College of Ayurvedic Diet & Digestion

 

AYURVEDIC HERB SUPPLEMENTS

Ashwagandha HERBAL POWDER (WITHANIA SOMNIFERA)

Calms the nerves while rebuilding strength and stability. Ashwagandha is a renowned adaptogen, improving energy and sound sleep.

How Does This Ayurvedic Herb Supplement Improve Wellness?

CLINICAL AYURVEDIC REVIEW

Ashwagandha is a comforting restoring strength and stability. This warm, relaxing herb helps you overcome fatigue when you are feeling drained and depleted, or after a chaotic day. If you tend to feel scattered, anxious or "on edge," its heavy and nourishing qualities are renowned for helping you feel calm, sturdy, and steady.
Say goodbye to the 3pm slump - ashwagandha will give you the endurance to get through the day feeling focused and driven. It's particularly beneficial at times of transition, such as starting a new job or moving house, which can be very stressful on your system. Its rooty, earthy taste is a sign of its ability to help you stay grounded amidst the change.

A warm mug of ashwagandha settles a racing mind and swirling thoughts. Drinking it at night will make your eyes feel heavy. You'll enjoy a night of restful, uninterrupted sleep.

Feel Energized Yet Calm, Stable & Steady

Do you feel easily fatigued and frazzled? Ashwagandha means "strength of a horse," suggesting its ability to make you feel strong, sturdy, and focused when your nervous system is frayed and exhausted in the middle of the day. Ashwagandha is unique as it has a dual action of both energizing and calming at the same time. It replenishes your storehouse of energy so you can be productive, alert, and focus your mind. It won't, however, make you feel jittery or anxious like a cup of coffee. Instead, it alleviates anxiety frequently associated with Vata dosha. A nourishing herb, its nervine qualities calm the nerves and will bring you back to earth when you are feeling hyperactive.

Help Your Body Resist Stress

It doesn't take long to experience the effects of ashwagandha. One client noted, "I could feel the stress relieving effect from the first day." A renowned adaptogen, ashwagandha boosts the body's ability to resist stress, both physically and mentally. A client shared how ashwagandha supported them in times of stress: "It's like the saying, 'Keep calm and carry on.' I started taking [ashwagandha] from way back and it has gotten me through some rough and tough times."

Ashwagandha is considered one of the best herbs for supporting healthy functioning of adrenal glands. It is a tonic for drained adrenals. Adrenal glands produce a stress hormone known as cortisol in response to stressful situations. Cortisol is essential for survival, but becomes harmful if it's chronically high. Studies have shown that ashwagandha may play a role in the reduction of high cortisol levels.

"I have been incredibly busy lately with a tremendous amount of big milestones happening at home. They have left me emotionally and physically depleted. I wasn't sleeping well and was starting to get sick," a client explained. "When I started taking the ashwagandha ... I was able to handle the stresses of the day with a sense of being grounded," they continued.

Drift into Deep Sleep

Ashwagandha is the perfect herb for insomnia because of its sleep-inducing qualities. Grounding and soothing to your nervous system, this heavy and nutritive herb relaxes you physically and mentally so you can drift easily into sleep, even while thoughts turn over and over in your mind.

"I find it nourishing to my tissues, relaxing and grounding, and it helped me sleep like a baby," revealed a client. Another explained how ashwagandha helped them unwind after a long day: "I found it easier to wind down in the evenings and got off to sleep easier than usual."

Not only does ashwagandha help you get to sleep, it can also improve the quality of your sleep. One client described their sleep as being "much deeper and longer lasting." Thanks to the restorative and rejuvenative qualities (rasayana) of ashwagandha, your sleep will become deeper and longer so you wake up fresh and ready to take on the day.

Relieve Tension & Strengthen Muscles

Ashwagandha has been traditionally used to improve muscle mass and increase overall strength. Its anabolic qualities help build muscle, particularly in the weak, elderly or debilitated. A client reported they experienced "a sense of vigor" and that their "limbs felt stronger" with ashwagandha.

A number of our clients have shared how ashwagandha has helped relax their muscles. One said that their "lower abdomen felt less tight." Another described the body wide warmth and satisfaction that accompanied this relaxing feeling: "My gut felt satisfied and my muscles and skin felt comfortable and warm."

Stress and tension cause your muscles to tighten up, become stiff and maybe even sore. When you're feeling frazzled, ashwagandha nourishes your muscles so they stay loose and flexible. A little dose of ashwagandha can help keep your muscles comfortable and pain-free. As an anti-inflammatory, ashwagandha also support pain-free joint movement.

Imparts Vigor and Strength to Your Reproductive Health

Ashwagandha is used by both men and women as a reproductive tonic, but it is specifically known for revitalizing the male reproductive system. It can increase sperm count, sperm motility and boost testosterone levels.

It's also used to increase libido as it is said to bestow the vitality and strength of a horse on the person who is taking it! In females, it is used as a uterine tonic as it strengthens the muscles of the womb. For women who may be iron deficient or experience heavy menstruation, ashwagandha builds deficient haemoglobin. Another popular female reproductive tonic is shatavari. While shatavari is more nurturing, ashwagandha is more strengthening and invigorating.

Bolster Strong Immunity

When you are go-go-go, your immune system takes a serious hit. When your immune system is depleted, you tend to pick up coughs, colds and whatever else is "going around." Ashwagandha can help rev up immunity that has been weakened by a fast paced lifestyle. It improves white blood cell count.

