Unlock the power of Organic Ashwagandha

History of Ashwagandha

Withania somnifera, more commonly referred to as ashwagandha. It is a perennial shrub native to tropical and subtropical regions across Asia, Africa, and Europe. Its Sanskrit name, Ashwagandha, stems from the resemblance of its roots to the scent of a wet horse. "Ashwa" meaning horse and "gandha" meaning smell. 

However, it has various other names including Indian ginseng and winter cherry. Ashwagandha holds a significant place in traditional Ayurvedic and Unani medicinal practices in India. This is where those practising Ayurvedic and Unani medic recognise it as an adaptogen. An adaptogen enables individuals to better withstand, adapt to, or develop resilience against biological, physical, or chemical stressors.

What is Ashwagandha?

Since ashwagandha is part of a class of plants called adaptogens, it is perhaps best known for its stress-relieving properties. As an adaptogen, ashwagandha can be helpful for those who are fatigued during the day but have a hard time sleeping at night. It helps promote balance within the body. It stands out among herbs for its noteworthy impact on the mental and physical aspects of human well-being.

What is Organic Ashwagandha good for?

Because of it’s adaptogenic properties, ashwagandha may help:  

  • Reduce stress and anxiety
  • Enhance memory and cognition
  • Support healthy weight management
  • Maintain normal thyroid
  • Promote muscle strength, size and recovery
  • Enhance cardiorespiratory endurance
  • Promote sexual function in men and women
  • Maintain healthy testosterone in men

Benefits of Organic Ashwagandha

  • Reduction of Stress and Anxiety

    Ashwagandha’s main active ingredients are withanolides. This may carry a host of benefits including the ability to ease stress.  One study found that participants who took ashwagandha extract reported increased well-being. Including a sense of calm, improved energy levels, heightened mental clarity, and enhanced sleep quality.

  • Increased Sleep Quality

    There is a link between stress and poorer sleep quality and excessive daytime sleepiness. If taking ashwagandha before bed helps a person relax, this may be another way by which it promotes better sleep. This herb may calm the nervous system and even help with insomnia sleep.

  • Boosts Fertility and Testosterone Levels in Men

    Ashwagandha has demonstrated potential benefits for men's reproductive health. Research indicates that administering ashwagandha to infertile men can lead to significant improvements in sperm quality. It rebalances reproductive hormone levels. With one study reporting a 14% pregnancy rate among male patients' partners. 

    Additionally, studies focusing on stress-related effects found that ashwagandha increased testosterone levels in male participants. Another study examining ashwagandha's impact on muscle strength in men also noted a significant increase in testosterone levels.

  • Muscle Strength & Recovery

    Studies persist in exploring the effectiveness of ashwagandha in enhancing strength and muscle mass. In one study, participants reported heightened speed and strength. Meanwhile, another study noted improvements in muscle power. Coupled with reductions in body fat percentage and cholesterol levels, following the use of ashwagandha.  

    If you want to hit the gym, ashwagandha is your friend.

  • Improves Memory & Focus

    Ashwagandha boosts GABA which may help with brain fog. This herb has proof improving memory and focus. For those who have trouble remembering things, it improves working/short-term memory and enhances your attention span. 

  • Improves Sexual Function in Women

    A clinical study suggests that ashwagandha may offer benefits for women dealing with sexual dysfunction. Participants reported significant improvements after receiving ashwagandha. Additionally, the participants found that the herb spiced up their love life!

Difference between organic and non-organic Ashwagandha

The key differences between organic and non-organic ashwagandha lie in their cultivation methods, potential pesticide residues, environmental impact, and possibly nutrient content.

Cultivation Methods

Organic Ashwagandha:

  • Cultivation Standards: Grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers. Organic farming relies on natural processes and materials, such as compost, green manure, and crop rotation.
  • Soil Health: Organic farming practices enhance soil health through the use of organic matter. They also use natural amendments, promoting a sustainable ecosystem.

Pesticide Residues

Organic Ashwagandha:

  • Pesticide Residues: Contains minimal to no pesticide residues because organic standards prohibit the use of synthetic pesticides. This reduces the risk of exposure to harmful chemicals.
  • Certification: Must meet stringent organic certification standards, often verified by third-party organisations.

Non-Organic Ashwagandha:

  • Pesticide Residues: May contain residues from synthetic pesticides used during cultivation. These residues are typically within the safety limits set by regulatory bodies. But, there is ongoing debate about the long-term health effects of consuming such residues.

Environmental Impact

Organic Ashwagandha:

  • Environmental Sustainability: Organic farming is more sustainable and environmentally friendly, promoting biodiversity and reducing pollution from chemical runoff.
  • Carbon Footprint: Often has a lower carbon footprint due to the absence of synthetic chemical production and usage.

Non-Organic Ashwagandha:

  • Environmental Sustainability: Conventional farming practices can contribute to soil degradation, water contamination, and a reduction in biodiversity due to the use of synthetic chemicals.
  • Carbon Footprint: Typically has a higher carbon footprint due to the manufacturing and application of synthetic fertilisers and pesticides.

Nutrient Content

Organic Ashwagandha:

  • Nutrient Density: Some studies suggest that organic crops may have higher levels of nutrients than conventional farming. Increasing certain nutrients and antioxidants, although the differences are often small and vary by crop and study.

Non-Organic Ashwagandha:

  • Nutrient Density: Generally similar in nutrient content to organic crops, though some research indicates slight differences. This is due to the impact of synthetic chemicals on soil health and plant metabolism.

How to use Organic Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha can have a distinct taste. Therefore it is best to blend it into a drink. Many put ashwagandha in tea or hot drinks. Another alternative is to take a supplement. 

What happens when you take ashwagandha daily?

Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb. Therefore it helps your body adapt to whatever stress it may be encountering. We recommend taking ashwagandha for at least 4 weeks to see its effects. As with any supplement, consistency is key. 

Why Moodeys?

If you are looking for a mess-free way to try ashwagandha, Moodeys Rest & Repeat is best to promote a restful night’s sleep. Rest & Repeat has a blend of many adaptogenic herbs and vitamins so you can wake up refreshed. On the other hand, Happy Hour may induce a calming effect and improvement of mood! Whatever your mood may be, both are a great addition to your daily routine.