You ask, we answer! For this iteration of our Blog, we are going to address some of the most common questions we have been asked about one of our star ingredients: Ashwagandha.
Let’s start at the beginning: what is Ashwagandha? Ashwagandha is the Sanskrit name for Withania Somnifera, an evergreen shrub that grows in Asia and Africa. For centuries, Ashwagandha has been used in ayurvedic and holistic medicine. Today, the scientific community has noticed the many benefits of this herb. In fact, it is now known to be an adaptogen, i.e. a compound that can diminish stress and support overall well-being, while strengthening our capacity to withstand chemical stressors [1].
Without further ado, let’s jump into the questions that you have asked!
Can Ashwagandha Really Help with Sleep?
Research suggests that Ashwagandha may be beneficial for improving sleep [2]. Clinical trials conducted in India found that participants taking Ashwagandha extract reported better sleep quality, increased sleep efficiency, and reduced time to fall asleep compared to those taking a placebo. While more research is needed, Ashwagandha appears to offer a natural way to support restful sleep, making it worth trying for those seeking gentle sleep support.
How Does Ashwagandha Work to Improve Sleep?
Many are curious about the mechanisms of Ashwagandha. Studies have shown that Ashwagandha lowers cortisol levels [3], which in turn affects stress and anxiety levels and is read by the human body as a signal to start producing Melatonin, indirectly working to better sleep quality and reduce fatigue. Additionally, it may cause mild drowsiness, adding to its sleep-supporting effects.
Are Ashwagandha and Alcohol Safe to Use Together?
Combining Ashwagandha with Alcohol is not recommended [4]. While the interaction is not fatal, there are several reasons to avoid taking them together. Both substances have sedative properties, and using them simultaneously could provoke unforeseen reactions due to compounding effects. Additionally, Alcohol tends to increase cortisol [5] —the "stress hormone"—which may counteract the calming effects of Ashwagandha. While more research needs to be conducted, it's best to be cautious and avoid mixing these two substances.
Can I Take Ashwagandha and Magnesium Together?
Absolutely! Magnesium and Ashwagandha can be valuable allies in promoting better sleep and reducing stress. Magnesium glycinate, for example, is known for its analgesic and anti-anxiety properties [6], which complement Ashwagandha’s calming effects. Many wellness enthusiasts turn to this combination for a peaceful, deep sleep. For instance, our DEEPS Stay Asleep Patch includes both these ingredients to provide a formulation optimized for consistent, restful slumber throughout the night.
What Type of Ashwagandha Do DEEPS Patches Use?
We take pride in using Shoden® Ashwagandha in our DEEPS Sleep Patches. Shoden® is an advanced Ashwagandha extract derived from both the leaves and roots of the plant, ensuring a potent formulation. With an industry-leading 35% Withanolide Glycosides (measured by HPLC), Shoden® offers high bioactivity and bioavailability [7]. This means it is effective even in low dosages, making it ideal for the bioavailability needs of our DEEPS Patches and for ensuring you receive maximum benefits without having to consume large amounts.
For those interested in exploring the benefits of Ashwagandha further, consider trying our DEEPS Sleep Patches! Please keep contacting us with your questions, we will do our best to reply to every single one.
References:
- [1] https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Ashwagandha-HealthProfessional/
- [2] https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Ashwagandha-HealthProfessional/#:~:text=Overall%2C%20the%20studies%20found%20that%20ashwagandha%20extract%20had%20a%20small,prominent%20in%20participants%20with%20insomnia
- [3] https://www.health.com/does-ashwagandha-make-you-sleepy-8424308#:~:text=Although%20ashwagandha%20is%20most%20often,ashwagandha%20can%20cause%20drowsiness%2C%20too.
- [4] https://sunwink.com/blogs/sunwink-blog/ashwagandha-alcohol
- [5] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10890824/
- [6] https://www.healthline.com/health/magnesium-glycinate#benefits
- [7] https://nutriscienceusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Shoden-Ashwagandha-Sales-Sheet-05.25.21.pdf
Any questions or comments, drop a note to the DEEPS Blog Team on the Contact Us page.
