Ashwagandha Root Powder – Organic

Ashwagandha Root Powder comes from a traditional botanical long valued in India and other regions where it has been cultivated for centuries. Its name originates from Sanskrit, with “ashwa” meaning horse and “gandha” meaning smell, referring to the distinct aroma of the root. Today, ashwagandha is widely used in herbal blends, teas, and nutraceutical formulations for its unique flavor and versatility.

Ashwagandha: The Indian Ginseng

Many countries have a traditionally used herb for supporting overall well-being and sexual vigor, or as many locals call it, “energy,” which they tout as their local “Ginseng” (even though there is no actual relation to the ginseng family).

For example, Maca root is known as Peruvian Ginseng, and Tongkat Ali is known as Malaysian ginseng. Well, Ashwagandha is no exception to that rule.

Known as Indian Ginseng, Ashwagandha has an impressive list of well-studied qualities and benefits and is a member of the exclusive category known as adaptogens.

If you are a phytochemistry fan, there are three main active constituent groups present in ashwagandha:

1. alkaloids
2. lactones
3. saponins

Withanolides (lactones) are a group of compounds found in Ashwagandha that may support its ability to respond to external stressors healthily and work as an immune amphoteric.

The two main lactones that are believed to contribute to its effects are Withaferin A and Withanolide D. Other active constituents in Ashwagandha that have been classified as “anti-stress” agents are sitoindosides and acylsterygulcosides.

While some ashwagandha preparations on the market combine the root and leaf, the root is the portion of this botanical that is most traditional, primarily used, and known for its adaptogenic properties.

Wholesome vs Partsome

While it is believed that a specific constituent creates the herb’s desired effects, this concept is pure reductionist thinking and limits an herb’s potential usage capability. Contrary to popular belief, the sum of the parts is not equal to the whole because the whole functions differently than the parts as individual entities. Yes, it is true; when you isolate a compound, you can create a more specific targeted approach and result, but it may come with significant pitfalls.

To be clear, this is not to say there is no place for isolated standardized herbs. It is important to note that it should not be used as the first line of defense for herbs and does not produce a balanced result. Whole herbs and full-spectrum extracts are the best first line of defense. 

Ashwagandha: A True Adaptogen

Adaptogens are classified as management and supportive herbs and fungi because the benefits are widespread through nonspecific physiological responses. What makes all adaptogens unique is their ability to adapt to the harsh conditions in which they are grown. This adaptability allows them to thrive and become robust plants. As the research on adaptogens has been compiled over the years, herbalists and scientists have learned and concluded how each adaptogen’s energy (warming, cooling, drying, moistening)and constituents balance has allowed them to be used in a more specific targeted approach. In simple terms, the use and function of adaptogenic herbs support the body’s ability to have a healthy stress response.

Plants and fungi are often categorized based on their functional qualities. Unfortunately, many plants and fungi are called adaptogens even though they don’t fulfill the criteria that define an adaptogen. Therefore, it is essential to understand the requirements for how an adaptogen is defined and how it works. The following are primary points that describe what a plant or fungi must do to be considered an adaptogen.

Adaptogens must: 

1. Be nontoxic at clinical dosage

2. Increase the resistance of the hormonal and immune systems to all kinds of stressors through a nonspecific physiological response. 

3. Normalize body function no matter how external stressors have altered them. 

Many herbs not classified as adaptogens can (on some level) fulfill the above criteria. There are only nine “true” adaptogens: Asian Ginseng, American Ginseng, Ashwagandha, Eleuthero, Schisandra, Rhodiola, Rhaponticum, Shilajit, and Cordyceps.

How do adaptogens work?

Because many plants that are not considered true adaptogens can fulfill the above criteria, we have learned that what makes a plant an actual adaptogen is that it must work through one or both of the body’s master control systems.

1) The HPA Axis (Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis) is a complex system of neuroendocrine pathways and feedback loops that maintain and support homeostasis in response to chronic stress. The HPA axis interfaces the endocrine, nervous, immune, digestive, reproductive, and cardio systems.

2) The SAS (Sympatho Adrenal system, aka fight or flight) is a complex system that connects the sympathetic nervous system to the adrenal medulla. In simple terms, it is our fight-or-flight response. A triggered response floods our system with adrenalin and releases hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine from the adrenal medulla. This response increases blood pressure, blood sugar, and heart rate and suppresses digestion. This releasing of hormones and redistribution of blood allows the mind and body to respond and survive.

