Ashwagandha
Withania somnifera
also known as Indian ginseng, Winter cherry, Asgandh
An Ayurvedic root used for over 3,000 years to steady the body under strain. Modern research backs the cortisol claim — this is one of the better-studied calming herbs, though Europe's regulators have raised questions worth knowing about.
- Adaptogen — helps the body cope with stress of different kinds
- Lowers cortisol, the body's main alarm hormone
- Often improves sleep quality, especially time spent in deep sleep
- Tends to soften day-to-day anxiety in chronic-stress populations
- Supports recovery after physical effort
- In men, some evidence for healthier testosterone levels and fertility markers
Active in Withanolides, Withaferin A, Sitoindosides, Alkaloids, Steroidal lactones.
Avoid during pregnancy — traditionally considered able to cause miscarriage
Avoid with hormone-sensitive cancers
Avoid with pre-existing liver problems — rare but real reports of liver injury
Use caution with thyroid medication, sedatives, and immunosuppressants
Stop two weeks before surgery
Banned in Denmark since 2023; under review in several other European countries over thyroid and hormone concerns
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