ASHWAGANDHA - INDIAN GINSENG
An ancient herb from the ancient healers of India, it has begun to see a popularity rise in recent years; becoming one of the most popular Ayurvedic herbs in use in the Western world. And it is no wonder, with all the benefits that Ashwagandha has to offer! In use for thousands of years as a reuvenating herb and also as an adaptogenic herb, pertaining to its ability to help the body resist physiological and pyschological stess making this herbal substance a real powerhouse of goodness. ( source ttp://naturalstandard.com/databases/herbssupplements/all/ashwagandha.asp)
Ashwagandha translates into “smell of a horse”; this is an aullusion to both the unique smell of the herb, as well as the virility of a horse - an direct colleration to using Ashwagandha as support for healthy male reproductive system.
So what can this 'horse' herb do for you?
The Benefits of using Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha has been shown by regular use to tone, support, and revitalize your bodily functions. It has the ability to not only energise you, but surprisingly calm you at the same time! pretty amazing huh..
In todays world Stress is the by-word of the day - how many times do you hear people say, 'I'm really stressed" "This is making me stressed" How many people each year are signed off work due to stress related illnesses?; Unfortunately being 'stressed-out' brings about its own health issues, one of which is fatigue, often manifesting as a“hyper” signs like agitation and difficulty sleeping. Taking Ashwagandha can provide a nourishing, energizing effect, helping to support a healthy nervous system. When the stress doesn’t impact the nervous system as strongly, the “hyper” signs will naturally resolve over time, allowing for a calming effect.
Ashwagandha also has many other benefits:
Sleep - good for you as bedtime drink - it helps to promote healthy sleep
Healthy Bones - good for supporting healthy bones and joints - especially if prone to inflammation
Mentality - helps to maintain a calming effect. believed to possess anti-stress properties use of this herb can induce a soothing and calming effect on a person.
Immune Booster - keeps a healthy immune system from its anti-oxident properties. A good aid for digestive problems.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties: found to be cyclooxygenase inhibitor, this herb used on a regular basis helps to decreases inflammation and pain. It has has anti-inflammatory properties that come from the alkaloids, saponins, and steroidal lactones found within it.( Los Angeles College of Chiropractors)
Cardio-Protective Properties: because Ashwagandha, is blessed with anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and antistressor properties, it makes it good for cardiovascular health problems. Helping to strengthen the heart muscles, it is able to control cholesterol levels due to its hypolipidemic properties.( University of Arizona )
Fights Diabetes: Ashwagandha has long been used as a remedy for diabetes in Ayurvedic medicine. Studies on the use of Ashwagandha in the treatment of diabetes indicated positive results. Experiments showed that blood sugar levels during fasting and post-lunch decreased significantly when Ashwagandha was comsumed for a period of four weeks.
NOTE OF CAUTION
Risk for Pregnant Women: NOT good for pregnant women, or breast feeding mummys
Risk of Medical Interactions: can interact with regular medication- ask your medical practitioner before embarking on this herb. Its quite potent.
HOW TO TAKE IT:
Ashwagandha is found in powder or tablet form, ideal if you haven't time to stop and prepare warm drinks.
Usually taken as a powder form in warm milk and honey it makes for a great bed-time drink, helping you to catch ZZZzzzzzzzzzzz very easily.
Used in a tea - boil water over black or green tea leaves (bag) add 1-2 teaspoons of herb powder- add milk and honey to taste. Add milk as the tea and the herb can generate more heat in your body and Ayurvedic practioners advise to add milk to bring about a cooling effect.
As always if in doubt when embarking on new herbal remedies, ask a practitioner.
Warm Milk Cinnamon and Honey with a teaspoon of Ashwagandha
2 large cups of milk
1 cinnamon stick
1 teaspoon of Ashwagandha powder
dollop of honey to taste( organic if possible)
To Make
Boil the milk - add cinnamon stick, honey and powder - return for 1-2 mins - to let the cinnamon flavour the milk
Pour into glass/mug and snuggle up on the sofa and drink - feel the peace wash over you and the call of your bed ......happy dreams:)