The woody shrub ashwagandha has been utilized for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine. It’s one of several Ayurvedic remedies that are currently being used in Western health practices; it’s highly valued for its ability to reduce stress and balance mood.
The plant, which can withstand drought, is native to dry shrublands in India, but to meet demand worldwide, it is currently grown on farms.
As to a Market Research analysis, the ashwagandha market in the United States is anticipated to attain a value of $16 million per year by 2026 (1).
Ashwagandha is a sustainable crop to start with because it develops quickly—it’s usually ready for harvesting within six months—and can withstand arid circumstances.
However, to make sure you’re getting the best, least impactful product possible, there are a few things you can check for in your ashwagandha powder or capsule.
4 Standards to Mindfully Look For
1. Strength
Glycowithanolides, a class of beneficial phytonutrient molecules, provide ashwagandha its relaxing effects (2). Since they have the largest concentration of these medicinal chemicals, traditional Ayurvedic treatment often uses the plant’s roots and leaves.
Seek a product made from these components of the plant that are high in antioxidants. There is also evidence that ashwagandha leaves have nootropic, memory-supporting effects, so these might be included in the mix (3).
2. Initiatives for Sustainability
The best ashwagandha is sourced from an environmentally friendly company and is formulated with consideration for worker safety, potency, and purity. Seek a producer who stresses regenerative practices that preserve soil health, operates their facilities using renewable energy, and/or strives for low-waste operations.
3. Transparency
Because most ashwagandha is still grown in India, where air and soil pollution are of significant concern, it’s critical to select a variety that has been tested for heavy metals and other forms of contamination. Search for companies that talk about their dedication to quality, which indicates that a supplement has been put through analytical testing to ensure its efficacy and purity.
With ashwagandha, as with any herb, another item to consider is what happens to it once it is harvested. It may lose purity and efficacy if dried or handled incorrectly. The drying process makes all the difference between vibrantly colored dried mint leaves and moldy, yellowed, wilted mint leaves. It is therefore advised to search for a product that has undergone testing for germs and mold.
![How to Ensure Ashwagandha Is Sustainable and Effective](https://i0.wp.com/jasminefeliciano.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/How-to-Ensure-Ashwagandha-Is-Sustainable-and-Effective-pin.png?resize=683%2C1024&quality=80&ssl=1)
4. Integrity & Fairness
In India, ashwagandha is a source of income, so be sure the farmers who grew yours received fair compensation and respectful treatment. If a product damages these communities, it cannot be considered truly sustainable. All the better if the product is Fairtrade certified, which is quite rare in the herb sector (4).
If I’m purchasing a product for my health and the individuals who grew it were exposed to toxins that have been demonstrated to be harmful to their health, then that product makes no sense in my opinion.
This implies that severe insecticides, which can seriously jeopardize worker safety, shouldn’t be used when growing it (5).
Ashwagandha suppliers must be open and honest regarding the location, management style, and frequency of their farm visits. In addition to improving human livelihood, this can result in a higher-quality product since, when they feel properly valued and cared for, workers are less prone to take short cuts.
Related Post: 5 Flavorful Spices to Support Wellness
To Wrap Things Up
Adding ashwagandha into your wellness routine can provide numerous benefits, from stress reduction to mood balance. However, it’s essential to choose products that prioritize strength, sustainability, transparency, and fairness.
By selecting high-quality ashwagandha from reputable sources, you ensure both the efficacy of the supplement and the well-being of those who produce it. A responsible choice not only supports your health but also promotes ethical and sustainable practices globally. Embrace the power of ashwagandha with a mindful approach to its origin and production.
Source |
- Pharmaceuticals Market Research Reports & Pharmaceuticals Industry Analysis | MarketResearch.com
- Natural Withanolides in the Treatment of Chronic Diseases – PMC (nih.gov)
- Nootropic potential of Ashwagandha leaves: Beyond traditional root extracts – PubMed (nih.gov)
- Herbs and spices – (fairtrade.net)
- Frontiers | Chemical Pesticides and Human Health: The Urgent Need for a New Concept in Agriculture (frontiersin.org)
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