Paradoxically, it also calms immunity and is often used in autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and allergies.

Effect on Digestion

Generally, ashwagandha is a warm, nurturing herb that relaxes the digestive tract. A client shared the comforting effects they experienced with ashwagandha: "It is soothing to my stomach and it warms me up like none other."

Several clients noted improved elimination with ashwagandha. This is likely due to the anxiety reducing effects relaxing the colon - also useful in travel constipation. One said, "It bulked up my stools and elimination was softer than normal." Another shared, "Ashwagandha makes elimination easy and regular for me." A heavy, hearty herb, ashwagandha may weigh down weak or sluggish digestion. In some cases, it may lead to feelings of mild nausea.

How to Enjoy Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is frequently recommended at a dose of 1/4-1/2 tsp daily. Its bitter taste gives way to a little underlying sweetness and feels pasty on the tongue when the powder is consumed alone. For a more enjoyable experience, we recommend Ashwagandha brewed into a cup of warm milk. This does more than improve the taste. The fats in the milk help extract the fat soluble components in ashwagandha, so you absorb more of the medicinal effects.

Simmer your milk of choice on the stove for 10 minutes, occasionally whisking through the silky ashwagandha powder to break up chunks. For those who are dairy intolerant, substitute a nut milk or rice milk. If preferred, ashwagandha can also be taken in capsule form.

Vatas can sweeten their ashwagandha milk with some maple syrup and add a little pinch of nutmeg to enhance its sleep inducing properties. Kapha types should favor honey to sweeten, avoid cow's milk, and add a pinch cardamom if desired. The warming qualities of ashwagandha may be too heating for Pittas. They may find cooling shatavari is a more appropriate option.

Contraindications

This warming herbs is rejuvenative for Vata and Kapha types. However, there are some circumstances when ashwagandha may not be appropriate to take, particularly if Pitta dosha is aggravated or stomach ulcers are present. If a person has a fiery disposition and aggressive tendencies, it may be best to avoid ashwagandha as it strengthens stubbornness along with heartiness.

The heating qualities of ashwagandha make it a time-tested favorite for Vata Kapha types as they find the warmth a welcome relief. Pitta types need to watch out for overheating and excess sweating. "After taking Ashwagandha, beads of perspiration broke out on my forehead and in my armpits," said a client. Another added, "I definitely felt hotter and perspired more."

A heavy herb that is building in nature, ashwagandha should be avoided in cases of high metabolic wastes (ama). Ashwagandha is one of the few ojas building herbs that is suitable for Kapha. In fact, mounting evidence suggests it has anti-tumorigenic properties, and may potentially be used to fight and even prevent cancer.

Ashwagandha should also be avoided during pregnancy. It is traditionally used in the East during pregnancy, particularly if the woman is weak. However, it is avoided in the West due to its spasmodic effect on the uterus.
Ayurveda Ashwagandha Whole Plant Large

Ayurveda Ashwagandha Fruit Large

Ayurveda Ashwagandha Flower Large

Ayurveda Ashwagandha Leaf Large

Ayurveda Ashwagandha Stem / Bark Large

Ayurveda Ashwagandha Root Large

Ayurveda Ashwagandha Monogram Large

SUGGESTED USE

1/4-1/2 tsp 2x/daily with warm milk or as directed by your practitioner.
How should I take my herbs?
Follow these guidelines

Metabolic Nature of Ashwagandha

See a complete list of all biocharacteristics.
INCREASES
Guna Help

Increases These Biocharacteristics (Gunas)

Functional Ayurveda helps you assess imbalances through 20 main biocharacteristics (gunas). Aggravating these characteristics weakens your body and causes imbalance. By knowing which characteristics are habitually imbalanced in your body, you will be able to identify and correct imbalances before you get sick. Every characteristic has an opposite which balances it (i.e. hot balances cold). You restore balance by favoring diet and lifestyle choices that increase the opposite characteristic.

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HEAVY

ABOUT HEAVY BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Heavy is identified by sedation, sluggishness, or increased weight.

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HOT

ABOUT HOT BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Hot is identified by increased body temperature, metabolism, or inflammation.

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OILY

ABOUT OILY BIOCHARACTERISTIC

In Ayurveda, oily refers to anything moistening. More specifically, oily refers to building substances that increases fat, or are themselves fatty. For example, sugar is Oily.

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TASTES
Taste Help

The 6 Tastes

Taste is used to sense the most basic properties and effects of food. Each taste has a specific medicinal effect on your body. Cravings for food with certain tastes indicate your body is craving specific medicinal results from food. Taste is experienced on the tongue and represents your body's reaction to foods. Sweet taste causes physical satisfaction and attraction whereas bitter taste causes discomfort and aversion. Kapha should use less sweet taste while Vata and Pitta would benefit from using more sweet taste. One of the first signs of illness is that your taste and appetite for food changes. The six tastes are sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, and astringent. Do you crave foods with any of the tastes below?

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ASTRINGENT

ABOUT ASTRINGENT BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Astringency is characterized by constriction, drawing together, or drying.

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BITTER

ABOUT BITTER BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Bitter taste has cholagogue action - it is cold, clear, light, and stimulating. It increases digestive enzymes, laxative, and drying.

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DOSHAS
Dosha Help

The Three Doshas / Body Types

According to the biocharacteristic theory of medicine, people tend to get sick, over and over again, due to habitual causes and imbalances that are unique to the person. Your body type summarizes this tendency, showing you the 'type' of conditions and imbalances that frequently challenge your health & wellness. Using body type, you can also identify remedies likely to improve your strength and resiliency. Your body type identifies physical and mental characteristics as well as your personal strengths and weaknesses. The calculation of your body type is based on your medical history.

The 3 functional body types (doshas), are Catabolic (Vata), Metabolic (Pitta), and Anabolic (Kapha). Catabolic individuals tend to break down body mass into energy. They are easily stimulated, hyperactive, underweight and dry. Metabolic individuals tend to burn or use energy. They tend to be rosy-cheeked, easily irritated, focused, driven, and easily inflamed. Anabolic individuals tend to store energy as body mass. If they store too much energy, they could gain weight easily and have congestion. Anabolic people tend to be stable and grounded.

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PACIFIES
Kapha pacifying Vata pacifying
AGGRAVATES
Pitta aggravating
HAS THE FOLLOWING
Affinity:
Anti Aging

ANTI-AGING

Geriatric conditions typically involve low agni / metabolism, poor circulation, weakness & debility, muscle weakening, poor digestion, a drop in sex hormones, and connective tissue degradation in bones & skin.

SEE ALL 'ANTI-AGING' FOODS / HERBS

, Bone Joint,
Energy Vitality

ENERGY-VITALITY

Includes vitality improving foods, herbs, and exercises by dosha.

SEE ALL 'ENERGY-VITALITY' FOODS / HERBS

, Male Health, Mind Stress Sleep, Reproductive Health
HERBAL ACTIONS
(see all)

Medicinal Benefits, Uses & Herbal Actions of Ashwagandha
Help
Experiences are Personal
Experiences vary according to the person and constitution. Individual results may vary. The list of herbal-actions below has not be approved by the FDA and should not be used to treat a medical condition.

Nerve Relaxant Grounding

NERVE-RELAXANT-GROUNDING

Encourages feelings of stability and heaviness. Makes you feel settled, mentally relaxed. Mildly sedates the nervous system to ease stress. Can bring a spacey or anxious person back to earth. Reduces agitation, irritation, stress and racing thoughts.

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Strengthens Resolve

STRENGTHENS-RESOLVE

Increases determination and courage by reducing stress and building strength.

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Boosts Gaba

STRONG BOOSTS-GABA

GABA, or gamma-aminobutyric acid, reduces nerve excitability. It is the body's primary inhibitory neurotransmitter. Thus, it promotes relaxation, calm, and sleep.

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Analgesic

ANALGESIC

Pain reliever, reduces pain without eliminating sensation. Also known as anodyne.

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Antidepressant

ANTIDEPRESSANT

Herbs that lift feelings of depression, benefit the mind and improve mental function.

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Anxiolytic

ANXIOLYTIC

Herbs that help people suffering from anxiety or panic. They promote a state of calm and often improve sleep. Most anxiolytic herbs are also nervines.

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Brain Tonic

BRAIN-TONIC

An herb that strengthens the brain and thereby enhances memory or other cognitive functions and improves mental stamina or stability.

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Nerve Growth Tonic

NERVE-GROWTH-TONIC

Stimulate neurite / axon growth, promotes regeneration.

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Nervine

NERVINE

Balances the nervous system. They can help with stress, memory, early alzheimer's, and even chronic pain. Often they are aromatic in nature.

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Neuroprotective

NEUROPROTECTIVE

Repairs / restores damaged nerves. Protects nerve health.

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Sedative

SEDATIVE

Sedative herbs create a sense of calm in the mind and body by specifically calming or quieting the nervous system. Excellent for anxiety, stress and chronic pain.

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Builds Stamina

BUILDS-STAMINA

Promotes strength, endurance and resistance in the body. Rebuilds weak tissues after a time of depletion.

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Adrenal Tonic

ADRENAL-TONIC

Strengthens, supports, or increases output of adrenals.

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Nutritive

NUTRITIVE

An herb that is strengthening and nourishing.

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Tonic

TONIC

A tonic herb restores function through strengthening tissue. This can happen through a combination of nourishing the tissue, and invigorating tissue metabolism. The tonic should not be withering, as in caffeine.

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Vulnerary

VULNERARY

An herb used for the treatment of wounds (antiulcer, connective tissue tonic).

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Adaptogen

ADAPTOGEN

Herbs that promote stabilization of physiological processes and homeostasis. Adaptogens increase the body's ability to resist the damaging effects of stress and promote or restore normal physiological functioning.

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Anti Inflammatory

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY

Reduces inflammation in the body. Different herbs and carriers target different body systems.

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Anticarcinogenic

ANTICARCINOGENIC

Herbs that inhibit or prevent the activity of a carcinogen or the development of cancer.

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Antipyretic

ANTIPYRETIC

Reduces a fever / febrifuge.

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Antirheumatic

ANTIRHEUMATIC

Antirheumatic herbs help to ease and prevent arthritis and rheumatism. Many are also anti-inflammatory, analgesic, detoxicants and blood thinners. Antirheumatic herbs deal with problems involving the painful, stiff, swollen joints, and fatigue.

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Immune Calming

IMMUNE-CALMING

Herbs that interrupt an allergic reaction or calm the immune system, useful in allergies and autoimmune conditions.

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, Mast Cell Stabilizer
Ace Inhibitor

ACE-INHIBITOR

Used to lower blood pressure. Promotes diuresis by inhibiting angiotensin-converting-enzyme (ACE).

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Alterative

ALTERATIVE

Restores the proper function of the body by cleansing the blood and balancing blood chemistry. In Ayurveda terms, they pacify Pitta in rakta. They were traditionally used to revitalize and detoxify after a long winter.

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Antioxidant

ANTIOXIDANT

An antioxidant is a molecule that inhibits oxidation. Oxidation is a chemical reaction that can produce free radicals that lead to a chain reaction causing damage or death to cells. Antioxidants terminate these oxidation reactions.

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Blood Tonic

BLOOD-TONIC

An herb that produces more blood cells in the body, or otherwise improves blood cell quality or hemoglobin content. Helpful for anemia and other types of deficiency.

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Diuretic

DIURETIC

Herbs that promote urine formation, thereby flushing the kidneys and urinary tract while eliminating any excess water retention. As diuretics reduce water retention, they are often used to reduce blood pressure.

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Urinary Tonic

URINARY-TONIC

An herb that tonifies and strengthens the urinary system. These can be helpful for urinary incontinence or improving function after a urinary tract infection. They can also strengthen the bladder to ward off a urinary tract infection.

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Progesteronic

STRONG PROGESTERONIC

Progeserone is the pregnancy hormone. It raises body temperature (Pitta), and suppresses menstruation. It is generally more extroverted.

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Testosteronic

STRONG TESTOSTERONIC

Androgenic. Stimulates testosterone.

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Abortifacient

ABORTIFACIENT

An abortifacient is a substance that induces abortion. These herbs are contraindicated in pregnancy.

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Aphrodisiac

APHRODISIAC

Herbs that increase sexual arousal through various actions including increased circulation, relaxation, stimulation, or tonics that strengthen glandular health.

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Builds Semen

BUILDS-SEMEN

Herbs that increase the production of semen, often by rebuilding fluids in general.

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Galactagogue

GALACTAGOGUE

Increases production of breast milk, often by raising prolactin and diaphoresis.

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Promotes Virility

PROMOTES-VIRILITY

Encourages virility and potency.

SEE ALL 'PROMOTES-VIRILITY' FOODS / HERBS

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Uterine Tonic

UTERINE-TONIC

An herb that tonifies and strengthens the uterus. Helpful for menstrual difficulties and fertility. Often herbs that increase ojas, but also circulation to reproductive system.

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Bone Tonic

BONE-TONIC

An herb that strengthens the bones and joints.

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Muscle Relaxant

MUSCLE-RELAXANT

Herbs that relax muscles. Helpful for chronic pain or tension as well as healing from physical trauma.

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Relieves Tension

RELIEVES-TENSION

An herb that releases tightness, constriction, and rigidity in a muscle.

SEE ALL 'RELIEVES-TENSION' FOODS / HERBS

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Antispasmodic

ANTISPASMODIC

Herbs that reduce or inhibit muscle spasms or cramping, such as in asthma, menstruation, hear palpitations, migraine, or IBS.

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Muscle Tonic

MUSCLE-TONIC

Herbs that strengthen and tone muscle tissue. Helpful for people recovering from long term illness and debility, or after a sprain.

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Foods with a Similar Nature to Ashwagandha

Stinging Nettles

Stinging Nettles has these Actions in Common

Testosteronic, Vulnerary, Alterative, Bone-tonic, Galactagogue, Promotes-virility, Tonic, Anti-inflammatory, Builds-stamina, Immune-calming, Strengthens-resolve, Urinary-tonic, Blood-tonic, Diuretic, Nutritive

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Grape

Grape has these Actions in Common

Nervine, Tonic, Anti-inflammatory, Blood-tonic, Diuretic, Neuroprotective, Uterine-tonic, Antioxidant, Brain-tonic, Immune-calming, Nutritive, Alterative, Aphrodisiac, Builds-semen

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Turmeric Root (Fresh)

Turmeric Root (Fresh) has these Actions in Common

Alterative, Anticarcinogenic, Bone-tonic, Mast-cell-stabilizer, Vulnerary, Analgesic, Antioxidant, Brain-tonic, Nerve-growth-tonic, Adrenal-tonic, Anti-inflammatory, Blood-tonic, Immune-calming, Neuroprotective

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Turmeric

Turmeric has these Actions in Common

Analgesic, Antioxidant, Bone-tonic, Mast-cell-stabilizer, Vulnerary, Anti-inflammatory, Antispasmodic, Brain-tonic, Nerve-growth-tonic, Alterative, Anticarcinogenic, Blood-tonic, Immune-calming, Neuroprotective

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Almonds

Almonds has these Actions in Common

Bone-tonic, Builds-stamina, Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Promotes-virility, Aphrodisiac, Brain-tonic, Muscle-relaxant, Nervine, Tonic, Blood-tonic, Builds-semen, Muscle-tonic, Nutritive

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Saffron

Saffron has these Actions in Common

Anxiolytic, Diuretic, Neuroprotective, Antidepressant, Aphrodisiac, Galactagogue, Nutritive, Antipyretic, Blood-tonic, Nervine, Sedative

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Dates (dried)

Dates (dried) has these Actions in Common

Alterative, Blood-tonic, Muscle-tonic, Uterine-tonic, Analgesic, Diuretic, Nutritive, Aphrodisiac, Galactagogue, Tonic

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Sesame Seeds

Sesame Seeds has these Actions in Common

Builds-semen, Muscle-tonic, Promotes-virility, Blood-tonic, Builds-stamina, Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Tonic, Bone-tonic, Galactagogue, Nutritive

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Tahini

Tahini has these Actions in Common

Builds-semen, Muscle-tonic, Promotes-virility, Blood-tonic, Builds-stamina, Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Tonic, Bone-tonic, Galactagogue, Nutritive

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Blueberry

Blueberry has these Actions in Common

Anticarcinogenic, Blood-tonic, Nutritive, Alterative, Antidepressant, Brain-tonic, Urinary-tonic, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Immune-calming

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Chamomile

Chamomile has these Actions in Common

Antispasmodic, Immune-calming, Sedative, Analgesic, Anxiolytic, Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Vulnerary, Anti-inflammatory, Boosts-gaba, Nervine

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Herb Supplements with a Similar Nature to Ashwagandha

Oats, Fresh Milky Seed

Oats, Fresh Milky Seed has these Actions in Common

Muscle-tonic, Sedative, Adaptogen, Nerve-growth-tonic, Tonic, Antidepressant, Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Vulnerary, Antispasmodic, Nervine, Anxiolytic, Neuroprotective, Blood-tonic, Nutritive, Brain-tonic, Promotes-virility, Muscle-relaxant, Relieves-tension

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Gokshura

Gokshura has these Actions in Common

Sedative, Aphrodisiac, Testosteronic, Builds-semen, Tonic, Diuretic, Muscle-relaxant, Urinary-tonic, Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Uterine-tonic, Abortifacient, Nervine, Alterative, Nutritive, Analgesic, Relieves-tension, Antispasmodic

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Eleuthero Ginseng

Eleuthero Ginseng has these Actions in Common

Anti-inflammatory, Muscle-tonic, Anticarcinogenic, Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Antidepressant, Nervine, Antispasmodic, Relieves-tension, Anxiolytic, Testosteronic, Adaptogen, Blood-tonic, Tonic, Adrenal-tonic, Builds-stamina, Analgesic, Muscle-relaxant

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Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi)

Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) has these Actions in Common

Antidepressant, Muscle-relaxant, Antispasmodic, Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Anxiolytic, Nervine, Blood-tonic, Sedative, Boosts-gaba, Adaptogen, Diuretic, Adrenal-tonic, Immune-calming, Anti-inflammatory, Mast-cell-stabilizer

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Skullcap

Skullcap has these Actions in Common

Brain-tonic, Muscle-relaxant, Nerve-growth-tonic, Analgesic, Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Antidepressant, Nervine, Antispasmodic, Neuroprotective, Anxiolytic, Sedative, Boosts-gaba, Tonic

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Kava Kava

Kava Kava has these Actions in Common

Anti-inflammatory, Nervine, Anticarcinogenic, Relieves-tension, Antispasmodic, Sedative, Anxiolytic, Urinary-tonic, Boosts-gaba, Diuretic, Muscle-relaxant, Analgesic, Nerve-relaxant-grounding

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St. John's Wort

St. John's Wort has these Actions in Common

Anxiolytic, Vulnerary, Boosts-gaba, Brain-tonic, Nerve-growth-tonic, Analgesic, Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Anti-inflammatory, Nervine, Antidepressant, Neuroprotective, Antispasmodic, Tonic

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Lemon Balm

Lemon Balm has these Actions in Common

Antidepressant, Nervine, Antispasmodic, Neuroprotective, Anxiolytic, Sedative, Boosts-gaba, Brain-tonic, Immune-calming, Ace-inhibitor, Muscle-relaxant, Analgesic, Nerve-growth-tonic

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Black Cohosh

Black Cohosh has these Actions in Common

Anti-inflammatory, Progesteronic, Anticarcinogenic, Sedative, Antidepressant, Tonic, Antispasmodic, Uterine-tonic, Anxiolytic, Muscle-relaxant, Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Analgesic, Nervine

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Ginkgo

Ginkgo has these Actions in Common

Antioxidant, Boosts-gaba, Brain-tonic, Ace-inhibitor, Diuretic, Alterative, Immune-calming, Analgesic, Nerve-growth-tonic, Anti-inflammatory, Nervine, Antidepressant, Neuroprotective

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Impact of Ashwagandha

In each clinical research trial below, students from the Joyful Belly School of Ayurveda ate the selected food for 3 days and reported the pharmacological effects. See other clinical research trials for diet & herbs at Joyful Belly.

TEMPERATURE/CIRCULATION

How did Ashwagandha affect your temperature?

0
1
7
11
1
Much colderSlightly colderSameSlightly warmerMuch warmer
Total Responses: 20 Study ID:55 (2021-07-30 - 2021-09-16)

How did Ashwagandha affect your ear temperature?

5
15
0
HotterNo ChangeCooler
Total Responses: 20 Study ID:55 (2021-07-30 - 2021-09-16)

How did Ashwagandha affect your sweat quantity?

0
2
15
3
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 20 Study ID:55 (2021-07-30 - 2021-09-16)

How did Ashwagandha affect the color of your skin?

0
2
4
0
14
Yellower/GreenerPalerRedderGrayerNo Change
Total Responses: 20 Study ID:55 (2021-07-30 - 2021-09-16)

How did Ashwagandha affect the color of your tongue body?

2
5
0
13
PalerRedderBluerNo Change
Total Responses: 20 Study ID:55 (2021-07-30 - 2021-09-16)

How did Ashwagandha affect the swelling of your tongue body?

2
4
14
More SwellingLess SwellingNo Change
Total Responses: 20 Study ID:55 (2021-07-30 - 2021-09-16)

How did Ashwagandha affect your appetite/hunger?

0
1
14
4
1
Much less hungrySlightly less hungrySameSlightly hungrierMuch hungrier
Total Responses: 20 Study ID:55 (2021-07-30 - 2021-09-16)

How did Ashwagandha affect your digestion speed?

0
8
12
0
0
Much fasterSlightly fasterSameSlightly slowerMuch slower
Total Responses: 20 Study ID:55 (2021-07-30 - 2021-09-16)

TOXINS

How did Ashwagandha affect the amount of gas & bloating?

1
4
12
3
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 20 Study ID:55 (2021-07-30 - 2021-09-16)

How did Ashwagandha affect your stool smell?

0
3
15
2
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 20 Study ID:55 (2021-07-30 - 2021-09-16)

Tongue: How did Ashwagandha affect the thickness & size of your tongue coating?

0
3
13
4
0
Much smallerSlightly lessSameSlightly larger coatingMuch larger
Total Responses: 20 Study ID:55 (2021-07-30 - 2021-09-16)

How did Ashwagandha affect the color of your tongue coating?

0
1
2
3
14
YellowerBrownerGrayerWhiterNo Change
Total Responses: 20 Study ID:55 (2021-07-30 - 2021-09-16)

How did Ashwagandha affect your throat soreness?

2
16
2
More soreNo ChangeLess sore
Total Responses: 20 Study ID:55 (2021-07-30 - 2021-09-16)

How did Ashwagandha affect your urine smell?

1
0
17
2
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 20 Study ID:55 (2021-07-30 - 2021-09-16)

How did Ashwagandha affect the amount of bubbles in your urine?

0
0
17
3
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMany more
Total Responses: 20 Study ID:55 (2021-07-30 - 2021-09-16)

How did Ashwagandha affect your sweat smell?

0
1
17
2
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 20 Study ID:55 (2021-07-30 - 2021-09-16)

How did Ashwagandha affect your acne?

2
18
0
More acneNo ChangeLess acne
Total Responses: 20 Study ID:55 (2021-07-30 - 2021-09-16)

How did Ashwagandha affect your freckles/moles?

3
15
2
DarkerNo ChangeLighter
Total Responses: 20 Study ID:55 (2021-07-30 - 2021-09-16)

How did Ashwagandha affect the color of your sclera (white part of eye)?

2
1
1
0
2
Redder/BloodshotYellowerGrayerBrownerWhiter
14
No Change
Total Responses: 20 Study ID:55 (2021-07-30 - 2021-09-16)

How did Ashwagandha affect the color of the lower eye lid?

0
0
18
2
More green/dark greenMore purpleNo ChangeLess green/purple
Total Responses: 20 Study ID:55 (2021-07-30 - 2021-09-16)

HYDRATION

How did Ashwagandha affect your urine frequency/quantity?

0
3
12
5
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 20 Study ID:55 (2021-07-30 - 2021-09-16)

How did Ashwagandha affect the dryness of your skin?

8
2
10
DrierOilierNo Change
Total Responses: 20 Study ID:55 (2021-07-30 - 2021-09-16)

How did Ashwagandha affect the puffiness of lower eye lid?

0
18
2
PuffierNo ChangeLess Puffy
Total Responses: 20 Study ID:55 (2021-07-30 - 2021-09-16)

How did Ashwagandha affect the cracks on your tongue?

1
4
12
3
0
Larger/longer/more cracksSlightly moreSameSlightly less/smaller/shorterMuch less
Total Responses: 20 Study ID:55 (2021-07-30 - 2021-09-16)

FLUID-THICKNESS

How did Ashwagandha affect your ear pressure?

2
17
1
More pressureNo ChangeLess pressure
Total Responses: 20 Study ID:55 (2021-07-30 - 2021-09-16)

How did Ashwagandha affect your congestion?

1
14
5
More congestionNo ChangeLess congestion
Total Responses: 20 Study ID:55 (2021-07-30 - 2021-09-16)

How did Ashwagandha affect the thickness of your mucous congestion?

1
16
3
More thickNo ChangeLess thick
Total Responses: 20 Study ID:55 (2021-07-30 - 2021-09-16)

NERVOUS-SYSTEM

How did Ashwagandha affect your energy levels?

0
2
10
8
0
Much less energySlightly lessSameSlightly more energyMuch more
Total Responses: 20 Study ID:55 (2021-07-30 - 2021-09-16)

How did Ashwagandha affect your muscle tension?

4
9
7
0
0
Much less tensionSlightly lessSameSlightly more tensionMuch more
Total Responses: 20 Study ID:55 (2021-07-30 - 2021-09-16)

How did Ashwagandha affect your anxiety?

6
9
5
0
0
Much less anxietySlightly lessSameSlightly more anxietyMuch more
Total Responses: 20 Study ID:55 (2021-07-30 - 2021-09-16)

How did Ashwagandha affect the stillness of your tongue?

9
11
0
More stillNo ChangeMore Trembling / Jittery
Total Responses: 20 Study ID:55 (2021-07-30 - 2021-09-16)

DIGESTION

How did Ashwagandha affect the amount of gas & bloating?

1
4
12
3
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 20 Study ID:55 (2021-07-30 - 2021-09-16)

How did Ashwagandha affect burning sensations in digestive tract (do not include acid reflux)?

