Ashwagandha: An Ancient Herb with Scientific Evidence Based Benefits

History of Ashwagandha

The ancient herb Withania somnifera has gained popularity over the years for its numerous health benefits. You may know this herb by its Indian name, Ashwagandha, meaning “smell and strength of a horse” in Sanskrit. This meaning is believed to have originated from the scent of the root and its traditional benefits. Ashwagandha is a part of the Solanaceae (nightshade) family and a variety of parts such as leaves, bark and root have been used in Traditional Ayurvedic Medicine. ^1,2

Among the twenty-three known Withania species, only two are economically and medicinally significant, one being Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha). Ashwagandha is often referred to as the “Indian ginseng”; however, it is not to be confused with the Chinese Medicine herb Panax ginseng, which can be more stimulating to individuals.^1,2,3

Ashwagandha has a long history, having been used for over 3,000 years in Indigenous Medicine of South Asia including, in the Unani and Ayurvedic systems. Ayurvedic practitioners regard Ashwagandha as a valuable herb due to its versatility for a variety of ailments. Ashwagandha has traditionally been used in Ayurvedic Medicine to assist with recovery from illness, to relieve feelings of general malaise, and improve memory. It has also been used in Traditional Western Herbal Medicine for centuries to help the body adapt to stress through its adaptogen properties. ³

In recent decades there has been an increase in scientific interest in regard to this herb, driven by its rich history in Ayurvedic and Western Herbal Medicine. Today, the main part of the plant that is used and researched is the root extracts such as KSM-66Ashwagandha® to ensure high quality products and to reduce any potential imbalances in active compounds. ^1,2,4

Many people have been reaching for this herb today due to it benefits of supporting a healthy stress response in the body, as it aids the body to cope with environmental stress, resulting in reduced symptoms of stress and mild anxiety. ³

Benefits of Ashwagandha

• Traditionally used in Western Herbal Medicine as an adaptogen to help the body adapt to stress.
• Traditionally used in Ayurvedic Medicine to aid with recovery from illness, relieve feelings of general debility, increase memory recall and support nervous system.
• Modern-day use supported by scientific evidence enhances body adaptation to stress, decreases symptoms of stress, reduces symptoms of mild anxiety, enhances sleep quality, supports physical endurance and improves memory recall.

Caruso’s Ashwagandha Range

Whether you're stressed, want to improve sleep quality, looking to enhance your energy levels, or need support with muscle relaxation, Caruso's has a wide range of products that include Ashwagandha as a key ingredient to assist with a variety of indications depending on your health concerns.

Caruso’s Ashwagandha range contains KSM-66 Ashwagandha®, a certified organic, full spectrum root extract, Ashwagandha has been Traditionally used in Western Herbal Medicine to help the body adapt to stress therefore, our products can help relieve symptoms of stress and mild anxiety.^1,5

Caruso’s Ashwagandha 7500

Caruso’s Ashwagandha 7500 is specifically formulated to assist the body to cope with environmental stress through supporting the ability to adapt to stress and by supporting a healthy stress response in the body. It is Traditionally used in Western Herbal Medicine as an adaptogen and has been Traditionally used in Ayurvedic Medicine to support the nervous system. Additionally, Ashwagandha relieves symptoms of mild anxiety and supports healthy sleeping patterns.

Always read the label and follow the directions for use. 

Caruso’s Ashwagandha + Sleep

With 66% of Australians reporting at least one sleep problem, many people are seeking effective ways to enhance sleep quality. ⁶ Caruso’s Ashwagandha + Sleep is a unique formula combining the herbs Ashwagandha, Skullcap and Hops, with the addition of Magnesium. This formula is ideal to take before bed to improve sleep quality, enhance deep sleep, relieve sleeplessness, and reduce time to fall asleep, plus relieve symptoms of stress and mild anxiety.

Always read the label and follow the directions for use. 

Caruso’s Ashwagandha + Energy

Low energy is increasing among Australians with 24% stating they feel drained everyday. ⁷ Camellia sinensis is the botanical name for Green Tea, which is a key ingredient in Caruso’s Ashwagandha + Energy. Green Tea use dates back as far as 3000 BC in ancient China and has been used in various cultural practices. ⁸ Green tea is naturally rich in caffeine to enhance and promote energy levels.

Always read the label and follow the directions for use. 

Caruso’s Super Magnesium + Ashwagandha

Magnesium is a vital mineral needed for over 300 enzyme reactions in the body, due to this it is involved in many bodily functions. ⁹ When dietary intake is inadequate, magnesium relieves muscle cramps and mild muscle spasms and twitches. This mineral helps support nervous system health and nervous system function. It also maintains muscle health and supports muscle relaxation. Caruso’s Super Magnesium +Ashwagandha uses six different forms of magnesium to ensure optimal absorption.

Always read the label and follow the directions for use. 

References:

1. Bone, K., & Mills, S. (2013). Principles and practice of phytotherapy: Modern herbal medicine. Churchill Livingstone.
2. Williamson, E. M. (2002). Major herbs of ayurveda. Churchill Livingstone.
3. Mirjalili, M. H., Moyano, E., Bonfill, M., Cusido, R. M., & Palazón, J. (2009). Steroidal lactones from withania somnifera, an ancient plant for novel medicine. Molecules, 14(7), 2373-2393.https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules14072373
4. Chandrasekhar, K., Kapoor, J., & Anishetty, S. (2012). A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults. Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, 34(3), 255–262. https://doi.org/10.4103/0253-7176.106022
5. Ixoreal Biomed. (2025). What is KSM-66. https://ksm66ashwagandhaa.com/what-is-ksm66.php2
6. AIHW. (2021). Sleep problems as a risk factor for chronic conditions.https://www.aihw.gov.au/getmedia/7e520067-05f1-4160-a38f-520bac8fc96a/aihw-phe-296.pdf
7. AHA Clinics. (2024). What to do about constant tiredness and fatigue.https://ahaclinics.com.au/2024/04/30/what-to-do-about-constant-tiredness-and-fatigue/
8. Radeva-Ilieva, M., Stoeva, S., Hvarchanova, N., & Georgiev, K. D. (2025). Green tea: Current knowledge and issues. Foods, 14(5), 745. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14050745
9. Fatima, G., Dzupina, A., B Alhmadi, H., Magomedova, A., Siddiqui, Z., Mehdi, A., & Hadi, N.(2024). Magnesium matters: A comprehensive review of its vital role in health and diseases. Cureus, 16(10). https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.71392