Ashwagandha

Medicinal ingredients (each capsule contains):

Recommended use or purpose: 
Helps relieve stress symptoms such as fatigue, sleeplessness, irritability, and inability to concentrate. Helps reduce cortisol and C-reactive protein: the biomarkers of physical stress. Also helps support cardiovascular health. 

Recommended dose: 
Adults: 1 capsule 2 times per day. For use beyond 12 weeks, consult a health care practitioner.

Non-medicinal ingredients: 
Hypromellose, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate (plant-source)

Cautions and warnings: 
Consult a health care practitioner prior to use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not consume with alcohol, or other drugs or natural health products with sedative properties. If symptoms persist or worsen, consult a health care practitioner. Store in a cool dry place, away from children. Do not use if safety seal is broken. Protect from moisture.

• Relief of those pesky stress symptoms: sleeplessness, fatigue, irritability.
• Relief of high cortisol and C-reactive protein levels.
• Relief when reading a great book, but finding yourself reading the same paragraph over and over.

Ancient Beliefs on Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is one of the most revered herbs in Ayurveda, with a history of traditional use spanning over 3,000 to 6,000 years. In ancient Indian medicine, it is classified as a Rasayana, meaning a rejuvenator tonic designed to promote longevity, physical strength, and mental health. 

"Power of a Horse" (Vitality and Strength) 

• Name Origin: The name Ashwagandha is derived from the Sanskrit words "ashva" (horse) and "gandha" (smell), referring to the distinct aroma of its root.
• Traditional Meaning: It is believed that consuming the root imparts the strength, vigor, and stamina of a horse.
• Use Case: Ashwagandha was historically given to individuals to combat debility (weakness), restore energy after illness, and enhance sexual vitality. 

"Rasayana" (Rejuvenator)

• Longevity and Wellness: As a Rasayana, Ashwagandha is described in ancient texts like the Charaka Samhita as an herbal preparation that promotes a youthful state of physical and mental health.
• Nervine Tonic: Ashwagandha is considered a powerful nervous system tonic (Medhya Rasayana), used to improve memory and cognitive function in children, the elderly, or those recovering from illness.
• Immune System Support: Ashwagandha is used to boost the immune system and enhance the body's overall resilience. 

"Adaptogen" (Stress Management) 

• Balancing Vata and Kapha: Ayurveda views health as a balance of doshas (energies). Ashwagandha is used to pacify Vata (air/space) and Kapha (water/earth) imbalances, which often manifest as anxiety, fatigue, or coldness.
• "Warm" Remedy: Ashwagandha is recognized as having a heating, heavy, and grounding energy, making it ideal for combating the restless, anxious energy of high Vata.
• Sleep Inducer: The species name somnifera is derived from Latin, meaning "sleep-inducing," and it has been used for centuries to treat insomnia and improve sleep quality. 

This information is presented to give context as to how Traditional Forms of Medicine - such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Traditional Tibetan Medicine (TTM), Ayurvedic Medicine and Shamanic Indigenous Traditions all over the Earth - developed and perfected over hundreds to thousands of years to see what did and did not work, viewed and used this natural substance in their Healing Traditions. Trial and error over lengthy periods of time is a perfect example of the Latin term Scientia “to know.”