3) In the early 2000s, we learned through preliminary animal and in vivo research that adaptogens also work on a “cellular level.” It seems that adaptogens may support the upregulation of what are known as “molecular chaperones,” like heat shock proteins. Molecular chaperones are any protein that interacts with, stabilizes, or helps another protein to maintain its structure.

Heat shock proteins are known for their role in protein maturation, re-folding, and degradation. They are upregulated in the presence of stressful stimuli. The body is signaled that stress is coming, so to prepare, it increases the production of these remarkable compounds, which inhibit addiction, reduce pain, prevent protein misfolding, and increase neuroplasticity, just to name a few. Stress also increases the production of stress hormones like cortisol. Human research has shown that adaptogens may also support healthy cortisol levels and prevent elevated cortisol-produced mitochondrial dysfunction.

Herbal Fallacies

One of the greatest fallacies in herbal medicine is our unrealistic expectations regarding what we should feel when using an herb for an extended period. An herb that is considered medicinal is often used for a specific period of time.  Based on their mechanisms of action, there are no specific benefits for using it long term. Therefore, when the desired effects are achieved, it is unnecessary to continue using it.

On the other hand, adaptogens produce what are known as “nonspecific responses” and are commonly used for extended periods. With adaptogens, it is not uncommon to see favorable responses (specifically an increase in energy and stamina) after a reasonable period of time. What is often misunderstood is believing that the progression you saw at the beginning continues to work in a linear manner. Because adaptogens support your ability to sustain a balanced state of well-being, once your body gets to that point, its job is to maintain it. This better overall feeling of well-being is your new normal. We use adaptogens for an extended period to maintain those well-being levels. Therefore, expecting to continue seeing those initial responses is incorrect.

Think of it like blood pressure medication. Its job is to bring your blood pressure back into a normal range. Once achieved, the medication doesn’t keep lowering your blood pressure; it maintains your new healthy levels. If it did continue lowering your blood pressure, you would be dead.

Another fallacy is how a specific herb or category of herbs develops a reputation regarding their relationship to particular conditions specific to one gender based on misunderstood results. It is not uncommon to read a study about how one specific herb “raised” testosterone or balanced estrogen levels, drawing conclusions about these results without taking a closer look at how they came about.

Ashwagandha is often spoken about regarding its ability to raise testosterone levels. While this is true in a general sense, these are the two things you only hear about if you have read the research. First, the term “boost” is often used when describing the effect ashwagandha has on testosterone levels. This gives the impression that it will bring your levels through the roof. The truth is that it helps people who have low testosterone levels get back into a normal healthy range. For example, (generally speaking) if you have a total testosterone level of 200 and a normal level for your age is around 600, don’t expect that it will bring your levels to 900. Studies have shown that through various mechanisms of action, Ashwagandha may support the body’s ability to reestablish and maintain healthy levels.

1. Supports healthy stress levels by inhibiting cortisol release
2. Supports healthy DHEA-S levels, which converts estrogen into testosterone
3. It may reduce oxidation, and oxidation can contribute to DNA damage and lower sperm count

Calming VS Stimulating Adaptogens

It is essential to note that adaptogens don’t subscribe to a one-size-fits-all concept. If you require using adaptogens, looking at the individual, not the condition, is critical. Not every adaptogen is suitable for everyone. Like all other plant medicines, individual adaptogens have their unique qualities. They can be nourishing, warming or cooling, stimulating or calming, moistening or drying in nature. Depending on the species and where they are grown can also affect one’s results, and looking at the individual’s personality traits is exceptionally vital when choosing the correct adaptogens.

For example, stimulating adaptogens may be a good choice if you lack mental and physical stamina. Red Ginseng and Rhodiola are the most stimulating adaptogens but work quite differently. Red ginseng is warming but also deeply nourishing. The nourishing quality helps balance the stimulating quality. Rhodiola is not nourishing at all. It is very invigorating and drying. Therefore, (as an individual entity) Rhodiola may not be a good choice for those who get easily overstimulated or suffer from a drying condition known as a Yin deficiency in traditional Chinese medicine. It is important to note that while Siberian Rhodiola seems to exacerbate those issues, Tibetan Rhodiola does not. Therefore, the devil is in the details.

