Planetary Herbals Ashwagandha

The high stress levels of our society have a profound impact on well-being, impacting our bodies and health in ways that are continually being revealed by new research. Planetary Herbals can help you address this modern problem with one of the most highly respected botanicals in the 5,000- year-old Ayurvedic herbal tradition. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is often compared to Asian ginseng. It is widely used in modern Western herbalism as an adaptogen - a substance that can help our bodies healthfully adapt to physiological and psychological stress, thus increasing resistance to stressors.

Planetary Herbals offers you ashwagandha in a Full Spectrum tablet, formulated to capture all the plant’s most valuable compounds, and a liquid extract. Both were selected by licensed acupuncturist and clinical herbalist Michael Tierra, L.Ac., O.M.D., an internationally recognized authority on the world’s herbal traditions. Michael was the first to introduce Ayurvedic products to the American health food industry in the early 1970’s.

A History of Traditional Use
Ashwagandha has been used throughout India for thousands of years as a rejuvenating tonifier ("rasayana" in Ayurvedic herbalism), and has been included in the writings of many scholars. It was widely used to support vitality in people of all ages, including children, and to enhance reproductive function in both men and women.

Adaptogenic Effects
In modern times, ashwagandha has been researched for its adaptogenic properties. Adaptogens are defined as substances that enhance general adaptive response. These botanicals are increasingly important in today’s society, where high stress levels negatively impact many different body systems. Many health practitioners believe adaptogens are just as important to our health as better-known nutrients and botanicals, such as antioxidants. Research suggests the mechanism of action of adaptogens may include modulation of the pituitary-hypothalamus-adrenal gland axis. They increase resistance against external stressors, have a balancing effect and stabilize normal body functions.

Ashwagandha: Powerful Adaptogen
Ashwagandha has been shown to increase stress resistance, improve memory-related performance, and protect against stress induced responses such as anxiety, and physiological imbalances, according to numerous animal studies and several human studies. Well-controlled clinical studies are needed to further confirm ashwagandha’s benefits for humans. The key constituents of ashwagandha are alkaloids and a group of steroidal lactones known as withanolides.