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Why is KSM-66 Ashwagandha best?

Written by Stephanie Masterman

Published June 22, 2022

KSM-66 Ashwagandha is described as the best type of ashwagandha, but what makes it different to regular ashwagandha - and is it worth the price tag? Here's all you need to know.

What is Ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha is one of a class of plants known as adaptogens. These are consumed as teas, tinctures, powders and supplements - as well as in their raw form.

Withania somnifera, also known as “Indian ginseng”, “winter cherry” or most commonly as simply “Ashwagandha”, has been used in traditional ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years.

Ayurveda is an alternative medicine system which has historical roots in India but has proven to be an effective natural, root-cause solution across the modern world - where it is widely used to treat common ailments.

As the ashwagandha plant only grows in its native India, it is not usually available fresh outside of here and so is mostly consumed in powder or supplement form.

Health Benefits of Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha has some powerful properties which can help to promote overall health and prevent poor health, as well as manage existing symptoms. It has even been shown to have potential as an adjuvant therapy for medical treatment in conventional healthcare.

Here are some of the best health benefits of ashwagandha.

Relieves stress & anxiety - Ashwagandha is one of the most potent natural adaptogens. These are compounds which help the body to respond better to stress, anxiety and fatigue - as well as supporting overall wellbeing.
Blood sugar regulation - Studies have also shown that ashwagandha supplements can help to control blood sugar levels. This is thought to be explained by the fact that blood sugar levels are controlled by a hormone named insulin - and ashwagandha has been shown to promote hormonal balance.
Hormonal balance - Ashwagandha has been shown to help balance hormone levels throughout the body. This can effect everything from sex hormones and sexual function to thyroid health and cortisol levels which create stress. For this reason, ashwagandha is particularly useful to help women at changing stages of the life cycle.
Cognitive Function - Studies have shown that ashwagandha supplementation has had a positive effect on many aspects of brain performance - including attention span, memory, processing speed and reaction times. This is promising evidence to support the impact of ashwagandha on focus and memory, in everyday life and in the long-term.
Enhances strength & endurance - Small studies have found that ashwagandha supplementation could help to improve elements of exercise performance including strength, muscle size, stamina and endurance. Ashwagandha could be a good natural supplement to get the most out of your workout.
May help to fight disease - Ashwagandha contains an active component of Withaferin A (WFA), which has been shown to have a number of benefits against many human illnesses. It is thought that its antibiotic, antibacterial and cytotoxic function could make ashwagandha an effective adjuvant treatment alongside medical interventions.

Whether you are considering an ashwagandha supplement to help manage existing symptoms and health issues, or simply to get the most out of your day - science agrees that it is an effective health boosting herb.

KSM-66 Ashwagandha

Not all ashwagandha supplements are created equal and when it comes to choosing the best ashwagandha, KSM-66 really is the gold standard.

It is derived using a unique extraction process which harnesses a full spectrum extract from just the ashwagandha root - not the leaves. The result is an ashwagandha extract which has the highest quality and best bioavailability.

Clinical studies have consistently shown that KSM-66 ashwagandha has the highest concentration of all major root-only extracts available on the market. These studies have also provided further evidence to support the use of ashwagandha for stress relief, enhanced cognitive function, physical performance and sexual function.

The effectiveness of KSM-66 ashwagandha has been verified in 22 human clinical trials. These trials all comply with the gold standards of research and are placebo-controlled, double-blind and randomised.

Together with good manufacturing processes which use no solvents or added active ingredients, KSM-66 is the most natural, potent and effective formulation of ashwagandha root.

Best Ashwagandha Supplements: Is KSM-66 worth the price tag?

Just like any supplement, if you search for ashwagandha you will be inundated with products of all different prices. You may wonder how some can be so cheap and why others would warrant spending more.

The main consideration when purchasing ashwagandha powder or supplements should always be if the ashwagandha is KSM-66. If not, you will spend less but will not be getting the best benefits of ashwagandha.

In fact, other ashwagandha powders and supplements are often made with the leaves of the plant rather than the root, or a combination of both. It has been found that producing a leaf extract or including leaves in the formulation costs just 1/15th to produce.

Therefore, many supplements will be made with the leaves, to still be able to claim the ashwagandha name. So, it makes sense to go for quality over quantity and pay a little more if you want the best.

Whether you're seeking out ashwagandha capsules, ashwagandha powder or any supplement containing ashwagandha as one of its ingredients - always be sure to go for KSM-66 if you're interested in enjoying this medicinal herb's best benefits.

Side effects of KSM-66 Ashwagandha

Like every variety of ashwagandha and all other adaptogens, KSM-66 should be avoided during pregnancy.

There is no research to suggest that it might be harmful to mother or baby. However, as there is little research into the safety of adaptogens during pregnancy, it is always better to be safe until more conclusive evidence is available.

The same applies to using ashwagandha during childhood, there is just not enough research to say conclusively that it is safe - so it is best consumed only by those aged 16 or older.

Aside from children and pregnant women, ashwagandha is completely natural and safe to use for everyone. Of course, if somebody has a medical condition or is taking medications - it is always best to discuss any food or supplements with a GP or medical professional.

Balance Tonic Organic Superfood Blend with KSM-66 Ashwagandha 🌸

We use certified Organic KSM-66 ashwagandha root in our Balance Tonic blend. This powerful adaptogen is added to help promote female hormonal balance, along with five other superfood ingredients to support similar benefits.

As well as containing the highest concentration lab tested KSM-66 ashwagandha, Balance Tonic is made with only natural, certified Organic, gluten-free and non-GMO ingredients. We don't add any preservatives or fillers either, just 100% real superfoods.

With wild blueberry, hibiscus, baobab, KSM-66 ashwagandha, shatavari root and maca root - it is the perfect daily tonic to help you destress and regain your inner female balance. You can learn more about the benefits of Balance Tonic in our blog posts below.

🌱 Balance Tonic: Nature's solution to better female health

🌱 The Best adaptogens for female balance

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