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Calm & Resilience

Ashwagandha

Withania somnifera

The Ancient Adaptogen

Ashwagandha is a powerful adaptogenic herb used for over 3,000 years in Ayurvedic medicine. Adaptogens help the body adapt to stress and maintain balance. Ashwagandha is particularly effective at reducing cortisol levels, promoting calm without sedation, and supporting both mental and physical resilience.

Name means 'smell of the horse'—imparting strength and vitality
Clinically shown to reduce cortisol by up to 30%
Classified as an adaptogen—helps the body adapt to stress
Used safely for over 3,000 years in Ayurvedic medicine
Ashwagandha

Per Chew

50 mg

Key Benefits

Discover how Ashwagandha supports your dog's health and longevity

Stress Resilience

Helps the body adapt to stress by regulating cortisol levels and supporting balanced HPA axis function.

Calm Without Sedation

Promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety without causing drowsiness, maintaining alertness and engagement.

Energy & Vitality

Supports sustained energy, physical performance, and recovery—the 'strength of a horse' as its name suggests.

Cognitive Support

Supports memory, focus, and mental clarity, particularly during stressful situations.

Watch & Learn

See How Ashwagandha Works

Watch this short animation to understand how Ashwagandha supports your dog's health at the cellular level

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Scientific animation showing the mechanism of action of Withania somnifera

How It Works

Ashwagandha works through multiple mechanisms: it reduces cortisol (the primary stress hormone), modulates GABA receptors (promoting calm), and normalizes HPA axis function (the stress response system). Unlike sedatives, adaptogens help the body achieve balance—calming when stressed, energizing when fatigued. Ashwagandha also supports mitochondrial function and has antioxidant properties.

Works Best With:

L-Theanine (complementary calming)
Magnesium (nervous system support)
B Vitamins (stress metabolism)

Dosage Information

Per Chew50 mg
Small Dogs (<25 lbs)50 mg (1 chew)
Medium Dogs (25-50 lbs)100 mg (2 chews)
Large Dogs (>50 lbs)150 mg (3 chews)

Timing: Can be given any time; some prefer evening for calming effects

Effects build over time. Full benefits typically realized after 4-8 weeks of consistent use.

Safety Profile

Ashwagandha has been used safely for thousands of years. Modern studies confirm its excellent safety profile. It's well-tolerated by most dogs. Avoid in pregnant dogs. May enhance the effects of sedatives—consult your vet if your dog is on anxiety medications.

Research & Citations

Scientific studies supporting the benefits of Ashwagandha

A Prospective, Randomized Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Safety and Efficacy of a High-Concentration Full-Spectrum Extract of Ashwagandha Root

Chandrasekhar K, Kapoor J, Anishetty S

Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, 2012

Clinical trial demonstrating significant cortisol reduction and stress relief with ashwagandha.

View Study

An Overview on Ashwagandha: A Rasayana (Rejuvenator) of Ayurveda

Singh N, Bhalla M, de Jager P, Gilca M

African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines, 2011

Comprehensive review of ashwagandha's traditional use and modern scientific validation.

Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) on Physical Performance

Pérez-Gómez J, Villafaina S, Adsuar JC, et al.

Nutrients, 2020

Review of ashwagandha's effects on physical performance and recovery.

View Study

Give Your Dog the Gift of Longevity

Ashwagandha is just one of the powerful ingredients in Pawdagen's comprehensive longevity formula.