Ashwagandha - Ayurvedic Super Herb

Ashwa-huh?

In the traditional Indian system of medicine, Ayurveda, Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a rasayana, meaning it is an herb that rejuvenates and restores, in Western Herbalism, we call it an Adaptogen [Adaptogens, in short, are herbs that help our bodies adapt to every day stress and support overall health.] In herbal medicine, we mostly use Ashwagandha’s roots, as they are found to be the most medicinal part of the plant, although its leaves and fruits have been used as healing tools as well. Ashwagandha has been used for thousands of years as a tonic in not only Ayurveda, but also in Unani-Tibb and other traditional systems of medicine.

Lately, this herb has experienced quite a bit of popularity… and for very good reason:

Health Benefits of Ashwagandha

1. It Regulates Overall Immune Function
   Ashwagandha is an immunoregulator. It will up-regulate the immune system if your body needs a boost, or it will down-regulate it if your body’s immune system is overworking (typically in the case of auto-immune disease). It significantly increases levels of immunocompetent cells, immune complexes, and immunoglobulins, which is why it has been used extensively for tumors, multiple cancers, and several auto-immune diseases. (Yance 364)

2. It is Rich in Iron
   When taken in powder form, ashwagandha is very rich in iron. It can be used as a tool for bringing iron back up to an appropriate level with anemia - it is super tasty with some heated almond milk and a touch of molasses (also rich in iron!).

3. It Reduces Stress & Anxiety
   As an adaptogen and a nervine, ashwagandha is known to significantly reduce stress by regulating the function of the endocrine system and relaxing the nervous system. Ashwagandha is a calming adaptogen that works over time, one would notice a difference in 2-3 weeks using it at the appropriate dosage. It is often effective for anxiety, brain fog, fatigue, insomnia caused by stress, and nervous exhaustion.

4. It Regulates Sleep Rhythms
   Ashwagandha is a calming adaptogen, but don’t fret, it should not by any means make you sleepy, it will just chill your nervous system out so you are actually able to relax. Although it does not make you directly sleepy, it does seem to regulate sleep patterns over time, enabling the consumer to get a better night’s rest and wake up feeling more rejuvenated.
   

5. It is Neuroprotective & Rich in Antioxidants
   Ashwagandha is packed with antioxidants, it seems to have a knack for supporting the body by reducing free-radicals, allowing the body to regenerate healthy tissue. It protects the brain, the heart, and the liver… just to name a few of the important organs the antioxidants help out.

6. It Supports a Healthy Thyroid
   Ashwagandha is one of the few herbs that has a significant effect on the thyroid hormone. It is best used with hypothyroidism as it tends to increase thyroid function by stimulating the gland. (Winston 140) It is also best to avoid for those with hyperthyroidism as it can further stimulate the thyroid and cause more issues.

7. It Regulates Blood Sugar Levels
   Not only does this wondrous root help the thyroid out, it truly supports much of the endocrine system. That being said, it supports the pancreas by increasing the secretion of insulin, which means our blood sugar levels are more easily balanced. When blood sugar is balanced, our bodies feel more in balance, there are no blood sugar woes, dizzy spells or hangry outbreaks - now I know I'm not the only one who is thinking of the perfect candidate for Ashwagandha... ;)

Is Ashwagandha Safe?

As with everything, there are some precautions to take before beginning to use ashwagandha. It may interact with some medications such as immunosuppressants. It may enhance sedative effects of some barbiturates. It is not recommended for pregnant women. It is also not recommended for those who are hyperthyroid. Other than these minimal restrictions, ashwagandha is quite a safe herb to take regularly.

Who Should Take Ashwagandha, Anyways?

Essentially, ANYONE who passes the few restrictions in the paragraph above... This herb is truly a super herb, along with all of the greatness mentioned in this blog, ashwagandha is strongly anti-inflammatory, it is restorative after chemo-therapy, it’s anti-parasitic, and energetically, it is very grounding. The mechanisms of the actions of this herb are not all fully understood, but through thousands of years of use and observation, Ashwagandha has rightfully made its way to center stage.

How Can I Try Ashwagandha?

Want to give this wonder herb a shot? Try Ashwagandha in our Stay Golden - Golden Milk Herbal Powder and let us know what you think about it in the comments section below!

Sending BIG Love,
Joey