Ashwagandha, botanically Withania somnifera, is also known as Indian ginseng and is native to the arid regions of India and Africa. However, it can now also be found in many tropical and subtropical regions such as Asia, Spain, Greece, and the Canary Islands. As an adaptogen, ashwagandha helps the body adapt to physical and emotional stress and restore inner balance. The plant itself is a small shrub with oval leaves and striking, orange-red berries that resemble small tomatoes. Although the berries are attractive, the true value of ashwagandha lies in its roots. These have been deeply rooted in Ayurvedic medicine for over a millennium, where they are revered as an important rejuvenating agent (rasayana). It is from these very roots that the withanolides – the main active ingredients that give ashwagandha its versatile properties – are extracted. They help regulate stress hormones like cortisol, improve sleep quality, promote concentration, and naturally increase energy levels.
