Ayurveda, the ‘science of wellbeing’ that developed in India over 5000 years ago, views ashwagandha as one of the most prized rejuvenating herbs. It is traditionally used to nourish the mind and enhance physical vigour. Classed as a modern-day ‘ adaptogen’, ashwagandha adapts to the needs of the body, helping to support it and reduce negative changes during times of emotional and physical stress by strengthening the hormonal and nervous systems. Ashwagandha is also an adaptogen which, as the name suggests, means it helps us adapt to modern day stressors. What are adaptogens? Most adaptogenic herbs have a positive effect on our immune system and ashwagandha is no exception. It is traditionally used to support a weakened immune system and it has now been shown to encourage anti-inflammatory and disease-fighting immune cells that help to ward off illness. More research is needed but early studies are encouraging, such as one showing a major change in immune cell activation after taking ashwagandha [xii]. viii] Azgomi RND, Zomorrodi A, Nazemyieh H, Fazljou SMB, Bazargani HS, Nejatbakhsh F, et al. 2018. Effects of Withania somnifera on reproductive system: A systematic review of the available evidence. BioMed Research Int article ID: 4076430.

Adaptogens help the body adapt to long-term daily stressors, reducing negative changes during times of emotional and physical stress by strengthening the endocrine and nervous systems.

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As a rejuvenating tonic, ashwagandha has been used in Ayurveda to alleviate fatigue and improve general well-being for centuries. Its effects on increasing energy, stamina and endurance are becoming increasingly known. It has been shown to significantly enhance athletic performance by improving heart and lung capacity while increasing energy levels. This makes it a great support for those who struggle with energy or have fatigue-related conditions, such as chronic fatigue syndrome. This comes as no surprise to our herbal experts, such as our Head of Herbal Education, Jo Webber, who says: “ashwagandha has a long history of traditional use for helping us to cope with everyday stress and relax without feeling exhausted which could explain why it helps women achieve an orgasm/ or support women’s libido. Ashwagandha can be taken safely with contraceptive pills, which for some women can be a factor associated with low levels of sex drive.” Ashwagandha for men Ashwagandha supports settling into good sleeping patterns. When we’re troubled, our sleep is too. By nourishing and strengthening our nervous system, studies show ashwagandha helps us to relax before bed. ix] Dongre, S., Langade, D. and Bhattacharyya, S., 2015. Efficacy and safety of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root extract in improving sexual function in women: a pilot study. BioMed research international, 2015. ii] Auddy B, Hazra J, Mitra A, Abedon B, Ghosal S. 2008. A standardized Withania somnifera extract significantly reduces stress-related parameters in chronically stressed humans: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. JANA 11(1):51-57.

Ashwagandha is traditionally used as an aphrodisiac in both men and women. This makes sense as it helps support a healthy stress response. We are here to inspire you to embrace all nature offers. Nourishing your mind and body at every moment to help you lead a healthier, happier life. Blended by our in-house team of qualified herbal experts, discover our range of herbal tea and supplements. Combining traditional herbal wisdom with the latest scientific research, our products support digestion, sleep, and energy, as well as immunity and relaxation. Ashwagandha is an adaptogen, helps us to manage the negative effects of physical and emotional stress. Stress causes a surge in the key hormones - adrenaline and cortisol – both of which increase alertness as part of the ‘fight or flight’ response. Ashwagandha supports a healthy body response, helping us find calm, especially during times of change. We’ve all heard of aphrodisiacs such as oysters and chocolate, but research reveals there’s a healthy plant out there to help women naturally boost their sex drive and achieve an orgasm. Ayurveda (traditional medicine practiced in India) views ashwagandha as one of the most prized rejuvenating herbs, which is thought to nourish the mind and enhance energy, making ashwagandha an ideal herbal hero when we are feeling weak and exhausted.Why not try using ashwagandha in our Golden Milk of Bliss recipe- a delicious and nourishing drink. Translated as ‘the strength of a horse’, ashwagandha nourishes the nervous system, helping to support relaxation and restore harmony. For these reasons, this balancing herb can be found in our Peace tea. Ashwagandha has long been used in ayurvedic tradition to nourish the mind and relax the nervous system. Due to its amazing benefits, you'll find our ashwagandha supplements and teas in our relax, sleep, and women's ranges. There was a time where if you announced how many supplements and capsules you were taking, you were looked upon as if you had issues.

iv] Langade D, Kanchi S, Salve J, Debnath K, Ambegaokar D. 2019. Efficacy and safety of ashwagandha ( Withania somnifera) root extract in insomnia and anxiety: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Cureus 11(9): e5797. If you would like to find out more about the benefits of Ayurveda, take a look at our wellbeing articles. You will find plenty of helpful tips and advice for living a healthy lifestyle, including information on getting the most out of your Pukka products. Ashwagandha is grown in India and good quality organic ashwagandha is hard to come by in the Western world, though can be found in our Peace tea. Though Ayurvedic methods may seem 'new-age' and though they are jumping on the wellness bandwagon, ashwagandha has a good reputation in calming nerves and helping those who are anxious and stressed.i] Lopresti AL, Smith SJ, Malvi H, Kodgule R. 2019. An investigation into the stress-relieving and pharmacological actions of an ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract. Medicine (Baltimore). 98(37): e17186.

Ashwagandha is traditionally used to improve sexual performance and libido in both men and women. When we are stressed, we produce a lot more adrenaline and place pressure on our adrenal glands and organs. Ashwagandha regulates the amount of adrenaline produced and strengthens organs, improving stamina as well as increasing sperm count and motility in men, and improving libido in women. One study showed that women [viii] who took a daily dose of ashwagandha over a month saw significant improvements in achieving orgasm and sexual arousal due to a significant reduction in sexually related distress. Beyond decreasing the effects of stress it was suggested that ashwagandha’s role in increasing testosterone was also key as this is a factor in androgen deficiency syndrome, which in turn is also associated with female sexual dysfunction [ix]. Nowadays, with a generation obsessed with wellness, buying vitamins from Holland and Barrett on your lunch break has become normal. Ashwagandha has been well-researched in this regard with several studies supporting its effectiveness in managing the effects of stress [i],[ii]. However, this herb is unusual in that it is also a tonic, meaning it will strengthen an exhausted or agitated nervous system whilst calming it at the same time. Ashwagandha’s roots are harvested and air-dried before being used. All Pukka’s organic highest quality ashwagandha is grown in a dry region of north Karnataka (South West India). Ashwagandha’s ability to help the body adapt to stress is reflected by its ability to thrive in arid conditions and poor-quality alkaline soils. Most plants would suffer from severe stress in such an environment.

Ashwagandha improves energy, stamina and endurance through being a rejuvenating tonic. It will strengthen and nourish the nervous system whilst calming it at the same time. It has been shown to significantly enhance athletic performance by improving heart and lung capacity and energy levels. It is easy for you to find what you need from our collection. Our products are grouped into benefits, hero herbs, dietary companions, dosha options and time of day teas, to help you find what you need. Meghan Markle has been said to have used it when prepping for her wedding and taking it in capsule form. Ashwagandha has wonderfully strengthening and nourishing properties. As an adaptogen it helps the body to cope with the increasing everyday demands of modern life and counters the effects of stress on the body. This is because it contains active plant compounds that help restore balance and harmony. It shares many of its strengthening properties with shatavari, another celebrated rejuvenating adaptogen from the Ayurvedic tradition. A growing body of evidence is now being collated around this powerful herb with an impressive variety of health benefits. What is ashwagandha good for?