WE live in very uncertyain times. The world is stressful Our lives are stressful If there is one herb that everyone should take - it is Ashwagandha. Ashwagandha is a medicinal plant with a long pedigree in Ayurveda, where it’s considered the “King of Herbs.” Many people swear by its ability to reduce stress and anxiety, as well as improve sleep
Botanically, Ashwagandha is an herb made from the Withania somnifera (meaning “sleep-inducing”) plant, with thousands of years of use in Ayurveda. It’s in the Solanaceae or nightshade family The leaves, fruit, and seeds of ashwagandha are all edible and used for medicinal purposes This plant contains important plant compounds like alkaloids, phytochemicals, saponins, and antioxidants. The plant also increases the best antioxidant we have in our bodies called Glutathione.
It belongs to a family of herbs called Adaptogens. David Winston, Master herbalist wrote a book called Adaptogens which I still refer to for information. I use this herb in many conditions. It can also help improve energy levels, boost concentration, and reduce inflammation.
There are clinical trials involving this herb and sleep which were published In 2024, “Ashwagandha extract with 35 % withanolide glycosides (Shoden) at 60 mg and 120 mg was significantly effective in reduced morning serum cortisol and increasing total testosterone.” We all need more cortisol in the morning and less at bedtime. You should have your salivary or urinary cortisol levels measured by a certified practitioners We all need to exercise more. This herb can improve that also. They found that ashwagandha can improve muscle strength and cardiorespiratory fitness in both men and women, while at the same time reducing fatigue.
Consult with your health care practitioner about using this herb. There are few contraindications. If you take any thyroid supplement or medication, consult your doctor