Ashwagandha: The Most Studied Longevity & Stress Reduction Herb
Known as "Indian ginseng" and "winter cherry," ashwagandha originates in Ayurvedic medicine where it has been used for over 3,000 as one of the world’s most powerful adaptogens - plants that help the body adapt to stress.
Today, it’s getting renewed attention from researchers for its role in stress relief, hormone balance, and cognitive health.
🌿 What's The Deal With Ashwagandha?
In Ayurveda, ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is classified as a rasayana, a category of herbs and practices used to promote longevity, youthfulness, and maintaining optimal health.
The root extract holds the highest concentration of beneficial compounds, particularly withanolides, which have been shown to modulate stress response, reduce inflammation, and support the nervous system.
Traditionally, the herb has been used in Ayurveda as a:
- Rejuvenating tonic (especially for weakness or fatigue)
- Nervine (to calm the mind and nervous system)
- Aphrodisiac
- Adaptogen (before that term was coined)
- Support for sleep, memory, and immune function
Let's nerd out on all of the awesome benefits of ashwagandha!
🧠 Stress Relief & Cortisol Regulation
Ashwagandha is best known for reducing stress and anxiety.
Modern studies show it can significantly lower cortisol levels (the body’s primary stress hormone), especially in people experiencing chronic stress.
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in the Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine (2012) found that participants taking ashwagandha extract had a 28% reduction in cortisol and significant improvement in perceived stress.
⚖️ Hormonal Balance & Thyroid Support
Ashwagandha helps regulate endocrine function and is particularly supportive for those with adrenal fatigue or thyroid imbalance.
It has been shown to support both hypothyroid and subclinical thyroid conditions by increasing T3 and T4 hormone levels.
It also plays a balancing role in female hormones, making it helpful during PMS, perimenopause, and menopause by stabilizing mood and improving energy levels.
If that wasn't enough, there's clinical research to support that ashwagandha can increase testosterone levels in men, especially those experiencing stress or suboptimal fertility.
💪 Energy, Stamina & Vitality
Unlike stimulants that spike energy and crash you later, ashwagandha builds long-term resilience by supporting adrenal health and reducing oxidative stress.
It enhances physical performance, muscle strength, and endurance.
Athletes supplementing with ashwagandha have shown improved VO2 max, muscle recovery, and strength in clinical studies.
🧩 Brain Health & Cognitive Function
Ashwagandha promotes neuroprotection and memory.
It's been shown to support focus, mental clarity, and even neurogenesis—the growth of new nerve cells.
Some studies suggest it can reverse signs of brain cell degeneration, potentially offering support in conditions like Alzheimer’s or cognitive decline.
🛡️ Immune Support & Anti-Inflammatory Action
Ashwagandha helps regulate the immune system, making it beneficial for both underactive and overactive immune responses.
Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects help reduce systemic inflammation and combat free radicals.
In vitro and animal studies have demonstrated potent immunomodulatory effects, pointing to its role in long-term immune balance.
💤 Sleep Quality & Calm
Recent clinical research has shown improvements in sleep onset latency, sleep efficiency, and total sleep time in people supplementing with ashwagandha extract.
Ashwagandha is not a sedative, but it does help improve sleep quality due to its calming effects by reducing cortisol in the nervous system.
This is part of why you can drink Cauxffee late into the afternoon, and still get restful, quality sleep!
☕ Calm and clarity...and #gainz? I love that for you.
While coffee is known to increase mental and physical performance, it spikes cortisol and taxes the adrenals.
Ashwagandha, on the other hand, is scientifically proven to lower excess cortisol, support your adrenals, all while increasing your physical performance as well as clarity and focus.
This is why we love Cauxffee as our new pre-workout. For those of us caffeine-fiends, or just plain wired for anxiety, ashwagandha and other ingredients in Cauxffee really help balance it all out.
And we LOVE the fact that modern science is proving pharmacological-level effects of this long-used traditional herb!
Even the #sciencebros are talking about it!
