Gaia Herbs Ashwagandha Root

Gaia Herbs Ashwagandha Root

Ashwagandha (ahsh-wuh-GAHN-duh) is much more than just a fun word to say. Ashwagandha, or Withania somnifera, is a short shrub, growing only to 35 to 75 centimeters tall, with small green flowers and tiny orange-red berries. For centuries, this plant has been grown in India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, and has been used for its medicinal benefits. Although it is not related to ginseng, its rejuvenating effects have given it the nickname, “Indian ginseng.”

So what are these benefits? Here is just a partial list of the wide ranging benefits of ashwagandha:

  • Osteoarthritis – Ashwagandha has been found to protect inflammation and cartilage damage associated with osteoarthritis.
  • Anxiety – In a study published in 2000, ashwaghanda was discovered to have anti-anxiety properties, similar to lorazepam.
  • Type 2 Diabetes – According to a 2008 study, ashwaghanda may help improve insulin sensitivity and normalize blood sugar.
  • Cancer – In two separate studies, findings have suggested that ashwaghanda may actually slow the growth of tumor cells without harming normal cells.

While this natural herbal supplement may seem exotic, it is actually quite easy to find in various forms. In fact, OVitaminPro.com has many products containing this incredible ingredient. Learn about our full line of ashwagandha products by visiting our Ashwagandha page.