This ancient Ayurvedic root which smells like a sweaty horse, is one of the most effective natural stress and anxiety relief remedies scientists have discovered.
Ashwagandha is a powerful herb that has been used for centuries in Ayurveda, an ancient Indian system of medicine. The root of the ashwagandha plant, which reportedly "smells like a sweaty horse," is known for its many health benefits, which is why it has grown in popularity over the years. Today, ashwagandha is used in modern medical treatments and is considered to be a valuable stress-supportive medicine and a remedy for overall system restoration. It is also used after illnesses to quicken recovery time.
Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb, which means that it helps the body to adapt to stress by supporting the adrenal glands. When our adrenal glands are functioning properly, they release hormones that help us to respond effectively to stress. However, when we are constantly under stress, our adrenal glands can become exhausted, which can lead to adrenal fatigue. Ashwagandha helps to support the adrenal glands and restore their function.
Ashwagandha is notably calming to the nervous system because it works by reducing levels of the "stress hormone" cortisol in the body. It does this by inhibiting the enzyme that converts adrenal hormones into cortisol. Low cortisol fosters a calm and balanced mood, while high cortisol can lead to anxiety. Cortisol should be high in the mornings to get you out of bed and then slowly taper off towards nighttime so you can fall asleep. Ashwagandha helps this regulatory process even during particularly stressful periods of life.
In addition, Ashwagandha helps to increase levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin, which are known to improve mood and promote feelings of well-being. This is one of the reasons that ashwagandha is such a valuable herb for treating stress and anxiety. It helps to calm the nervous system and restore balance, which in turn leads to improved moods and a greater sense of well-being.
As a tonic for longevity, Ashwagandha has been used to restore health to nervous systems worn-out from long-term stress or old age. It nourishes and revitalizes many organs in the body, especially the liver and the thyroid. As a liver restoration remedy, it’s as potent as milk thistle. It has also been effective in treating nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in adults.
One way that Ashwagandha affects longevity is by reducing stress levels. As mentioned above, when we are stressed, our cortisol levels increase, which can lead to all sorts of health problems, including weight gain, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Ashwagandha is an effective stress reliever, helping to keep cortisol levels in check and preventing these health problems from developing.
Another way that Ashwagandha helps promote longevity is by fighting inflammation. Inflammation is a leading cause of disease and can lead to a number of chronic health conditions. Ashwagandha is an excellent anti-inflammatory agent, helping to reduce inflammation and prevent it from causing harm.
Lastly, to prolong the life of brain cells, it also has neuroprotective properties—protecting nerve cells against toxic damage. Modern research has shown that compounds in Ashwagandha can slow and even reverse damage to brain and other nerve cells.
Ashwagandha is commonly purchased in powder, capsules, tincture, or dried root form. For the powder form, a daily dose of 200 to 500 milligrams is recommended. Depending on the individual, this can be gradually increased to around 1.2 grams per day.
Note that Ashwagandha is extremely bitter, so combining it with cooling foods or herbs may be beneficial (plant milk, ghee, etc). If it gives you an upset tummy on its own, then combine it with digestive support herbs like nutmeg, cardamom, or cinnamon. Always buy organic and prefer Ashwagandha sourced from India.
There are many ways to consume ashwagandha:
