ASHWAGANDHA ~ AN AYURVEDIC TREASURE ~
Ashwagandha has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for over 4000 years and is one of the World’s leading adaptogenic herbs known for its profound ability to restore and rejuvenate the body and mind. The name Ashwagandha is Sanskrit and means “strong as a horse”, while the botanical species name Withania somnifera, means “restful sleep.” Both, the roots and berries are used in alternative medicine.
Traditionally, it has been used as a nutritive general tonic, especially for highly deficient body types. It has been successfully used by people of all ages including babies, also enhancing reproductive function in both men and women. It has also been used for inflammations especially for arthritic and rheumatic conditions and as a major tonic to counteract the ravages of aging and promote youthful longevity.
Thankfully, Ashwagandha is one of those heavily researched herbs that has put herbalism into the forefront of modern, evidence-based, medicine. Its broad spectrum healing abilities demonstrate a plethora of healing benefits — from repairing and building the brain and nervous system, to balancing hormone levels, to strengthening the immune system, to fighting aging, reducing stress and anxiety, and improving adrenal recovery, while uplifting mood and overall well-being. That’s quite a lot isn’t it! And that’s not all…
THE TOP HEALING BENEFITS (BACKED BY SCIENCE)
- EFFECTIVELY COMBATS STRESS, ANXIETY & DEPRESSION.
- ENHANCES BRAIN FUNCTION & PROTECTS THE NERVOUS SYSTEM.
- ANTI-CANCEROUS & CHEMOPROTECTIVE.
- HELPS INCREASE MUSCLE GROWTH & PREVENT FAT BASED WEIGHT GAIN.
- HAS PROMISING ANTI-DIABETIC EFFECTS.
- CARDIOPROTECTIVE, PROMOTES HEART HEALTH.
- ASHWAGANDHA REDUCES PAIN.
- GREATLY HELPS WITH OCD ISSUES & ADHD.
- ENHANCES ANTI-AGING CHEMISTRY & LONGEVITY.
SAFETY, DOSAGE AND CONTRAINDICATIONS
When used as an adaptogen to help the body cope with daily stress or as a general tonic, Ashwagandha is generally considered safe to use. However, certain individuals should not take it, including pregnant and breastfeeding women. People with autoimmune diseases should also avoid Ashawagandha unless authorized by a doctor. It also may potentially increase thyroid hormone levels in some people. The recommended dosage of Ashawagandha depends on the type of supplement with extracts being more effective than leaf powder. Please always remember to follow instuctions on labels. Standardized root extract is usually taken in 450-500mg capsules once or twice a day.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Ashwagandha is a powerful ancient herb with multiple health benefits.It can reduce effectively stress and anxiety, help fight depression, reduce inflammation, may increase muscle mass and strength, boost fertility and may improve brain function, including memory.Supplementing with Ashwagandha may be an easy and effective way to improve your health and quality of life.One of my favorite ways to relax and enjoy a good night’s sleep is to add 1-2 teaspoons of Ashwagandha powder to a cup of spicy hot chocolate (recipe will follow shortly).
