Herb of the Month - Withania/ Ashwagandha

Withania/ Ashwagandha is one of our best-selling Naturopathic herbs - commonly used in herbal tincture mixes made by our qualified Naturopaths in our Byron Bay and Mullumbimby stores. Our Head In-Store Naturopaths from both stores recommend Withania as our Herb of the Month for December.

Ashwagandha (an Ayurvedic medicine) has been treasured for its ability to revitalise and rejuvenate for more than six thousand years. It helps down-regulate the body’s stress response, promote restorative sleep, calm the mind and support healthy ageing. 

At Santos Organics, we stock Withania in extract liquid form and capsule/ tablet form in our herbal dispensaries and the dried powder in our bulk section. We also stock Superfeast’s Ashwagandha extract powder in-stores - which works well in hot or cold drinks, broths and meals.

From our Head Mullumbimby In-Store Naturopath, Tanya:

Leading into Christmas our stress levels can rise and fatigue sets in. To combat this we have an amazing herb which helps to improve general well being  and increases our ability to cope while we are under stress. This herb is Withania or Ashwaghanda - another common name is Indian ginseng. It has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for over 3000 years to promote vitality and longevity. As a Western Herbalist I often use it to help with adrenal fatigue, stress, anxiety and sleep issues. It has also been shown in clinical trials to help with mild to moderate depression. Also useful as a tonic in children and the elderly. In particular I use this herb in clinic to help improve semen quality. So many uses, such a versatile herbal friend.

From our Head Byron Bay In-Store Naturopath, Julie:

My favourite herb for its many actions and uses.  Withania acts as an adaptogen, nervine tonic, sedative, immune-modulator, hypotensive, antiarrhythmic, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumour, anti-anaemic and general tonic.  

Therefore, it is helpful in treating a variety of conditions including anxiety, depression, nervous exhaustion, insomnia, debility, convalescence, chronic inflammation, connective tissue disorders, high blood pressure and cardiovascular conditions. 

As a herbal plant source of iron and a tonic, it can be helpful in treating anaemia.  It also helps with sexual weakness and impotence.  

Withania is an important complementary therapy in cancer treatment and especially supportive during chemotherapy. 

Withania is available as a dried herb, powder and extract (tincture) and in tablet or capsule form. Withania is contraindicated in pregnancy.