Ashwagandha
Withania somnifera
Ashwagandha is not a mushroom. It is a root, an adaptogen used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years, and it earns its place in this library because it pairs so well with our calming mushrooms and has some of the strongest human data of anything we sell.
What is actually in it
The active compounds are withanolides. Most quality research uses standardized root extracts with a defined withanolide percentage, which is why the form and the dose matter more here than with almost any other ingredient.
What the research suggests
Multiple human trials have looked at Ashwagandha for perceived stress and cortisol, with reasonably consistent results: lower self-reported stress and, in some studies, measurable drops in cortisol over several weeks. There is also research on sleep and on exercise recovery. As adaptogens go, it is one of the better-supported.
How we use it
Ashwagandha sits in our CALM blend and is available on its own as ASHWAGANDHA. We use a standardized root extract and put the withanolide content where you can see it.
How to take it
Daily works best, and many people prefer the evening because of the calming effect. It is a natural partner for REISHI when stress is the thing keeping you up.
This is general information, not medical advice. Talk to your doctor before starting any supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or on medication.