0
2
16
2
0
Much reliefSlight reliefSameSlightly more burningMuch more burning
Total Responses: 20 Study ID:55 (2021-07-30 - 2021-09-16)

How did Ashwagandha affect your appetite/hunger?

0
1
14
4
1
Much less hungrySlightly less hungrySameSlightly hungrierMuch hungrier
Total Responses: 20 Study ID:55 (2021-07-30 - 2021-09-16)

How did Ashwagandha affect your digestion speed?

0
8
12
0
0
Much fasterSlightly fasterSameSlightly slowerMuch slower
Total Responses: 20 Study ID:55 (2021-07-30 - 2021-09-16)

TONGUE

How did Ashwagandha affect the cracks on your tongue?

1
4
12
3
0
Larger/longer/more cracksSlightly moreSameSlightly less/smaller/shorterMuch less
Total Responses: 20 Study ID:55 (2021-07-30 - 2021-09-16)

Tongue: How did Ashwagandha affect the thickness & size of your tongue coating?

0
3
13
4
0
Much smallerSlightly lessSameSlightly larger coatingMuch larger
Total Responses: 20 Study ID:55 (2021-07-30 - 2021-09-16)

How did Ashwagandha affect the swelling of your tongue body?

2
4
14
More SwellingLess SwellingNo Change
Total Responses: 20 Study ID:55 (2021-07-30 - 2021-09-16)

How did Ashwagandha affect the color of your tongue body?

2
5
0
13
PalerRedderBluerNo Change
Total Responses: 20 Study ID:55 (2021-07-30 - 2021-09-16)

How did Ashwagandha affect the stillness of your tongue?

9
11
0
More stillNo ChangeMore Trembling / Jittery
Total Responses: 20 Study ID:55 (2021-07-30 - 2021-09-16)

How did Ashwagandha affect the color of your tongue coating?

0
1
2
3
14
YellowerBrownerGrayerWhiterNo Change
Total Responses: 20 Study ID:55 (2021-07-30 - 2021-09-16)

STOOL

How did Ashwagandha affect your stool smell?

0
3
15
2
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 20 Study ID:55 (2021-07-30 - 2021-09-16)

How did Ashwagandha affect your stool consistency?

2
4
11
3
0
Much softerSlightly softerSameSlightly harderMuch harder
Total Responses: 20 Study ID:55 (2021-07-30 - 2021-09-16)

How did Ashwagandha affect your stool frequency/quantity?

1
1
14
4
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 20 Study ID:55 (2021-07-30 - 2021-09-16)

How did Ashwagandha affect your stool color?

4
0
1
1
14
More yellowMore grayMore greenMore orangeSame
Total Responses: 20 Study ID:55 (2021-07-30 - 2021-09-16)

How did Ashwagandha affect your stool lightness?

1
5
12
2
0
Much lighterSlightly lighterSameSlightly darkerMuch darker
Total Responses: 20 Study ID:55 (2021-07-30 - 2021-09-16)

URINE

How did Ashwagandha affect your urine lightness?

0
4
15
1
0
Much lighterSlightly lighterSameSlightly DarkerMuch Darker
Total Responses: 20 Study ID:55 (2021-07-30 - 2021-09-16)

How did Ashwagandha affect your urine frequency/quantity?

0
3
12
5
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 20 Study ID:55 (2021-07-30 - 2021-09-16)

How did Ashwagandha affect the amount of bubbles in your urine?

0
0
17
3
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMany more
Total Responses: 20 Study ID:55 (2021-07-30 - 2021-09-16)

How did Ashwagandha affect your urine clarity?

2
15
3
More cloudySameMore clear
Total Responses: 20 Study ID:55 (2021-07-30 - 2021-09-16)

How did Ashwagandha affect your urine smell?

1
0
17
2
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 20 Study ID:55 (2021-07-30 - 2021-09-16)

SWEAT

How did Ashwagandha affect your sweat smell?

0
1
17
2
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 20 Study ID:55 (2021-07-30 - 2021-09-16)

How did Ashwagandha affect your sweat quantity?

0
2
15
3
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 20 Study ID:55 (2021-07-30 - 2021-09-16)

SKIN

How did Ashwagandha affect the color of your skin?

0
2
4
0
14
Yellower/GreenerPalerRedderGrayerNo Change
Total Responses: 20 Study ID:55 (2021-07-30 - 2021-09-16)

How did Ashwagandha affect your freckles/moles?

3
15
2
DarkerNo ChangeLighter
Total Responses: 20 Study ID:55 (2021-07-30 - 2021-09-16)

How did Ashwagandha affect your acne?

2
18
0
More acneNo ChangeLess acne
Total Responses: 20 Study ID:55 (2021-07-30 - 2021-09-16)

How did Ashwagandha affect the dryness of your skin?

8
2
10
DrierOilierNo Change
Total Responses: 20 Study ID:55 (2021-07-30 - 2021-09-16)

EYE

How did Ashwagandha affect the color of your sclera (white part of eye)?

2
1
1
0
2
Redder/BloodshotYellowerGrayerBrownerWhiter
14
No Change
Total Responses: 20 Study ID:55 (2021-07-30 - 2021-09-16)

How did Ashwagandha affect the color of the lower eye lid?

0
0
18
2
More green/dark greenMore purpleNo ChangeLess green/purple
Total Responses: 20 Study ID:55 (2021-07-30 - 2021-09-16)

How did Ashwagandha affect the puffiness of lower eye lid?

