Getting sick too often? You need Ashwagandha.
What you need to know about Ashwagandha...
One of the most important healing herbs used in the ancient practice of Ayurveda is Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera). It is revered for its ability to restore and rejuvenate both mind and body and is commonly uses as an adaptogen - a medicine that helps us cope with, and adapt to a variety of emotional, physical and environmental stressors. Many health practitioners and doctors of Ayurveda recommend ashwagandha to relieve stress and anxiety as well as to support and strengthen the immune system. It has also been proven useful for those recovering from a bout of illness, surgery or chemotherapy. Although unrelated to ginseng, ashwagandha is known by many people as the “Indian Ginseng”. This is because it confers similar healing properties to those who use it properly and medicinally.
More about Ashwagandha:
In 2011, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) published this PubMed article on an overview of Ashwagandha. In it, researchers note that this wonderful herb has been used as a Rasayana, a healing tonic, for a number of diseases, and specifically as a nerve tonic. Several detailed scientific studies have confirmed the adaptogenic and anti-stress properties of Ashwagandha. Animal studies show that it increases stamina and endurance. It appears to have cognitive benefits as well as it may improve memory and help treat Parkinson’s, Huntington’s and Alzheimer’s diseases.
Dr. Andrew Weil, MD, a famous, long-time proponent of natural healing through the use of herbs, meditation, proper diet and stress relief, recommends Ashwagandha as part of a treatment plan for stress-induced insomnia. He recommends using it to help:
- Naturally boost energy
- Fight fatigue
- Soothe pain
- Heal skin diseases
- Treat diabetes, gastrointestinal disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and even epilepsy
The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center’s clinical summary of Ashwagandha shows that in vitro studies suggest that it is inherently anti-inflammatory. Therefore, it may be useful in treating osteoarthritis and a number of other illnesses and diseases such as elevated blood sugar and insulin levels, metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. It also shows promise for those needing immune system support, enhanced sexual performance, male infertility, anxiety reduction, support for mental illness and cognitive function in patients with bipolar disorder.
Best Practices
The healing properties of Ashwaganda are enhance when taken with ghee which makes the herb more bioavailable. This means you get a more concentrated dosage of Ashwagandha when you take it with ghee. As you can see, the Ashwagandha herb supports and enhances health and well-being on many levels. However, as with all medicinal herbs, we recommend you consult a qualified health care practitioner if you are pregnant, nursing, taking any medications or have a medical condition, or if you experience an allergic reaction.