Amazing ashwagandha…
I am constantly amazed by the many benefits and uses of plants and herbs found in nature. My brain sometimes spins at the thought of our ancestors who first figured out which plants/herbs could be used as tonics, supplements, and medicinals. Western medicine has often ignored and discredited the use of such naturopathic treatments; fortunately, science is finally catching up to what our ancestors already knew and practiced! Mother Nature has gifted us with ways we can care for ourselves and now we have the data to prove it.
Ashwagandha is known for its use in Ayurvedic medicine, where it is classified as an ‘adaptogen’. Adaptogens are “natural substances that help the body adapt to stress and exert a normalizing effect upon bodily processes.” (Dictionary, 2023) They return the body to balance from both physical and mental stressors- they help you adapt! There is evidence that Ashwagandha has been used in India since 2000 BCE.
The scientific name for Ashwaganda is Withania somnifera, and you may see it referred to as WS. Since the root of this plant is used, the suggested preparations include decoction, tincture, honey, ghee, capsule, or gummy. I personally use the gummy! You can browse a variety of gummy preparations here on Amazon. any purchases made through links on this page will possibly result in my receiving a commission
Ashwagandha has been known to work as a sedative, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-stress, antioxidant, immunomodulator, and influences the endocrine, nervous, and cardiopulmonary systems. More scientific reviews are being published that compile data to show the effects of Ashwagandha. One review described the properties of Ashwagandha’s use as an antioxidant, anxiolytic, adaptogen, memory enhancing, antiparkinsonian, antivenom, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, immunomodulation, hypolipidemic, antibacterial, cardivascular protectant, sexual effects, and potential tolerance/dependence issues. Although it is generally safe, Ashwagandha may cause sleepiness and GI upset like nausea and vomiting. Ashwagandha should be used with caution by those using thyroid medications. It should also be avoided during pregnancy, as it can stimulate the uterus. Wow, that’s a lot of medical talk! (You can read the articles here & here) What does it MEAN? It means the science is catching up and providing evidence based information that holistic medicine is a successful tool in our belt! Ashwagandha is an adaptogen that I can help you incorporate into your wellness plan.
Two books I’ve found to be informational and easy to read are:
Radical Remedies An Herbalist's Guide to Empowered Self Care
Please remember to always speak with your healthcare professional before adding any new medication or supplement to your regimen. If you are scheduled for a session with me, we can review the possibility of adding Ashwagandha to your daily regimen.