Calming adaptogens support a sense of calm and are for those who need support due to a high-stress lifestyle. Calming adaptogens are primarily but not exclusively for those who need to rebuild vital energy but are not necessarily low on vital energy. The effects of these adaptogens build over time. Ashwagandha is a perfect example of a calming adaptogen and is considered one of the best tonic herbs in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. When combined with Black Cohosh and kava, Ashwagandha also acts as an antispasmodic. According to TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) principles, Ashwagandha is a warming and acrid Yang tonic with a particular affinity for the kidneys. It also has Shen qualities due to its ability to calm the mind. Because TCM recognizes its protective qualities, Ashwagandha is also considered a Qi-tonifying herb supporting defensive Qi.

In one study, Effects of Ashwagandha on stress manifested anxiety; The treatment group showed a “significant reduction” in “scores on all stress assessment scales.” An even more impressive result was the reduction in serum cortisol levels. Both results were compared to a placebo group.

In another study, Effects of Ashwagandha on the Relationship between Stress and Weight Management: Ashwagandha produced a “32.74% reduction in PSS scores (”perceived stress scale), “A 22.2% reduction in serum cortisol” and “ A significant reduction in TFEQ (Three-factor eating questionnaire) scores for uncontrolled and emotional eating behavior” all compared to a baseline placebo group. The results suggest that for those who have trouble maintaining a healthy body weight due to the effects of “chronic stress,” Ashwagandha has very supportive qualities.

Z Natural Foods hand-picks specific ingredients for our customers based on three concepts to provide the best quality product possible to support optimal well-being. 

1. Versatility
2. History of safe and effective usage
3. Strong evidence of positive research outcomes in humans

Ashwagandha: The Indian Ginseng

1. Ashwagandha has an impressive list of well-studied qualities and benefits and is a member of the exclusive category known as adaptogens. If you are a phytochemistry fan, there are three main active constituent groups present in ashwagandha: alkaloids, lactones, and saponins.
2. Withanolides (lactones) are a group of compounds found in Ashwagandha that may support its ability to respond to external stressors healthily and work as an immune amphoteric.
3. The two main lactones that are believed to contribute to its effects are Withaferin A and Withanolide D. Other active constituents in Ashwagandha that have been classified as “anti-stress” agents are sitoindosides and acylsterygulcosides.
4. While some ashwagandha preparations on the market combine the root and leaf, the root is the portion of this botanical that is most traditional, primarily used, and known for its adaptogenic properties.

Ashwagandha: A True Adaptogen

1. Adaptogens are classified as management and supportive herbs and fungi because the benefits are widespread through nonspecific physiological responses.
2. What makes all adaptogens unique is their ability to adapt to the harsh conditions in which they are grown.
3. As the research on adaptogens has been compiled over the years, herbalists and scientists have learned and concluded how each adaptogen’s energy (warming, cooling, drying, moistening)and constituents balance has allowed them to be used in a more specific targeted approach.
4. In simple terms, the use and function of adaptogenic herbs support the body’s ability to have a healthy stress response.
5. Plants and fungi are often categorized based on their functional qualities. Unfortunately, many plants and fungi are called adaptogens even though they don’t fulfill the criteria that define an adaptogen.
6. Understanding the requirements for how an adaptogen is defined and how it works is essential. The following are primary points that describe what a plant or fungi must do to be considered an adaptogen.

There are only nine “true” adaptogens: Asian Ginseng, American Ginseng, Ashwagandha, Eleuthero, Schisandra, Rhodiola, Rhaponticum, Shilajit, and Cordyceps.

Adaptogens must:

1. Be nontoxic at clinical dosage

2. Increase the resistance of the hormonal and immune systems to all kinds of stressors through a nonspecific physiological response.

3. Normalize body function no matter how external stressors have altered them.

How do adaptogens work?

Because many plants that are not considered true adaptogens can fulfill the above criteria, we have learned that what makes a plant an actual adaptogen is that it must work through one or both of the body’s master control systems.

1)The HPA Axis (Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis)

2)The SAS (Sympatho Adrenal system, aka fight or flight)

 

One of the greatest fallacies in the world of herbal medicine is the unrealistic expectations regarding what we should feel when using an herb for an extended period. 

1. An herb that is considered medicinal is often used for a specific period of time.  Based on their mechanisms of action, there are no specific benefits for using it long term. Therefore, when the desired effects are achieved, it is unnecessary to continue using it.
2. On the other hand, adaptogens produce what are known as “nonspecific responses” and are commonly used for extended periods of time.
3. With adaptogens, it is not uncommon to see favorable responses (specifically an increase in energy and stamina) after a reasonable period of time. What is often misunderstood is believing that the progression you saw at the beginning continues to work in a linear manner.
4. Because adaptogens support your ability to sustain a balanced state of well-being, once your body gets to that point, its job is to maintain it.
5. This better overall feeling of well-being is your new normal. We use adaptogens for an extended period to maintain those well-being levels. Therefore, expecting to continue seeing those initial responses is incorrect.
6. Think of it like blood pressure medication. Its job is to bring your blood pressure back into a normal range. Once achieved, the medication doesn’t keep lowering your blood pressure; it maintains your new healthy levels. If it did continue lowering your blood pressure, you would be dead.
   

