Tradition: The use of ashwagandha dates back to ancient Ayurvedic medicine in 6000BCE. It was used in India, Pakistan and China.  It is also known as "Indian ginseng".  It literally translates to "smell of the horse" because of its foul odor.  This small bush with red berries and yellow flowers has a potent root with a wide variety of medicinal uses.

Properties & Uses:  This adaptogenic root has the power to increase the body's resilience amidst stressful circumstances.  Ashwagandha inhibits the production of cortisol--the body's main stress hormone.  Two chemical compounds that are naturally produced from the root are saponins and alkonoids, which have an excitatory effect much like nicotine and caffeine.  Various other physiological affects when ingested by humans are improved libido, enhanced motivation and increased muscle mass.  Besides contributing to arousal, ashwagandha's other contribution to reproductive health is boosting testosterones production up to 400% in males, and balancing estrogen levels in females.  Ashwagandha is also known for boosting immune functions and longevity, because the antioxidants fight off free radicals and foreign bodies.  The general decrease in stress contributes to decreased inflammation and thus prevents a plethora of diseases.  The anti-inflammatory effect increases blood flow, because it decreases inflammation and hypertension in blood vessels.  Similarly to insulin, ashwagandha has the power to help regulate blood sugar levels and suppress any abrupt spikes.  The saponin called ginsenoside is responsible for enhancing a feeling of wellbeing and optimism by regulating and relaxing the autonomic nervous system.  This general relaxation effect has also been known to combat insomnia.

Nutritional Facts: calcium, vitamin C, iron, fiber, protein 

Consumption: the root can be steeped into beverage form, or dried and consumed as a powder (commonly processed into capsule or gummy form)

Suggested sources: America's number 1 brand of ashwagandha gummies is "goli nutrition", and the most popular capsule is the "Pattern Wellness Ashwagandha Complex"