Also known as; Withania somnifera, Indian Ginseng, Winter Cherry, Ashwagandha
Withania (or Ashwagandha) is one of our favourite herbs for tonifying the adrenal system, calming your nervous system and reducing inflammation. We only use high-quality, standardized tinctures; so you know they have high levels of the active constituents (in this case “withanolides”) for a high level of efficacy.
Withania is a traditional Ayurvedic medicinal herb that has been used for more than 3000 years. In ancient Ayurvedic texts it is described as a vitaliser or restorative tonic, due to it’s powerful effect at promoting physical and mental health and revitalising the body when completely debilitated. This reflects it current usage in naturopathic and herbal medicine as an adrenal tonic, especially important due to our modern ways of living and the constant onslaught of information and mental stimulation we receive every minute. Our nervous systems are fried.
Withania, what is it good for?
- As an adaptogen to help the body cope with daily stress and to relieve insomnia
- For adrenal function, thereby improving energy and supporting hormone and thyroid balance
- To support those who suffer from fatigue, post-viral infections or poor immune function
- As a powerful antioxidant – it is neuroprotective and some studies have suggested Withania can improve memory
- To increase red blood cell production
- As a general tonic to improve vitality
We often blend Withania with other synergistic adrenal herbs such as Rhodiola, Siberian Ginseng, Rehmannia, Passionflower and Echinacea, however every herbal formulation is designed specifically for individual needs and may therefore have more hormonal, immune, anxiety or energy support…depending on what we are focusing on. That is the beauty of personalised liquid herbal medicine!
If it’s natural, it’s safe…right!?
When choosing to use herbal medicine, it is very important that you seek professional guidance especially if you are taking prescription medications. For best effects, it is very important to ensure that you are taking the correct herbs for your individual needs, along with an effective dosage. Many people discount the effectiveness of herbal medicine as they have bought some herbal capsules from the pharmacy, taken them for a month and had no results. Herbal medicine can have powerful and effective, however if you are using a poor quality herb (with low levels of active constituents) or you aren’t taking a therapeutic dosage, it won’t work.
Did you know that many pharmaceutical drugs are isolated from herbs. This is because many individual herbal constituents are potent, however nature knows best and when taken as a whole herb with its complex array of plant phytochemicals, side-effects are extremely rare. This is especially true when compared to drugs that isolate single constituents only and discount the effect of the synergy of the whole herb.
Remember, just like vitamins and minerals, not all herbs are created equal! With the rise in over-the-counter herbal products and online ordering in the last couple of years, this is something to keep in mind as many countries such as the USA have lower purity standards than Australia. This means that you may not be getting the same quality or even the same herb in some cases. Consult a practitioner trained in herbal medicine and experience the difference for yourself.
