Ashwagandha, explained
Ashwagandha is a plant from the nightshade family whose root has been used in Ayurvedic tradition for centuries. Here's how to read an ashwagandha label, how to take it, and why we make no health claim for it.
Root or leaf?
Most of the ashwagandha research and tradition centres on the root. Leaf material is cheaper and has a different compound profile, so check which part of the plant a product uses. Anima uses root only.
How to read an extract ratio
An extract ratio tells you how much raw root went into the extract. Anima's is 12.5:1, so each 500 mg capsule is the equivalent of 6,250 mg of ashwagandha root. If a label gives you only a capsule weight with no ratio and no plant part, you can't compare it properly.
What can a UK brand say about ashwagandha?
Nothing, legally. In Great Britain, health claims for botanicals like ashwagandha are still on hold pending assessment, so none is authorised. You'll see ashwagandha sold for stress, sleep and cortisol, but those aren't authorised claims. We print the extract ratio, the root equivalent and the dose, and leave the judgement to you.
How to take it
- One capsule a day with water.
- One bottle is 90 capsules, which is 90 days. That works out at about 22p a day.
- Do not exceed the recommended daily dose.
Speak to your doctor before using it if…
you're pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or under medical supervision. Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
Why Anima
- Root only, 12.5:1 extract, the full 500 mg per capsule.
- The page says exactly what the label says: no trademarked ingredient names we can't evidence, and no claims we're not allowed to make.
- Vegan, unflavoured. Made in a UK GMP-standard facility, with a batch number on every bottle.
- Free tracked UK delivery on every order, no minimum.