Frequently Asked Questions

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an ancient medicinal plant that’s been used for time immemorial in India’s traditional medical system, Ayurveda. Other common names include Indian Ginseng and Winter Cherry. Known to be an adaptogen, Ashwagandha supports the body’s response to stress and in a way that promotes balance. It is also considered a ‘Rasayana’ in Ayurvedic traditions, meaning a rejuvenator and youthful tonic.

Ashwagandha is native to India, North Africa, and Persia. We grow ours from seed just outside of Portland In Troutdale, Oregon. We are grateful to the traditions that carried the seeds of Ashwagandha forward.

An adaptogen is a classification of plants and mushrooms that can help our bodies adapt to stress. Adaptogens work in a context dependent manner. In general, adaptogens work to support the body’s immune and endocrine systems to help them stay balanced. 

When creating our Ashwagandha formulations, we use Ashwagandha root.

Ashwagandha is calming and relaxing, but not a sedative. It should not make you sleepy or lethargic when used in the daytime. What it tends to do is settle the nerves and promote relaxation so that if you intend to sleep, it will be a smoother process and a more deeply restorative rest.  

Ashwagandha is a very grounding plant. It helps us feel safe and at ease in our bodies. It promotes grounded focus, clarity, stillness and relaxation. This is a pleasant feeling that some might consider a “high” of sorts. Use caution if taking opiates as Ashwagandha is known to promote the sensitivity of the opioid receptor.

Anxious pets can benefit greatly from Ashwagandha! Many veterinarians recommend Ashwagandha either by itself or in combination with other herbs for various issues, including for anxiety and inflammation-related problems. Of course the typical dosage would need to be calibrated to your pet’s weight, and in general they should only need a few drops in their water or food for an active amount.

http://www.petnutritioninfo.com/Ashwagandha-benefits.html

http://www.holistic-pet-care.com/blog/98697-why-is-Ashwagandha-so-great-for-petshttps://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/herbs-for-canine-joint-care/

Plenty of Naturopaths prescribe or recommend Ashwagandha and/or Ashwagandha-containing formulas for children and teenagers. Of course, always check in with your child’s health care practitioner. 

Ashwagandha is good for almost everyone, although there is a small percentage of people who may be sensitive to Ashwagandha. Please do not take our product if you have an ulcer, or a fever. The main contraindication in Ayurveda is “high Pitta with Ama present.” Ashwagandha is also known to enhance sensitivity of opioid receptors in the brain, so use caution if taking an opiate medication. 

In general, always consult your healthcare practitioner when adding new herbs alongside existing medications. Though there are not many contraindications in current literature, Ashwagandha can boost thyroid levels, so take care if already on an existing thyroid stimulating or hormonal replacement therapy. 

Ashwagandha is also known to enhance the effectiveness of opiates and certain sedatives such as benzodiazepines, so please keep that in mind when adding it into your regimen. 

Western literature advises against taking Ashwagandha while pregnant or breastfeeding; however in Ayurveda, Ashwagandha is recommended for pregnant and nursing mothers to grow a healthy and strong baby, and to assist the mother. That being said, we are not healthcare professionals and recommend consulting your care provider. We are happy to discuss Ashwagandha with you or your health provider to answer any specific questions.

There are about 60 servings in a 2oz bottle. It depends on how often you use it, and how much you fill up the dropper when you use it. Generally, 4 - 6 weeks is a good average for those who use the two ounce tincture once or twice per day.

At room temperature, out of direct sunlight with the top sealed tightly.

As long as it is properly stored, a few years, at least. The organic cane alcohol that is used allows for the product to be preserved without much, if any, degradation over time.

Our Hero’s Blend tincture is made to promote enduring energy, mental clarity, and centered focus. It is useful when feeling tired, scatterbrained, overwhelmed, or even underwhelmed. Our Ashwagandha tincture is more geared towards relaxation, grounding, restorative sleep, and in terms of long term usage, overall strength and wellbeing.

Certainly. The spagyric tincture, when in contact with the glass dropper, can sometimes leave some of its color behind on it over time. This can be especially seen with our Blue Vervain and Tulsi spagyric tinctures.

We recommend ¼ to ½ dropper during the day and ½ dropper before bed, either directly under the tongue or in a glass of water.