With all the stresses of modern life, it can start to take a toll on our health. Adaptogens like ashwagandha help lessen the effects and support the nervous system. Plus many other health benefits. Today I am sharing the benefits of ashwagandha and how to make an ashwagandha tincture worthy of having in your home apothecary.

What is Ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha is also known as Indian Ginseng or its Latin name, Nightshade. Traditionally, the leaves and other parts of the plant are used in African countries. Most modern uses rely on root. In Ayurvedic medicine, it has been used for thousands of years to treat everything from brain fog to paralysis.

The plant grows in warm climates and is native to regions such as Africa and India. But you can also grow it as a potted plant or annual in cooler planting areas. When fully ripe, it produces bright red berries in a husk that resembles grated cherries.

Ashwagandha Benefits

Ashwagandha is best known as an adaptogen herb that helps us cope with stress. While most adaptogens are stimulating, ashwagandha is calming. This is great for regulating the adrenals. This is one of the herbs I use when recovering from adrenal fatigue.

It also has special effects on the thyroid gland. Ashwagandha helps boost thyroid hormones T3 and T4 and lowers thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). This makes it a useful tool in the treatment of hypothyroidism (when the thyroid gland is underactive). On the other hand, it can cause problems for people with hyperthyroidism, or hyperthyroidism.

Ashwagandha benefits our health in many different ways. As an adaptogen, it has also been clinically proven to help relieve anxiety. It is also an immunomodulator. This means it helps bring the immune system back into balance, whether it is overactive or underactive. In Ayurvedic practice, it is used as a restorative and tonic.

Here are some more ways ashwagandha can be part of a healthy regimen:

• Help with Brain Fog and Cloudy Thinking
• Relieves Fatigue by Supporting the Nervous System
• Reduces the stress hormone cortisol
• Relief of muscle pain caused by inflammatory autoimmune diseases. Like rheumatoid arthritis.
• High in iron, good for anemia
• Helps relieve menopausal symptoms such as muscle pain and brain fog
• For men, it can help bring the spark back to the bedroom
• Improves circulation, blood health and healthy cholesterol levels.
• Anti-inflammatory (drug
• anti-oxidation

How to Use Ashwagandha Herb

Ashwagandha root is the most used and most studied part of the plant. You can use ashwagandha powder to make herbal teas. Or you can make ashwagandha extract with alcohol, or glycerin for a non-alcoholic version. Herbal tinctures traditionally made with alcohol extract different ingredients than those made with glycerin.

Taking ashwagandha powder in tea might cause joint pain in some people. That’s according to hormone expert Magdalena Wszelaki. Ashwagandha capsules and herbal extracts made with alcohol don’t seem to have this problem.

Who Shouldn’t Use Ashwagandha?

As with any herbal supplement, organic ashwagandha root is not for everyone. Those with hyperthyroidism may get worse after using ashwagandha. It is also not considered safe during pregnancy. However, it is used to increase milk production during breastfeeding. If you are taking barbiturates, it can enhance or increase their effects. However, modern medicines have largely replaced them.

If you have any medical conditions or are breastfeeding, consult your natural health practitioner before supplementing with ashwagandha.

where to buy

If you don’t have any plants in your garden, there are a few ways to get ashwagandha. You can also buy premade herbal products if you don’t want to make your own.

How to Make Ashwagandha Tinctures

I love tinctures for several reasons. They store for years, are portable, and you only need a small amount. There are two methods of making tinctures. One is the simple or folk method. The other, more precise, uses weight-to-volume measurements. Both options are fine, but you’ll get more consistent results if you use the same amount of herb each time.

It all starts with premium ingredients. If you can find organic cachaça, it’s the healthiest option. It’s gluten-free and made from non-GMO sugar cane instead of corn. If not, you can find regular 190 proof alcohol at your local store. Since ashwagandha is best extracted with a 70% alcohol solution, we start with a 95% dilution.

I also always use organic or wild herbs. I’d rather not use the good stuff to extract pesticides! Find organically cut and screened ashwagandha herb here.

use simple method

If you don’t want to weigh ingredients, there are always folk methods. This is what I use most often when making tinctures. All you have to do is fill a jar 1/3 to 1/2 full with dried or fresh herbs. Pour alcohol over it, cover and let soak for 2-6 weeks. It’s easy enough, but you may have some batches that are more potent than others.

The recipe below uses a standard 1:5 dilution. In simple terms, this means that for every 1 ounce of herb we add 5 ounces of liquid. Don’t worry, I’ve already figured it out for you! The alcohol concentration is also 70%. If all you can find is 80 proof alcohol (40%), then replace the water in the recipe with more alcohol. It won’t be as strong, you may need to add a little more, but it will still work.

How to Make an Ashwagandha Tincture (And the Benefits!)

Katie Wells

This easy ashwagandha tincture recipe can help relieve stress, boost immunity, and more!

Preparation time 3 minute minute

Dipping time 14 sky d

total time 14 sky d 3 minute minute

raw material

1x2 times3 times

• 3.2 ounce Ashwagandha Root (by weight)
• 1 and ½ cup 190% alcohol (like Everclear)
• ½ cup filtered water

instruct

• Add ashwagandha to your jar. Herbs that are chopped or ground into a powder are fine.

• Next add alcohol and water. If they are not covering the herbs, add more of the water and alcohol mixture until they are. Use 3 parts alcohol for every 1 part water.

• Cover jars and store in a cool, dark place for 2-4 weeks. Shake it occasionally during that time.

• When the tincture is done, strain the herbs through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth and compost.

• Add the filtered ashwagandha tincture to a dropper bottle and store in a cool, dark place.

notes

• The standard dosage for adults is 1-10ml, 3 times a day. This can be adjusted to your individual needs.
• If stored properly, alcoholic tinctures can be used for many years.

How much money does this make?

Just note how many tinctures this recipe makes. It really depends on how dry your ashwagandha is. Also, if you use the herb in powdered form or chopped and sifted. Then there is how you forcefully squeeze the herbs out of the cheesecloth. So you may end up with a little more or a little less liquid. It doesn’t affect the quality, though, and you’ll still get a nice tincture.

Have you used ashwagandha before? What’s your favorite way to use it? Leave a comment and let me know!