Ashwagandha was the first plant that I experimented with when I launched into this exciting world of adaptogens. I loved how strange the name sounded on my tongue when I spoke it, but less affectionate towards its smell and taste. However, I was determined to feel better in the most natural way possible so I resolved to push past this and see what would happen.
After only a couple of weeks taking powdered Ashwagandha (see!! sounds so exotic doesn’t it) in my smoothies or a ½ teaspoon into my almond flat white, I began to notice this strange level of peace. I felt calm, and what I began to call ‘clean energy’ fuelling and supporting me in what was a particularly stressful and gruelling time in my life.
I noticed that I wasn’t fazed with what used to create drama in my life; I was clear headed and felt balanced. I had the clarity of mind to stay focused on the task at hand and got things done without zoning in on all the impending uncertainty that was in going on around me at the time.
I realised that I had stumbled upon something that was so deeply ancient in its wisdom and so simply required in this modern day life. And right then and there, my passion for Adaptogenic plants was born. Ashwagandha plays a key role in many of our Adaptogen products.
So what is Ashwagandha?
One of the most powerful plants in Ayurvedic healing, the ashwagandha plant has been used for centuries in treating a variety of ailments. When taken regularly it can reduce cortisol and adrenal fatigue. This is what has made it highly regarded as an effective way to reduce stress and anxiety.
Many of the potential health benefits from Ashwagandha stem from its adaptogenic content. Adaptogens help the body to adapt to various challenging situations and have shown to have numerous positive effects on the mind and body.
Some quick facts:
· Ashwagandha in Sanskrit means “the smell of a horse” and indicating that it has the potential to give you the vigour and strength of a stallion.
· Commonly described as “Indian Ginseng” because of its rejuvenating properties even though botanically, ginseng and ashwagandha are not related.
· Ashwagandha belongs to the same nightshade family as the tomato. It bears a small red fruit and is native to the dry regions of India, Northern Africa and the Middle East.
· Ashwagandha is classically taken as a fine powder mixed in honey or ghee.
Ashwagandha in Ayurveda:
Still used by 70% of the Indian population, Ayurveda is one of the oldest systems of medicine. This system focuses on balancing the mind and body with the use of herbs, food, meditation, aromatherapy, exercise and body cleanses to promote health and treat sickness and disease.
According to Ayurveda, our bodies are woven from food. The nutrients we ingest are metabolised into the energy and information that form our cells, tissues and organs.
Ashwagandha is a ‘rasayana’ which in Sanskrit means taste, essence or emotion. ‘rasa’ means to preserve, transform and replenish and ‘avana’ means to increase or circulate.
A herb that is a rasayana might provide physical or mental clarity.
Ashwagandha supports the body in several ways, including balancing the effects of the stress response. The easing of the bodies stress response has potential positive effects on the body in treating:
Anxiety
Adrenal Fatigue
Inflammation
Immune Function
Thyroid Health
Hormone Production
Joint pain and mobility
