Do you suffer from fatigue, lack of energy, stress, low libido, or a hard time concentrating? One of the most powerful rejuvenative herbs in Ayurveda is Ashwagandha. Ashwagandha is similar to ginseng in Chinese medicine in its restorative and immunity boosting properties. It is known as an incredible herb that optimizes healing the nervous system through energizing the body in the day and restoring overactive nerves at night. Ashwagandha builds immunity, vitality, and overall longevity.
Ashwagandha is associated with giving people the vitality and strength of a horse due to its similar horse-like smell and it’s properties of rising natural energy levels when introduced into a diet. This root can be used to support athletes for endurance and recovery as it rejuvenates muscles. It can also be used for children or the elderly who suffer from weakness, tissues deficiency, chronic diseases (like fibromyalgia), sleep issues, and stress.
Ashwagandha is a powerful hormonal system regenerator and promotes the healing of tissues internally and externally.
Overview of ashwagandha: Due to its dual energizing and rejuvenating properties it can help nourish the body and mind from stress- caused diseases and promotes nourishment for the nervous system. It supports a healthy immune system. In fact some modern research has shown it to help aid in chemotherapy. It also has shown to help with sustained energy levels, healthy joints, and both male and female reproductive systems.
Other qualities:
Increases strength
Increases ojas
Promotes sleep
Prevents consumption and wasting diseases
Reduces pain
Benefits breathing
Taste (rasa)- bitter, astringent, and sweet
Dosha effect reduces Vata and Kapha
Biomedical action: adaptogen, tonic, anti-inflammatory, nervine, mild sedative, reproductive tonic, aphrodisiac, antianaemic, immunomodulator, anti-tumour, analgesic Contact us at info@santacruzayurveda.com if you want advice if ashwagandha might be for you. It is not recommended for everyone and should be used with a healthy diet. Ashwagandha can be taken in tablet or powder form. It is traditionally taken with warm milk (or if you are vegan a milk alternative) with honey or even rice. If taken before bed it can promote calming, deep, and restorative sleep. The tablet form is the easiest way to begin to incorporate ashwagandha into your diet.
Sources: Frawley, David, and Vasant Lad. The Yoga of Herbs. Lotus Press, Twin Lakes, Wisconsin; 2001. 160-161.
Pole, Sebastian. Ayurvedic Medicine: The Principles of Traditional Practice. Churchill Livingstone. 2006.133-134