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Ashwagandha, the Indian anti-stress root

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A mythical plant of Ayurvedic medicine, nicknamed the "Indian ginseng," ashwagandha is one of the most powerful natural stress relievers. But it doesn't stop at just one virtue! Let's take a closer look at a small root, the main ingredient of the famous Moon Milk, which might just change your life!

Updated on 18 March 2025

✓ WHO ARE WE?
An editorial team specializing in nutrition. Authors of the book The Beneficial Foods (Mango Editions) and the podcast Food Revolutions.

SUMMARY

VALIDATION SCIENTIFIQUE
Laure Fourchaud – 07.07.2021
Dr en physiologie de la nutrition

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Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a plant from the Solanaceae family, like tomatoes and goji berries. Native to India, particularly from Madhya Pradesh, it also grows in the arid regions of Pakistan and Sri Lanka. It presents as a bush with long leaves and yellow flowers, produces small red berries, and can reach up to 1.5 meters in height.

But it is mainly its roots – and to a lesser extent its leaves, that have been traditionally used (about 3,000 years) for their various benefits for our body. The part of the plant that is the most rich in active ingredients, they are harvested when the rest begins to wither.

First, and this is what explains its main properties, ashwagandha is an adaptogenic plant. This means it allows the body to adapt to physical and psychological stress it encounters.

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It sounds magical like that, but it’s a phenomenon closely studied by scientists since the 1950s and concerns other foods that interest us such as maca or ginseng.

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Its name comes from Sanskrit and means “horse smell”, referring to the strong odor of its roots, but also to the strength of equines. As for the small red berries it produces, they have earned it the nickname winter cherry in English.

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Studies have demonstrated the powerful anti-stress action of ashwagandha on our body. The active ingredients of this plant, especially its high concentration of withanolides, directly influence the production of cortisol, the so-called stress hormone. Research is also underway to demonstrate their anti-cancer action.

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Natural steroids: withanolides (including withaferin A)

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Antioxidants: tannins, flavonoids
Phenolic acids: gallic acid, vanillic acid, and syringic acid

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Ashwagandha is a plant that can help against stress and anxiety, as it helps to regulate and balance our cortisol production.

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It also helps to significantly reduce anxiety and insomnia. It is particularly recommended for sleep disorders, as it promotes a long restorative sleep.

Scientific studies:

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🏋🏻‍♀️ Strengthens the body and increases muscle mass

Consuming ashwagandha helps to strengthen the body and increase muscle mass. Its roots enhance physical condition and endurance.

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