The Whole Story: Why Ashwagandha Root May Be More Effective Than Its Alcohol-Based Extracts
The Traditional Importance of Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha, scientifically known as Withania somnifera, has been a cornerstone in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. Known for its adaptogenic and anti-aging properties, it helps the body adapt to various forms of stress. While the safety and efficacy of Ashwagandha have been researched, it's essential to consider the form in which it is consumed for optimal benefits.
The Chemistry Behind Ashwagandha: Alcohol vs. Whole Herb
Many Ashwagandha products on the market come in the form of alcohol-based tinctures or extracts. While these may seem convenient, it's important to note that some key medicinal compounds in Ashwagandha are not soluble in alcohol. This means that an alcohol-based tincture may not capture the full spectrum of beneficial compounds found in the whole herb.
Biochemistry Made Easy
Think of the Ashwagandha plant as a treasure chest of various medicinal compounds. Some of these treasures dissolve well in water, while others are more compatible with fats. Alcohol may extract only a specific set of these treasures, leaving behind other valuable compounds. Therefore, using the whole herb allows you to benefit from the complete range of medicinal compounds.
Traditional Use and Holistic Approach
Traditionally, Ashwagandha has been used in its whole form—root, leaves, and sometimes even berries. This holistic use ensures that you get a comprehensive range of its bioactive compounds, enhancing its adaptogenic and anxiolytic effects.
In my practice I’ve used ashwagandha successfully to support my clients tapering off SSRI / anti-anxiety medications, improve sleep quality, and reduce stress, among other things.
What is an Adaptogen?
An adaptogen is a unique class of herbs that helps your body adapt to various forms of stress, be it physical, emotional, or environmental. Unlike stimulants that provide a temporary energy boost, adaptogens work at the cellular level to improve your body's natural ability to cope with stress. They help maintain equilibrium by balancing hormones, supporting adrenal glands, and regulating physiological responses to stressors. In essence, adaptogens like Ashwagandha serve as a tonic for your overall well-being, helping you stay resilient in the face of life's challenges.
Studies Scrutinizing Safety and Efficacy
Recent studies, like the one recently published about the "Safety of Ashwagandha Root Extract," focus on the safety aspects of Ashwagandha. While safety is paramount, the form in which Ashwagandha is administered can significantly impact its efficacy. For maximum benefits, place your trust in our ancestors and consider using Ashwagandha in a form that allows you to leverage all its medicinal compounds.
Contraindications: Use Ashwagandha Wisely
While Ashwagandha offers various health benefits, it's not suitable for everyone. Pregnant or breastfeeding women, individuals with autoimmune diseases, and those on certain medications like sedatives or immunosuppressants should exercise caution. Additionally, if you have liver or kidney issues or a history of plant-based allergies, consult your healthcare provider before incorporating Ashwagandha into your wellness routine.
The Best Way to Use Ashwagandha
If you're looking for the most effective way to incorporate Ashwagandha into your wellness routine, consider using the whole herb. I love to mix mine into milk in the evenings with some cardamom, raw local honey and cinnamon. I think you’ll find that the flavor of ashwagandha isn’t too terrible on its own, and is easy to cover up with other flavorings.
Not only is it traditionally revered, but Ashwagandha also offers a complete profile of medicinal compounds, making it more likely to provide the full range of health benefits that Ashwagandha has to offer.
Sources
Verma, N., Gupta, S. K., Tiwari, S., & Mishra, A. K. (2021). Safety of Ashwagandha Root Extract: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, study in Healthy Volunteers. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 57, 102642. Link to Journal
Various Traditional Ayurvedic Texts for references on the historical and traditional uses of Ashwagandha.
Pole, S. (2012). Ayurvedic Medicine: The Principles of Traditional Practice. Singing Dragon; 1st edition. ISBN-10: 9781848191136, ISBN-13: 978-1848191136.
World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines on the safety of herbal medicines.