0
18
2
PuffierNo ChangeLess Puffy
Total Responses: 20 Study ID:55 (2021-07-30 - 2021-09-16)

ENT

How did Ashwagandha affect your ear pressure?

2
17
1
More pressureNo ChangeLess pressure
Total Responses: 20 Study ID:55 (2021-07-30 - 2021-09-16)

How did Ashwagandha affect your throat soreness?

2
16
2
More soreNo ChangeLess sore
Total Responses: 20 Study ID:55 (2021-07-30 - 2021-09-16)

How did Ashwagandha affect the thickness of your mucous congestion?

1
16
3
More thickNo ChangeLess thick
Total Responses: 20 Study ID:55 (2021-07-30 - 2021-09-16)

How did Ashwagandha affect your ear temperature?

5
15
0
HotterNo ChangeCooler
Total Responses: 20 Study ID:55 (2021-07-30 - 2021-09-16)

How did Ashwagandha affect your congestion?

1
14
5
More congestionNo ChangeLess congestion
Total Responses: 20 Study ID:55 (2021-07-30 - 2021-09-16)

SYSTEMIC

How did Ashwagandha affect your muscle tension?

4
9
7
0
0
Much less tensionSlightly lessSameSlightly more tensionMuch more
Total Responses: 20 Study ID:55 (2021-07-30 - 2021-09-16)

How did Ashwagandha affect your anxiety?

6
9
5
0
0
Much less anxietySlightly lessSameSlightly more anxietyMuch more
Total Responses: 20 Study ID:55 (2021-07-30 - 2021-09-16)

How did Ashwagandha affect your temperature?

0
1
7
11
1
Much colderSlightly colderSameSlightly warmerMuch warmer
Total Responses: 20 Study ID:55 (2021-07-30 - 2021-09-16)

How did Ashwagandha affect your energy levels?

0
2
10
8
0
Much less energySlightly lessSameSlightly more energyMuch more
Total Responses: 20 Study ID:55 (2021-07-30 - 2021-09-16)

HEART

How did Ashwagandha affect your heart rhythm?

1
17
2
More palpitationsSameLess palpitations
Total Responses: 20 Study ID:55 (2021-07-30 - 2021-09-16)

How did Ashwagandha affect your heart pain/pressure/cramping?

0
4
15
1
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 20 Study ID:55 (2021-07-30 - 2021-09-16)

How did Ashwagandha affect your heart rate?

0
5
14
1
0
Much slowerSlightly slowerSameSlightly fasterMuch faster
Total Responses: 20 Study ID:55 (2021-07-30 - 2021-09-16)


Joyful Belly is a recognized school of biocharacteristics medicine.

TRADITIONALLY INDICATED FOR THESE SYMPTOMS

Ashwagandha may be beneficial for these symptoms. The suitability of any herb supplement for a condition is highly dependent on the individual. Please see your doctor before using this herb supplement to treat a medical condition.

HERB DRUG INTERACTION RISK

Here are some potential herb drug interactions. Please see your health care provider for more information.
  • Alterative: Anything that strengthens or cleanses the liver can clear drugs mroe quickly, requiring a higher dose.
  • Analgesic: If the mechanism of pain relief is narcotic, do not combine with antihistamines.
  • Antidepressant: Do not combine with antihistamines.
  • Diuretic: Diuretics may clear pharmaceutical drugs more quickly, lowering the effect.
  • Muscle-relaxant: Do not combine muscle relaxants with antihistamines.
  • Sedative: Do not combine nerve suppressing sedatives with nerve stimulants, pharmaceutical sedatives, most anxiolyitcs, or antihistamines.

WHAT'S NEXT?

Reviews for Ashwagandha

full start reviewfull start reviewfull start reviewfull start reviewhalf start review(4.40 out of 5 stars) 5 ratings
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I cannot say enough about ashwangda! For me it's definitely a miracle herb!
- Lucart Lucart, Springfield, OR
full start reviewfull start reviewfull start reviewfull start reviewfull start review
, 09-11-14 (Reply)
Is it okay to use warm almond milk instead of regular dairy milk?
- Stephanie, Appleton , WI
full start reviewfull start reviewfull start reviewfull start reviewblank start review
, 02-26-15 (Reply)
Yes, Stephanie, it is effective and tasty in warm almond milk. Add a little cinnamon for added flavor!
- Heather Vaughan, CAy, RYT, Albuquerque, NM , 02-26-15 (Reply)
I was told to take two capsul at night...but I couldn't sleep and felt restless.
- Kajori Dasgupta, Arlington, TX , 06-16-16 (Reply)
I have been drinking the tea before bed now for 2 weeks, and can honestly say it has made a big difference on my quality of sleep. Even if I wake during the night I don't feel panicky about not falling back asleep because I do!
- Cora Wilfinger, Manitowoc, WI
full start reviewfull start reviewfull start reviewfull start reviewfull start review
, 02-12-17 (Reply)
I am noticing a Huge difference in my mood, feeling more happiness and definitely less stress! Will order more soon I'm sure.
- Patricia, Colorado springs, CO
full start reviewfull start reviewfull start reviewfull start reviewfull start review
, 12-13-17 (Reply)
I don't think this is the product's fault - but I got really bloated by drinking this every day. I really wanted it to help my stomach and I was surprised that I was getting so bloated. I'm Vata and hoped this would help.
- Joy, Zurich, IL
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, 01-21-19 (Reply)
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* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information and products on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

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