Ashwagandha Benefits for Kids and Teenagers

I guess as a female adult we are just naturally interested in health-supporting foods. They are available in different forms such as fresh plant, teas, powders, extracts, or tinctures. The plant I have been looking into lately is Ashwagandha.  

First, it has caught my attention because of its hormone balancing properties. Ashwagandha has the ability to increase estrogen levels. Research suggests higher estrogen levels are associated with decreased incidence of Alzheimer’s and increased cognitive functioning. Quite interesting, right?! Then, after learning about all its other amazing benefits I was keen to incorporate Ashwagandha root powder into my days by using one teaspoon of it in my evening valerian tea. Simple and easy is the way how I get the most done.

Next I was wondering if, and how my family can benefit from it too. It is doable to be a health-conscious person, but the real task is to get the children or even the husband on board. Fortunately, the root powder can be easily mixed into a smoothie or taken in a capsule. I have used a teaspoon in my kids smoothie lately and they couldn’t taste a difference.

BENEFITS

Brain Power

Immune Function

Sickness-fighting and Anti-inflammatory

Improved muscular strength and endurance

Root Powder vs Root Extract

Root powder – made of the whole plant part (such as root powder, which is dried root made into a powder)

Root Extract – made of just key compounds extracted from that part of the plant (i.e., a root “extract”) which are typically provided as a dried powder or liquid.

In most studies they have been using root extract.  You will also need to know the % of specific compound(s) to which the extract should be “standardized” since there are many types and concentrations of extracts. In order to determine how concentrated the Ashwagandha product is, you want to look at the withanolide content. Supplements made of whole plant parts, like root powder, are typically not standardized like extracts.

• How to choose? When choosing an Ashwagandha product, look for a root powder if you want to mix it into liquids or choose a root extract in capsules containing a certain percentage of withanolide if you want to have a more potent therapeutic dosage.
• How much to take? Ashwagandha dosage recommendations vary depending on the condition being treated. Please ask your naturopathic practitioner about the right dosage for your family members. If you choose to take Ashwagandha as a dried root powder instead of extract, a typical dosage is about three to six grams per day. The brand which I use recommends 1-2 teaspoon.
• How to use it? If you choose the more potent root extract, you can buy the capsules and follow the manufacturers recommendations of intake and daily dosage. If you would like to use the root powder instead, you can add 1 teaspoon into a smoothie, hot chocolate, or you can create a warm drink like the Spiced Ashwagandha Cashew Drink in my recipes.

Do you find this information valuable?  There’s nothing better than using natural whole foods to improve our family’s well-being.  Please let me know what types of healing foods you would like to know more about by posting a comment below.