Ashwagandha – Wat is het en waarom is het zo populair?

Ashwagandha – What is it and why is it so popular?

Ashwagandha: An In-Depth Guide to the Popular Ayurvedic Herb

In recent years, ashwagandha has become one of the most talked-about herbs in wellness, supplements, and natural lifestyles. You see it in drugstores, online stores, health blogs, and social media. While it may seem like a relatively new trend to many, ashwagandha has a history stretching back thousands of years in traditional Ayurveda. The combination of ancient cultural applications and modern interest makes ashwagandha a fascinating topic.

In this comprehensive article, we delve deeply into everything you want to know about this special herb: its origins, its effects in traditional practices, the various extract forms, possible applications, scientific research, usage methods, considerations, and tips for choosing a good supplement — all without medical claims, fully compliant, and purely informative.

What exactly is Ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a plant that grows primarily in India, the Middle East, and parts of Africa. The root of this plant is most commonly used, although the leaves are also used in some applications. The name "ashwagandha" comes from Sanskrit and roughly means "horse smell"—a reference to both the earthy aroma of the root and the Ayurvedic belief that the herb supports vitality.

Ashwagandha is known in Ayurveda as a "rasayana," which refers to herbs traditionally used to support well-being, energy, and balance. Rasayana herbs hold a special status within this tradition because they are said to help bring not only physical but also mental and emotional balance—although this is primarily culturally and historically described and should not be considered a medical claim.

The History of Ashwagandha in Ayurveda

Ayurveda, the traditional Indian health system, has existed for over five thousand years and utilizes herbs, massage, nutrition, meditation, rituals, and lifestyle principles. Ashwagandha has been used for centuries in tonics, pastes, teas, and herbal supplements.

Traditional applications

In some traditional texts, ashwagandha is described as an herb used:

  • in periods of mental pressure

  • to support physical resilience

  • as part of routines that promote calm and balance

  • together with other adaptogenic herbs such as tulsi and shatavari

Although these uses do not constitute scientific proof, they provide insight into the herb's cultural significance.

Modern Popularity: Why Are So Many People Choosing Ashwagandha?

In the Western world, the popularity of adaptogens has exploded. An adaptogen is an herb traditionally considered supportive in stressful or stimulating situations, without having any specific medical properties. Thanks to this reputation, ashwagandha is one of the most popular herbs in this category.

Many people take ashwagandha today for a variety of reasons:

  • Wellness and relaxation: Many users appreciate the place the herb occupies in evening routines or moments of rest.

  • Balance in busy times: Ashwagandha is often added to supplements aimed at focus and mental clarity.

  • Sports and recovery use: Some users take ashwagandha in combination with protein or creatine because they like the idea of ​​combining multiple supplements into one regimen.

  • Natural lifestyle: People who prefer to choose natural products will find in ashwagandha an herb with a long tradition.

This is not a scientific substantiation or claim, but a description of how users often apply the herb.

The active ingredients in Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha contains several natural compounds, including:

  • Withanolides

  • Alkaloids

  • Somniferine

  • Withaferine A

Withanolides, in particular, are receiving a great deal of attention in research. Although much remains to be explored, this is the group of substances on which manufacturers often standardize their extracts.

Different forms of Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is available in various forms. The main ones are:

1. Ashwagandha powder (root powder)

This is the most traditional form. The powder is made by drying and grinding the root. You can mix it into smoothies, milk, yogurt, or tea. However, the taste is quite bitter and earthy.

2. Standardized extract

Modern supplements often use an extract standardized to withanolides. This ensures a consistent dose of active ingredients. Some common extract forms include:

  • KSM-66®: a full-spectrum extract often praised for its mild nature.

  • Sensoril®: An extract containing both leaves and roots, it typically has a higher withanolide content.

3. Capsules or tablets

The most user-friendly form for daily use. Easy to dose and tasteless.

4. Tinctures

A liquid form in which the root is extracted with alcohol. It is mainly used by people who prefer not to swallow capsules.

5. Ashwagandha blends

Sometimes it is combined with:

  • magnesium

  • rhodiola

  • L-theanine

  • vitamin B complex

In such blends the emphasis is often on relaxation or focus, depending on the combination.

How is Ashwagandha used?

While there are no official guidelines, many people follow manufacturers' dosage recommendations. Most supplements offer between 300 mg and 700 mg of extract per day, depending on the concentration.

Ashwagandha is often taken:

  • in the evening as part of relaxation routines

  • at breakfast in combination with other supplements

  • for sports by athletes experimenting with supplement stacks

For example, powder can be used in:

  • warm milk with cinnamon (a traditional Ayurvedic drink)

  • smoothies

  • golden milk (often combined with turmeric)

Scientific research: what do we know and what don't we know?

Ashwagandha is a highly researched herb. Scientific studies focus on, among other things:

  • stress response

  • energy levels

  • focus

  • sleep quality

  • physical performance

The research is promising but often small-scale, so it's important not to make medical claims. What we can say is that there is sufficient interest among scientists to study the herb further, and it's increasingly appearing in clinical literature.

Who uses Ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha has a wide audience:

1. People interested in wellness & relaxation

They use it to complement yoga, meditation or mindfulness routines.

2. Busy professionals

Office workers in particular are increasingly choosing adaptogens to support their daily rhythm.

3. Athletes and fitness enthusiasts

They sometimes combine the herb with creatine, protein shakes or pre-workouts.

4. People with a natural or holistic lifestyle

Ashwagandha fits well into a diet rich in herbs, teas, and natural supplements.

Points to consider when using

Because ashwagandha is a natural herb, many people assume it's always safe. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Choose a reliable brand with a clear origin.

  • Note the withanolide content in extracts.

  • Start with a lower dosage if you are sensitive to herbs.

  • Always consult a healthcare professional if you are pregnant, taking medication, or have specific health questions.

This blog post provides general information and is not a substitute for personal medical advice.

What should you pay attention to when buying Ashwagandha?

1. Form of the extract

KSM-66®, Sensoril® or simply rooting powder — each has different properties.

2. Percentage of withanolides

For extracts this usually varies from 2.5% to 10%.

3. Sustainability and origin

Organic certification can be important for those who want pure nature.

4. Additions

Some capsules contain fillers, others are completely pure.

5. Taste

Powder has a distinct taste, capsules do not.

6. Vegan or vegetarian

When choosing capsules, pay attention to the material (gelatin or vegetable).

How does Ashwagandha fit into a modern lifestyle?

Modern society demands a lot from us. Busyness, screen time, deadlines, social expectations: it can be overwhelming. That's why more and more people are looking for ways to bring peace, balance, and focus back into their lives.

Ashwagandha fits well in:

  • evening rituals

  • meditation sessions

  • fitness routines

  • natural supplement schedules

  • holistic lifestyle concepts

  • anti-stress habits (non-medical)

The herb symbolizes a broader movement: back to natural solutions and simplicity.

Conclusion: Is Ashwagandha the Right Herb for You?

Ashwagandha is a unique herb with a rich history, growing scientific interest, and immense popularity in wellness and natural health. While it's not a miracle cure and has no medical claims, many people value it as part of a relaxing lifestyle, a focus routine, or a natural supplement stack.

Whether it benefits you depends on your goals, preferences, and body type. It's worth delving deeply into the different forms, their history, and applications—and hopefully, this article has helped you do so comprehensively.

Back to blog