Also known as: Withania somnifera, Indian Ginseng, KSM-66, Sensoril
Ashwagandha is a premier adaptogenic herb used in Ayurvedic medicine for over 3,000 years. It reduces cortisol, combats stress and anxiety, supports thyroid function, and may improve strength and testosterone levels.
For stress/anxiety: morning or split doses. For sleep: before bed. Take with food to reduce GI upset. Effects build over 4–8 weeks.
Best taken with food. KSM-66 and Sensoril are standardized for consistent withanolide content and absorption.
Daily
5% withanolides
Before bed
Daily for 8+ weeks
Daily
Higher withanolide concentration
Both reduce anxiety through different mechanisms. Excellent calming stack.
Combined use enhances stress reduction and sleep quality.
Different adaptogenic mechanisms. Ashwagandha calms; Rhodiola energizes.
Both support immune function and mood.
Chandrasekhar K, Kapoor J, Anishetty S. - Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine (2012)
300 mg KSM-66 twice daily reduced cortisol by 27.9% and stress scores by 44% over 60 days.
Wankhede S, Langade D, et al. - Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (2015)
600 mg KSM-66 daily for 8 weeks significantly increased muscle strength, size, and testosterone while reducing body fat and exercise-induced muscle damage.