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What is Ashwagandha?

Here's a quick guide to this adaptogenic herb and its stress-relieving properties.

With the rise in popularity of the wellness industry, it’s no surprise that there always seem to be new supplements on the market. In fact, it’s pretty common to walk into a health food store and ask yourself “wait- what is that?” Ashwagandha is definitely an ingredient that might cause a double-take, but this herb actually has ancient roots in Ayurvedic medicine and some pretty amazing benefits that have been proven through research and studies.*

Ashwagandha is a herb that is classified as an adaptogen. Adaptogens are herbs that help our bodies respond to external stressors. They’re known for their health benefits, especially when ingested as a supplement, powder, or extract. Ashwagandha in particular has long been used to manage stress and ease anxiety and has been used for over 3,000 years as a staple in Ayurvedic medicine. Ashwagandha is a small shrub with yellow flowers that is native to India. The powder that is extracted from its roots and leaves have been shown to provide multiple health benefits.

Besides fighting stress, Ashwagandha has been shown to have some other incredible benefits to support your internal and external health.* Read more about the primary benefits of this ancient herb below.

Relieves Stress and Anxiety

Ashwagandha has long been prized for its ability to help fight stress and ease anxiety, naturally. This adaptogen works to promote a sense of calm by blocking stress-receiving pathways in the brain. It has also been shown to help minimize the release of cortisol (a.k.a the stress hormone). Ashwagandha naturally contains withanoside compounds, which can change how your body responds to stress and increase your overall resilience towards feelings of stress and anxiety. Benefits of reducing stress can include better sleep, a more positive mood, and higher energy levels.

May Help Minimize Signs of Aging

Ashwagandha root is packed with powerful antioxidants, including polyphenols, which can help reduce the levels of free radicals in the body and can minimize signs of aging, according to one 2016 study. Antioxidants work to neutralize free radicals and enhance the body’s resistance to oxidative stress to improve skin health and may help prevent early signs of aging.

How to incorporate ashwagandha into your diet

Ashwagandha is typically sold and consumed in a powder, tea, tincture or capsule form, making it easy to incorporate this stress-fighting ingredient into your daily routine.

Our Cacao Calm Plant-Based Collagen Boost blend is formulated with organic KSM-66 ashwagandha root extract, which is the most potent form available on the market. Cacao Calm also includes organic cacao powder to boost mood and for a delicious cocoa flavor, and is formulated with our herbalist-approved blend of collagen-boosting plant botanicals to boost hair, skin, and and nail health while also supporting and protecting your body’s natural collagen.

Ashwagandha has a slightly earthy taste that is not noticeable when blended with other ingredients or added to a latte, smoothie, or other recipe. Our Cacao Calm Plant-Based Collagen Boost has a chocolatey flavor with a hint of cinnamon that tastes like a grown-up version of hot chocolate and is easy to add to lattes, smoothies, oats, baked goods, and more. If you’re looking to reduce stress and improve your internal health, try incorporating adaptogenic ashwagandha into your diet.

How you’ll feel taking ashwagandha

Ashwagandha works to promote a sense of calm and focus by naturally blocking stress signal pathways in the brain. Over time, you can expect to feel an increased sense of calm, less anxiety, and overall more even moods.* However, effects vary from person to person, but ashwagandha is generally more effective when used regularly and with consistency to help your body adjust. After all, adaptogens help your body regulate its “baseline” for stress, so the more consistent you are, the better you’ll feel over time.* If the idea of feeling more relaxed, calm, and focused appeals to you and your lifestyle, then ashwagandha may be a beneficial adaptogen to incorporate into your diet.