Sharada, A. C., Solomon, F. E., Devi, P. U., Udupa, N., and Srinivasan, K. K. Antitumor and radiosensitizing effects of withaferin A on mouse Ehrlich ascites carcinoma in vivo. Acta Oncol. 1996;35(1):95-100. View abstract. Ashwagandha extracts are more refined than ashwagandha powder and can be created using water or chemicals. 6 Summary

Ajgaonkar A, Jain M, Debnath K. Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Extract for Improvement of Sexual Health in Healthy Women: A Prospective, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study. Cureus 2022;14(10):e30787. View abstract. Pérez-Gómez J, Villafaina S, Adsuar JC, Merellano-Navarro E, Collado-Mateo D. Effects of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) on VO2max: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutrients. 2020;12(4):1119. View abstract. You should avoid taking it if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or have an autoimmune disease, unless advised otherwise by your GP.Finally, ashwagandha oil may have potential as a natural treatment for certain types of cancer. Some studies have found that withanolides, the active compounds in ashwagandha, can inhibit the growth of cancer cells and even induce apoptosis, or programmed cell death, in some types of cancer cells. While more research is needed in this area, these findings suggest that ashwagandha oil may have promising applications in cancer treatment and prevention. Choosing the Right Type of Ashwagandha for Your Oil

Ashwagandha oil is mostly used in aromatherapy to calm the nerves and make you feel energized. It is used for massaging the joints and the parts of the body that are experiencing pain. You can use a few drops, diluted with a carrier oil, which can then be topically applied to reduce inflammation and pain in the case of rheumatoid arthritis, sores, and bacterial or fungal skin infections. However, ensure you do a patch test on your arm to avoid any kind of skin reaction. [8] Following are the side effects commonly observed in people consuming moderate doses of ashwagandha. Another benefit of ashwagandha oil is its potential to reduce inflammation in the body. Inflammation is a natural response to injury or infection, but chronic inflammation can lead to a variety of health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Ashwagandha oil has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, which may help to reduce the risk of these diseases. Cortisol (stress hormone) levels - it’s recommended you take 500 to 600mg a day for six to 12 weeks. Salve J, Pate S, Debnath K, Langade D. Adaptogenic and anxiolytic effects of ashwagandha root extract in healthy adults: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical study. Cureus. 2019;11(12):e6466. View abstract.It is important to note that the method used for infusing ashwagandha with carrier oil can affect the potency and effectiveness of the final product. The hot infusion method may result in a stronger infusion, but it can also destroy some of the beneficial compounds in the herb. The cold infusion method may take longer, but it can preserve more of the herb's beneficial properties. The solar infusion method is a natural and gentle way to infuse the herb, but it may not be as potent as the other methods.

Maintaining normal cholesterol– a study in rats found that it lowered total cholesterol and triglyceride levels by 53% and almost 45%. Baghel S, Saraugi SS, Kumar A, Rathore A, Soni DK. Sensory and physical evaluation of Herbal Biscuit Incorporated with Ashwagandha ( Withania somnifera) and Ragi ( Eleusine Coracana). International Journal of Chemical Studies. 2020;8(5):136–142. doi:10.22271/chemi.2020.v8.i5b.10290

The large list of ashwagandha health benefits includes relieving stress, aiding sleep, increasing energy levels and improving concentration. 8

Panda S, Kar A. Withania somnifera and Bauhinia purpurea in the regulation of circulating thyroid hormone concentrations in female mice. J Ethnopharmacol 1999;67:233-39. View abstract. Agnihotri AP, Sontakke SD, Thawani VR, Saoji A, Goswami VS. Effects of Withania somnifera in patients of schizophrenia: a randomized, double blind, placebo controlled pilot trial study. Indian J Pharmacol. 2013;45(4):417-8. View abstract. Once the herb and carrier oil are prepared, it’s time to infuse the ashwagandha with the oil. There are several methods for doing this, including the hot infusion method, the cold infusion method, and the solar infusion method. The hot infusion method involves gently heating the herb and carrier oil mixture over low heat for several hours. The cold infusion method involves allowing the herb and carrier oil to infuse over a period of several weeks in a cool dark place. The solar infusion method involves placing the herb and carrier oil in sunlight for several weeks to allow for natural infusing. O'Connor J, Lindsay K, Baker C, Kirby J, Hutchins A, Harris M. The impact of ashwagandha on stress, sleep quality, and food cravings in college students: quantitative analysis of a double-blind randomized control trial. J Med Food 2022. View abstract.The first step in making ashwagandha oil is to prepare the herb for infusion. Take about 1 cup of dried ashwagandha root and grind it coarsely in a blender. If you’re using fresh ashwagandha root, you can chop it finely instead. Once the herb is prepared, place it in a glass jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid. By the end, you’ll discover everything there is to know about ashwagandha, including the health benefits, how much to take, when to take it, the types of supplements and more… Skip to: