Learn about the Benefits of Ashwagandha
Where and how to grow Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha or Withania Somnifera is a plant that grows in the drier sub-tropical regions of the world. In countries such as India, Pakistan and Africa. It can however also be grown in more temperate regions mostly under glass. In fact I have been successful in growing it here in the UK from seed.
The part of the plant which is used is predominantly the root. This is harvested after it has flowered, produced its fruits, which initially are green and then turn red. The seeds can then be collected, dried and stored.
Later when the leaves start to wither in the 2nd year of growth the roots can be harvested. Roots are then dried and stored for powdering. The leaves have their own potential uses as well.
Withan translates to mean scientist and Somnifera to mean sleepy or sleep inducing. So from the latin we can already learn that Ashwagandha can aid sleep, perhaps specifically to someone with a very active brain as in a scientist!
From the sanskrit though Ashwa means horse and Gandha means smell. The roots are said to smell mildly like a horse. However, really the name gives rise to its properties that help men and women gain the strength of a horse. This tells us about its strengthening and restorative properties.
How to take Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha can be used in a powder, tablet and tincture form. As always look out for good organic sources that have been kindly harvested.
In Ayurveda, Ashwagandha is classified as a Rasayana herb. this means a rejuvenating herb. It is preferred to be taken with an Anupana, which means something which is taken alongside a medicine. The real preference in Ayurveda is to clean, clear and balance the body and then give a Rasayana. We can then choose different Anupanas depending on how we want to support the body. Some examples are provided below.
According to Ayurveda, Ashwaghanda is considered to be sweet, bitter and astringent. It has a sweet after taste and is mildly heating.
It pacifies mostly aggravated Kapha and Vata. It is particularly beneficial for individuals who have become depleted and worn out.
Ashwagandha for Anxiety
This herb is wonderful for helping curb feelings of nervousness and anxiety. It can do this because it helps to regulate the adrenal gland functioning. Ashwagandha is also known as being an adaptogen. This means it contains substances that help the body to adapt and resist/counterbalance the excessive effects of negative stress. It has a normalising influence on our physiology. Studies have shown it can actively decrease cortisol, known as the stress hormone. In this case Ashwagandha also has a boosting influence on the thyroid gland particularly encouraging low thyroid levels to a more normal state. It is like a back door approach to treating an underactive thyroid and stress.
Ashwagandha influences the neurotransmitter pathways of GABA ( it is a GABA agonist i.e. encourages production and works on the receptors to receive it) and serotonin (it enhances serotonin receptors in the brain) and thus has an emotionally stabilising effect in the face of stress. GABA essentially calms the mind down and serotonin improves mood
A lovely way to combine is:
1/2 teaspoon Ashwagandha
small cup of milk (whole fat, organic dairy or nut)
a little ghee
Simmer all ingredients for 5 minutes, cool and drink before bed. If sleep is challenging this can be further enhanced by adding a little grated nutmeg.
Ashwagandha for Iron
Part of the strength building properties and qualities comes from its blood boosting qualities. To support iron levels the following combination can be considered:
1/2 teaspoon Ashwagandha
small cup of milk (whole fat, organic dairy or nut)
1/2 teaspoon molasses
Gently simmer the ingredients for 5 minutes, cool and drink in the morning.
Ashwagandha for the Menopause
Ashwagandha can be a useful herb to utilise in different formulas to help with some of the effects on the body during the peri menopause, menopause and post menopause stages.
Due to the inherent warming property of Ashwagandha it can be useful to combine with cooling herbs and other herbs that inherently support female hormones such as Shatavari and Maca.
1/2 teaspoon Ashwagandha powder
1/2 teaspoon Maca powder
1 small cup milk (whole fat, organic dairy or nut)
A little honey if desired to make the combination more palatable.
Place the Ashwagandha, Maca and Milk in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer for 5 minutes, allow to cool to room temperature and then stir in the honey if required. Alternatively this milk can be used to make either a porridge or overnight oats as an alternative.
Ashwagandha for Sexual Vitality and Strength
The beauty of Ashwagandha is that it promotes strength without being over-stimulating. This is unusual in the plant kingdom and is kind of Ashwagandha’s USPΒ !
Ashwagandha may be used to promote healthy testosterone levels in both men and women. It is also be used to enhance libido and promote female and male reproduction.
1/2 teaspoon Ashwagandha
1/2 teaspoon honey
1/2 teaspoon ghee
small cup of milk (whole fat, organic dairy or nut)
Gently simmer the Ashwagandha, ghee and milk for 5 minutes, allow to cool to a warmish temperature and then stir in the honey and drink.
Ashwagandha is also considered to protect the Immune System, assist with blood sugar imbalances and support the cardiovascular system. When we think about how it address stress we can easily begin to understand why it would work with these conditions.
Like everything in the plant kingdom, moderation of use is always the best policy. Additionally it is a good idea to take breaks from frequent usage.
As always the guidance here is for information purposes only. If you want to find out more please speak to a practitioner and check any drug/herb interactions with your primary care giver and medicine provider, as there are a number here.
