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Combat Stress and Welcome a Sense of Calm with Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha extract

Last updated: June 2026
This guide is regularly updated with the latest insights on ashwagandha.

You've probably heard of ashwagandha: an evergreen shrub whose roots and berries have been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. This versatile Indian herb is traditionally valued for helping the body with stress, but it does much more. In this blog we explain how to use ashwagandha and the benefits it can offer. As an adaptogen, ashwagandha can act as a kind of buffer against daily pressure, as long as you use it correctly.

What is ashwagandha good for?

Ashwagandha is an adaptogen, meaning it helps stabilise and normalise bodily processes. Here, that's mainly about our ability to deal better with physical or mental stress. Some situations bring a lot of tension, and that's exactly when ashwagandha can lend support. It can be useful for almost anyone feeling tense, wired or tired, but its qualities don't stop there. Below are the ways this widely used Ayurvedic herb is traditionally applied.

Calming effect. Besides supporting you with stress, ashwagandha can help you feel calmer and more at ease, even in challenging situations. The effect doesn't feel overwhelming or sedative; many people experience it as taking 'the edge off', making challenges feel a bit lighter.

Ashwagandha calming effect

Tonifying effect. Less well known is that ashwagandha has traditionally been used as a tonic, bringing a sense of vigour and well-being. With daily use, people often notice a subtle but steadily building, uplifting effect within a few weeks. In Ayurveda, tonics are known for their restorative, building properties.

Support for mind and focus. Ashwagandha is a well-known Ayurvedic Rasayana and belongs to the Medhyarasayanas, a group associated with the mind and mental clarity. As such, ashwagandha is traditionally used to support the intellect and memory, for example during work or study.

Support for endurance. Research suggests ashwagandha can support stamina. In an animal study, subjects performed longer on a physical endurance test, and in an eight-week study of cyclists the supplement reportedly improved anaerobic capacity, endurance and strength.

Support for the stress response. As an adaptogen, ashwagandha supports the body and mind's healthy response to physical, mental and environmental stress. In a randomised study of 64 participants, one group received 300 mg of high-concentration ashwagandha root extract; that group reported significantly less stress than the placebo group. You can read the results in Chandrasekhar et al. (2012).

Ashwagandha extract for stress

How to use ashwagandha

Research and plenty of experience indicate ashwagandha works best with daily use over several weeks. Preferably choose a full-spectrum ashwagandha extract of high quality and potency. In trace amounts, or as just one of many ingredients in a blend, it comes into its own less well. At Next Level, we take the quality and potency of our products seriously. Many people report that our ashwagandha extract gives a clearer effect than other extracts they've used before. Browse our ashwagandha extract.

Please note: Ashwagandha is traditionally used as an adaptogen and is not a substitute for medical advice. If you're pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a thyroid condition, consult your doctor first.

Want to combine or compare ashwagandha with other calming herbs? Read our blogs on three herbs to help you relax and on better sleep with mulungu.

Frequently asked questions about ashwagandha

What exactly is an adaptogen?

An adaptogen is a natural substance traditionally used to help the body cope better with stress and stay in balance. Ashwagandha is one of the best-known adaptogens from Ayurveda.

How long does ashwagandha take to work?

Ashwagandha works best with daily use over several weeks. The effects build subtly but steadily, so patience and consistency matter.

When is the best time to take ashwagandha?

Whenever suits you best. Because of its calming effect, many people take it in the evening, while others use it during the day for balance. Choose a fixed time for consistency.

What should I look for in an ashwagandha extract?

Choose a full-spectrum extract of high quality and potency. In trace amounts or as a minor part of a blend, ashwagandha comes into its own less well.

Can I combine ashwagandha with other herbs?

Many people combine ashwagandha with, for example, maca, reishi or mulungu. Stick to recommended amounts and consult your doctor if you take medication.

Does ashwagandha contain caffeine?

No. Ashwagandha is a calming adaptogen without caffeine. It doesn't give an uplifting, jittery feeling, but rather supports calm and balance.

Why Next Level Smart?

Full-spectrum ashwagandha extract - strongly concentrated and selected for quality
Curated wellness range - we only offer what we find worthwhile ourselves
Clear usage and background information - so you know what you're getting
Active since 2010 as a Dutch smart shop, with shipping from the Netherlands

Browse Our Ashwagandha Extract

Source: Chandrasekhar et al. (2012) | Last updated: June 2026 | Next Level Smart

Posted in: All posts, Health & Lifestyle Blogs, Microdosing Blogs

Author: Annie Verkade

Annie Verkade is a writer at Next Level Smartshop with a background in philology. She writes about natural alternatives to pharmaceuticals, sleep support, and plant-based products. Her work also explores altered states of consciousness - both with and without psychedelics - as well as topics like astrology and lunar cycles, translating insights into clear, accessible content. She’s especially interested in how simple rituals and environment can shift how we feel (sometimes more than we expect). Outside of work, she enjoys photography, reading, bouldering, and travelling. Favourite products: Sagrada Madre incense, Mulungu, Sleep Tincture