Have you been overwhelmed with life, feeling exhausted and on edge?
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is one of the great superhero herbs, known for its dual action of being both energizing and relaxing. It is known as an adaptogen, meaning it helps your body adapt to the stresses of life. Ashwagandha means "strength of a horse" because of its strength giving qualities, helping you recover your energy when your nervous system is feeling frayed, without giving you the caffeine jitters. As a nervine, it helps to reduce anxiety often associated with excess Vata dosha. Its heating action is not for everyone though, so consult with an ayurvedic practitioner to find out if ashwagandha is right for you. Read on for the benefits and contraindications of this incredible plant ally.
Adrenal Tonic
Ashwagandha is a great ally to the adrenal glands. In our overly stressed world, the adrenals tend to get drained after constantly producing cortisol to keep us going. Ashwagandha has been shown to help reduce excess cortisol in chronically stressed adults. (But don’t just try to substitute it for rest and rejuvenation!)
Sleep Support
Because of its grounding and soothing effects on the nervous system, ashwagandha can help you drift more easily into sleep, making it a great ally for people with insomnia. A friend reported that she has been sleeping better after taking my ashwagandha tincture at night.
Muscle Building
Ashwagandha is used to build muscle mass and increase overall strength, especially in the elderly and weak. Its nervous system soothing properties also help relax stiff muscles and joints. Oil infused with ashwagandha can be massaged onto muscles and joints for a direct effect on the musculoskeletal system.
Reproductive Hero
Ashwagandha is known as an aphrodisiac that improves sexual function and virility in both men and women. It is especially useful in treating male infertility and has been shown to boost sperm count and sperm motility. It is also used by women to strengthen the uterine muscles and can support women with excessive menstrual blood loss.
Immunity Booster
I think we all know this now, but let me say it loud and clear: stress weakens your immune system, increasing your chances of catching whatever viruses are going around. With its ability to help our nervous system deal with stress, combined with its strengthening properties, ashwagandha can build your ojas, your capacity for vitality and immunity. Studies show its ability to increase white blood cell count.
Though studies show the overall safety and minimal side effects of ashwagandha, there are some reasons to avoid it. Because of its heating nature, it may be agitating for those with pitta dosha, and is not recommended in the case of stomach ulcers. If you’ve been experiencing anger, frustration, or hot flashes due to perimenopause, rethink ashwagandha and consider shatavari instead.
Due to its building, nourishing qualities, it is not recommended in the case of high ama, or toxic build up.
Finally, ashwagandha is contraindicated during pregnancy because of potential spasmodic effects on the uterus, and people taking sedatives or thyroid medication should consult their medical providers before taking.
How to Enjoy Ashwagandha
The main part of the plant that is consumed are the roots. These can be eaten in powder form, in tablet, capsule, or tincture. They are infused into body oils and made as tea. The most traditional and effective way to take ashwagandha, however, is to mix 1/2 teaspoon of powdered roots into a mug of boiled milk. This is because the fats in the milk help extract the fat soluble compounds, making them more absorbable.
Please remember that this information is for education purposes and should not replace individual medical advice. Connecting with plant allies like ashwagandha can support well being with approached holistically.
As a special gift to my readers, I’m gifting the next 10 people that schedule an Ayurvedic Consultation with me a bottle of my homemade, locally grown Ashwagandha tincture!
