What is Withania somnifera root?
What is Withania somnifera root?
Introduction. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera, fam. Solanaceae) is commonly known as “Indian Winter cherry” or “Indian Ginseng”. It is one of the most important herb of Ayurveda (the traditional system of medicine in India) used for millennia as a Rasayana for its wide ranging health benefits.
What kind of root is Ashwagandha?
Withania somnifera is a perennial shrub in the nightshade family. It has been used for thousands of years throughout Asia and still holds an important place in herbal formulations today. In Ayurveda, ashwagandha root is highly valued as an adaptogenic tonic.
Is there a difference between ashwagandha and ashwagandha root?
Ashwagandha is extracted from either the leaves or the roots, or both. Leaf Extracts often contain high levels of Withaferin A, while root extracts have comparably low levels of Withaferin A.
Is Ashwagandha root the same?
Ashwagandha is an evergreen shrub that grows in India, the Middle East, and parts of Africa. It has a long history of use in traditional medicine. For hundreds of years, people have used the roots and orange-red fruit of ashwagandha for medicinal purposes. The herb is also known as Indian ginseng or winter cherry.
What is the function of Withania Somnifera?
Withania somnifera (WS) (Dunal), popularly known as Ashwagandha, is a subtropical undershrub commonly used in Indian traditional medicines for more than 3000 years and has been categorized as Rasayana in Ayurveda, which is reported to elevate defense system against diseases, arrest aging, revitalize the body, increase …
Which is better ashwagandha root or leaf?
Studies have shown that the leaves and roots of Withania somnifera have different concentrations of withanolides. The roots are considered the best source of these health-boosting compounds, which is also why most studies on ashwagandha use extracts made from this part of the plant (Kaul, 2016).
Is ashwagandha root the best?
When considering formulating with ashwagandha, you will encounter purveyors of ashwagandha roots and leaves. However, your formula will be authentically efficacious when it contains the robust roots of Withania somnifera. Ashwagandha root is preferred overwhelmingly because of its: History of traditional use.
What is better ashwagandha root or leaf?
What is the best way to absorb ashwagandha?
For people who experience stomach discomfort when taking ashwagandha, taking it at night may be a better option than taking it in the morning, especially if you prefer taking it on an empty stomach.