Have you ever wondered what it would be like to find an herb that has super powers? Imagine finding a plant that can support sleep, stress, body detoxification, memory functions, immune health and much more. Meet Ashwagandha.
Meet Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha means ‘the smell of a horse’ in Sanskrit. Aswawhich means horse, and Ghanda, which means smell. The name speaks to the scent of the herb and its ability to support strength and endurance (1). Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is also commonly known as Indian Ginseng or Indian Winter Cherry. It is a sturdy shrub that can reach a staggering height of 1.5 meters! Leaves, roots and berries can all be used for medicinal purposes, but the root is the most commonly used. The leaves contain withanolides and components that support the body’s natural detoxification process. If you powder the roots, they can be used as strengthening and soothing tonics, while the berries can be used as an insect control aid. Ashwagandha is part of the nightshade or Solanaceae family. You can identify a nightshade by its foliage, which has alternate leaves that grow staggered on their stems. Nightshades are known to contain several types of alkaloidal compounds that can cause physiological changes.
Ashwagandha in Ayurvedic medicine
Ashwagandha, native to India and a staple of Ayurvedic medicine for centuries, is a core recommendation of Ayurvedic physicians for virtually all their patients and every condition. Ayurveda is a word originating from Sanskrit, Ayurwhat life means, and veda, meaning science or knowledge, which translates to ‘Knowledge of life’. Ayurveda is based on the belief that illness is due to imbalances in a person’s consciousness. Ayurveda encourages lifestyle and habit changes to restore balance to one’s mind, body and spirit. Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that helps the body resist both physiological and psychological stress. Not sure what an adaptogen is? Watch: What the heck are nerves, adaptogens and alternatives?
Ashwagandha Benefits and Uses
As an adaptogen, Ashwagandha is critical in helping us adapt to stress. By promoting healthy cortisol levels, it can provide support for incidental concerns and help improve sleep and energy levels. Stress management plays a key role in strengthening our immune system and supporting brain function. Ashwagandha also helps people who occasionally suffer from joint, muscle and skeletal complaints. It works on communication between nerve cells and helps stimulate the body’s natural healing response. Finally, Ashwagandha has been shown to help improve cardiovascular function, support endurance and strength, improve athletic performance and recovery, promote healthy testosterone levels, improve sexual function, and promote longevity.
More and more research strongly supports the claim that Ashwagandha benefits us in our stress response. As a result, we have revised our Deep Stress Adrenal Rescue with Ashwagandha formula to include Ashwagandha. Deep Stress supports adrenal burnout, mood instability and physical discomfort. Keep an eye out for our improved formula later this month!
Given its age-old resume, extensive research, and countless benefits, Ashwagandha is the herb to take if you’re stranded on a desert island.
References
Ashwagandha and kidney transplant rejection
Taylor Marie Fleshman is an aspiring herbalist. She is currently taking courses at Herbalism Roots in Denver, Colorado. Her goal is to teach her community about the power behind medicinal herbs and the importance of staying connected to Mother Nature. She works as a Customer Journey Representative here at WishGarden Herbs.
For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, or to sell any product.
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