All About Ashwagandha

All About Ashwagandha  

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health problems in the UK, and its prevalence is on the rise. It is still undertreated, but as we learn more about powerful herbs such as adaptogens and nootropics, nature may offer a solution to allow us to manage it more effectively. A strong ability to cope with anxiety is essential for resilience in the face of life's challenges. When it comes to herbs like Ashwagandha, Ayurvedic practitioners use this herb as a general tonic to boost energy and reduce stress and anxiety. Ashwagandha root is considered a ‘Rasayana’ - a Sanskrit word which means ‘ultimate restorative and longevity nutrition’. Rasayana treatments were traditionally used after a period where the body was worn-down or depleted and the mighty Ashwagandha is considered a truly powerful Rasayana, almost like a whole-body rejuvenator. So much so, that practitioners always recommended this herb when their clients are recovering from illness. We’ve noticed demand for the herb almost double in the past year as many looked to either get back to optimal wellbeing following illness (after Covid for instance) or to help them to manage anxiety and stress levels that skyrocketed due to an unprecedented time of uncertainty, change and worry.

As Ashwagandha’ s popularity grows, it is important to remember that overharvesting can disrupt the entire harmonious balance of hundreds of other species. We believe there is a huge misuse of Ayurvedic herbs such as Ashwagandha in the wellness world - it is being unnecessarily added to all kinds of products, and not always to benefit, but purely because it’s become more commonly known and consumer interest has piqued. Unless Ashwagandha is taken correctly and over a certain period, it may not have any effect. We believe we can reduce the exploitation by using herbal supplements only when we truly need them. This is how we recommend Fushi Ayurvedic herbs to our customers - we advocate gentle dosages, the way it was administered in traditional preparations - where the herb is revered, respected, and not wasted by taking unnecessarily high dosages. We always ensure we sustainably source only what is available to us via our trusted grower which means there are many times we are awaiting a new harvest to replenish stock and Fushi customers are extremely patient and understand this.

Most importantly we also adhere to the Ayurvedic principle of ‘fresh ground’ herbs and grind our herbs fresh in our London workshop and encapsulate them within 3 days to retain potency. Traditionally, in Ayurveda herbs were prepared fresh and combined with ghee or honey and administered as herbal pastes or preparations. Freshness is key and something we have always upheld at Fushi, even as we grow and expand as a business, we maintain these standards as they are core to who we are.

At Fushi, we offer three different ways to take Ashwagandha – either as the wholefood herb, higher-strength extract or tincture and whilst it’s often down to personal preference which format to take, here’s the difference:

Wholefood Organic Ashwagandha
Our original Ashwagandha herbal supplement offers 100% powdered pure herb and nothing else. Sourced from our grower in India, and Certified Organic by the Soil Association, our wholefood variant contains 60 capsules with 340 mg of herb per capsule.

Ashwagandha with Vegan MCT Extract 
A higher-strength formula blended with a minimum of 7-10% withanoloids and formulated with vegan Medium Chain Triglycerides derived from coconut oil to support absorption and align with the traditional way to take Ashwagandha.  An all-round powerful adaptogenic formula, combined with calming Lemon Balm, to support the complete rejuvenation of the body.

Organic Ashwagandha Tincture
Formulated using a high strength ratio of 1:2 herb to water, Fushi tinctures are made by macerating pure, fresh herb into alcohol. 1ml of the tincture contains 500mg of the herb. All tincture bottles come with a graduated 0.5ml to 1ml pipette for easy dispensing.

More Ayurvedic herbs heroes…

Whilst Ashwagandha is one of the most renowned Ayurvedic herbs, there are so many other incredible herbs to discover that are natural remedies for a range of everyday health concerns. Here are some of our bestsellers…

Triphala

A traditional ayurvedic blend of 3 fruits - Haritaki, Bibhitaki and Amalaki, it is used to support the digestive and eliminatory systems to reduce bloating and encourage regularity. Known for its use as a gentle bowel tonic, aiding digestion and promoting regular bowel movements. Triphala also promotes healthy eating habits and cravings by providing the body with a wide range of natural flavours, a very important aspect of Ayurveda. It keeps the body nourished and balanced by promoting healthy nutrient absorption and assimilation.

Gotu Kola and Brahmi

Both herbs fall under the nootropic class of herbs, which are herbs that are renowned for improving cognitive function for the mind.  As brain tonic herbs, Brahmi and Gotu Kola are thought to improve memory and intellect, support focus and concentration, and promote a healthy emotional state. These herbs have recently been more extensively researched and are now recognised as herbs that help to support mental wellbeing.

Shatavari

The name Shatavari, which means ‘possesses a hundred husbands’ denotes the potency of this powerful herb. Shatavari refers to its traditional use as a rejuvenating tonic to help women transition gracefully through various stages of life, including the menopause and beyond. It has also more recently seen popularity as an adaptogen helping the body adjust to times of stress.

Tulsi

Also known as Holy Basil and quite possible the most revered medicinal herb – it’s considered a sacred plant that is often planted around Hindu shrines. The name Tulsi means ‘the incomparable one’ and as one of the most important adaptogenic herbs, it has numerous health benefits for the body, mind, and spirit and helps the body cope with stress whilst promoting mental clarity.

Why Fushi Herbs?

- Freshly ground by hand in our London workshop
- Encapsulated by hand within 3 days of being ground to ensure freshness
- Naturally sun or air-dried ingredients, preserving nutrients & quality
- 100% powdered pure herb and nothing else
- The same freshly ground herbs are used for our unique triple-infused herbal oils that we create for our skin, hair and body care products
- Sustainable packaging - glass bottle with aluminum lid

For more information or advice, visit our website www.fushiwellbeing.com, join our community on Instagram @FushiWellbeing or email us help@fushi.co.uk