Calming VS Stimulating Adaptogens

1. It is essential to note that adaptogens don’t subscribe to a one-size-fits-all concept.
2. If you require using adaptogens, looking at the individual, not the condition, is critical. Not every adaptogen is suitable for everyone.
3. Like all other plant medicines, individual adaptogens have their unique qualities.
4. They can be nourishing, warming or cooling, stimulating or calming, moistening or drying in nature.
5. Depending on the species and where they are grown can also affect one’s results, and looking at the individual’s personality traits is exceptionally vital when choosing the correct adaptogens.

 

Stimulating Adaptogens

1. Stimulating adaptogens may be a good choice if you lack mental and physical stamina. Red Ginseng and Rhodiola are the most stimulating adaptogens but work quite differently. Red ginseng is warming but also deeply nourishing. The nourishing quality helps balance the stimulating quality.
2. Rhodiola is not nourishing at all. It is very invigorating and drying. Therefore, (as an individual entity) Rhodiola may not be a good choice for those who get easily overstimulated or suffer from a drying condition known as a Yin deficiency in traditional Chinese medicine.
3. It is important to note that while Siberian Rhodiola seems to exacerbate those issues, Tibetan Rhodiola does not. Therefore, the devil is in the details.

 

Calming adaptogens

1. Support a sense of calm and are for those who need support due to a high-stress lifestyle.
2. Calming adaptogens are primarily but not exclusively for those who need to rebuild vital energy but are not necessarily low on vital energy. The effects of these adaptogens build over time.
3. Ashwagandha is a perfect example of a calming adaptogen and is considered one of the best tonic herbs in traditional Ayurvedic medicine.
4. When combined with Black Cohosh and kava, Ashwagandha also acts as an antispasmodic.
5. According to TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) principles, Ashwagandha is a warming and acrid Yang tonic with a particular affinity for the kidneys. It also has Shen qualities due to its ability to calm the mind. Because TCM recognizes its protective qualities, Ashwagandha is also considered a Qi-tonifying herb supporting defensive Qi.

Some research suggests that Ashwagandha may contain the following constituents:

1. Trihydroxy(s), alkaloids, beta-sitosterol, chlorogenic-acid, choline, cysteine, dulcitol, hentriacontane, hydroxyproline, starch, sucrose, tropine, withaferin(s), withanolide-D-G-N-O

Ashwagandha Root is a variety of Nightshade (Solanaceae), the common name used to describe a diverse group of over 2,700 species of plants, including fruits, vegetables, herbs, medicinals, shrubs, vines, and trees that contain a toxic alkaloid called Atropine.

For more information about Nightshade, click here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solanaceae.

This product is 100% natural and minimally processed. Taste, smell, texture, and color may vary from batch to batch.

Suggested Use: 1 teaspoon twice daily.

Other preparations:

Decoction: Use the ratio of 1 tablespoon of herb for every 10 ounces of water. Put all ingredients into a pot and bring to a boil. Once boiling, cover & lower to a simmer for 20-30 minutes. Turn the heat off and allow the mixture to sit for another 10 minutes. Strain and serve (this method is specific for barks and roots).

Tincture: This method can take 15 to 30 days. You will need three items (a mason jar with a cover, the herb/herbs of your choice, and liquid for extracting). The extracting liquid can be alcohol, alcohol/ water combo, vinegar, or vegetable glycerin. Take the product and fill the jar ¾ full, add the liquid of your choice, and close the jar. Then shake the jar, so everything is well mixed. Give the jar a good 5-minute shake several times a day. After 15 to 30 days, strain and bottle in glass tincture jars.

Mixing suggestion: To increase flavor and nutritional profile, combine with our bacopa powder and coconut oil for a brain-nourishing boost.

Botanical Name: Withania Somnifera.

Other Names: Winter Cherry, Indian Ginseng, Indian Winter Cherry.

Parts Used: Ashwagandha Root.

Ingredients: Raw Ashwagandha Root Powder.

Origin: Grown and dried in India and packaged with care in Florida, USA.

Certifications: Certified USDA Organic.

Warning: Not to be used during pregnancy.