagandha supplements as opposed to non-organic products is to lower the risk of unwanted side effects. However, there have not been any comparative studies to determine the side effect frequency in organic versus non-organic supplements.

In clinical tests, no significant side effects or adverse effects were reported when taking ashwagandha. This was the case even in people who took ashwagandha over a long period of time.

Anecdotally, some Amazon reviewers report adverse side effects which include:

• Worsening of depression and anxiety
• Upset stomach, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
• Sleeplessness
• Joint pain

Ashwagandha is not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. The herb may have abortifacent effects in women who are pregnant. There is insufficient research to determine safety for breastfeeding mothers.

Organic ashwagandha capsules may interact with a number of medications. These include drugs for hypertension, antidiabetic drugs, sedatives and barbiturates, immunosuppressant drugs, thyroid medications and benzodiazepines.

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