ASHWAGANDHA

An Antidote To Your Stressful Life

Founder Iyasa Holistics

By Jigna Vyas

In today’s stressful world, people have lost the balance in their health and life. Unhealthy eating, lack of sleep and the constant presence of stress are major energy drainers. No wonder, people are trying all type of means to feel rejuvenated, calm and more relaxed. Increasingly, more and more people are trying ancient modalities to heal and promote health. All over the world, researchers and people are understanding the power of natural resources to restore the balance in body, mind, and emotions. Ashwagandha, a renowned herb from the Ayurveda, has found prominent place in their list.

Ashwagandha is a well-known adaptogen that relieves stress and restores energy. Adaptogens are the plant herbs and they greatly increase the body’s ability to adapt to the physical, emotional and environmental stress. They imparts strength, energy, stamina, endurance and mental clarity to our stressed-out existence. 

So, let’s know, what is Ashwagandha, what are the health benefits, and how you can include it in your health routine? 

What is Ashwagandha ?

Ashwagandha is a shrub-like plant that grows in hot temperatures, in places like India, China, Nepal, Northern Africa, and the Middle East. “Ashwagandha” is a Sanskrit word where “Ashwa” means Horse and “Gandha” means smell, reflecting the earthy, strong horse like odor of its root. This is also interpreted as horse essence, meaning plant provides the strength and stamina of the horse to those who take it.

Ashwagandha is also known as winter cherry. Its botanical name is Withania Somnifera, suggesting its use as a gentle sleep inducer. 

Ayurvedic Medicinal Properties of Ashwagandha

Health Effects of Ashwagandha

While the whole of the Ashwagandha plant has valuable therapeutic properties, it is the root part, which is most commonly used as an herbal supplement. It contains many useful medically active constituents, including withanolides A and B, other steroidal lactones, alkaloids, amino acids, fatty acids, choline, iron, and polysaccharides.

Due to its unique rejuvenating, nourishing and calming properties, Ashwagandha has become a subject of interest for study among many medical researchers. More than 250 studies on the health benefits of this revered plant have been completed by the researchers all over the world. You can review those studies on Pubmed.

Key Beneficial Effects Are......

  • Reduces anxiety and depression without causing drowsiness*
  • Helps to fight the effect of daily stress*
  • Improve mental focus, learning and memory*
  • Relieves daily fatigue and lethargy*
  • Promotes body immunity*
  • Foster healthy sleep patterns*
  • Promotes male and female reproductive health and enhances sexual potency*
  • Balances cortisol level and adrenal function*
  • Supports healthy thyroid function*
  • Reduces inflammation and pain*
  • Lowers the cholesterol level*

How To Bring Ashwagandha In Your Health Routine?

Ashwagandha is classically consumed as a fine root powder with milk, honey, and ghee. The typical recommended dose of non-standardized Organic Ashwagandha Root Powder is 3-6 gram/day. For people who suffer from stress and lack of energy, having a cup of hot milk/tea with a teaspoon of the powder is beneficial.

Keep following points in mind while consuming Ashwagandha Root Powder,

  • Taking Ashwagandha Root Powder with warm water/milk and a pinch of black paper increases its absorption from the stomach.
  • It can be taken with food or on empty stomach.
  • Ghee and Honey act as a medium for carrying Ashwagandha deeper into the tissue by making active ingredient readily available to the nerves, muscles and endocrine glands.
  • In Ayurveda, using Ghee and Honey in equal weight is contraindicated as the mixture is considered toxic. To avoid doing this, always take Ghee and Honey equal in volume. i.e. You cannot take 2 gm of Ghee with 2 gm of Honey but taking ½ teaspoon of Ghee with ½ teaspoon of Honey is fine. Because of the difference in their density, weight for equal volume will be different for Ghee and Honey.
  • For strengthening the female reproductive system, pair Ashwagandha with Shatavari, or Ghee and Cane Sugar.
  • To mask intense flavor and taste of it, consider adding cardamom powder, chocolate powder, fennel seeds or honey into the recipe.
  • It is important to make sure the quality of Ashwagandha Root Powder for maximum benefits. Always buy organic, Non-GMO powder from a trusted source. 
  • If you wish to take standardized (concentrated) Ashwagandha root extract as a tincture, capsule or in any other form, you should consult a qualified doctor before consuming it.
  • Ashwagandha in its concentrated form is not a superfood but potent medicine and as with any other medicine, natural or lab made, one should not consume without doctor’s recommendation.

So now you know the benefits, properties, and tips of using Ashwagandha, let me walk you through the delicious recipes to revitalize your body and mind.

Ashwagandha Tea

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of hot water
  • ½ tsp of Organic Ashwagandha Root Powder( Get it from here.)
  • ½ tsp of Ghee
  • Pinch of black paper
  • ½ tsp of honey, if needed.

Bring 1 cup of water to boil in a pot. Add ½ teaspoon (2 gm) of Ashwagandha Root Powder and pinch of black paper to the water. Cover and simmer for 5 minutes. Strain it into the cup. Add ½ tsp of ghee and Honey if desired. Best to enjoy in the morning as a replacement of coffee. 

AshwagandhaTeaPic

Ashwagandha Latte

Ingredients:

Blend all the ingredients except honey in blender, pour the mixture into vessel and gently boil it on a stove. Take the latte in cup, add honey for sweetness as you desired. Best enjoyed as bedtime drink or at bedtime to induce sleep.

You can also add ½ tsp of organic turmeric powder to make a Golden latte. 

Banana Ashwagandha Smoothie

Ingredients:

  • 1 Banana
  • 1 cup of Milk (any kind that you prefer)
  • ¼ cup of Almond
  • ¼ cup of chia seeds or any seed you prefer (optional)
  • 1 tsp of Organic Ashwagandha Root Powder (Get it from here.)
  • 1 tsp of cinnamon powder
  • Honey as needed

Place all the ingredients except honey in the blender and blend well until smooth. Take smoothie into the glass, add honey if desired and enjoy.

BananaSmoothiePic

Ashwagandha Chocolate

ashwagandhaChocPic

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup of Organic Ashwagandha Root Powder (Get it from here.)
  • ½ cup of Maca / Organic Moringa powder (Get it from here)
  • ¼ cup of unsweetened raw Cocoa Powder
  • ½ cup crushed almonds
  • ½ cup coconut butter
  • ½ cup Ghee
  • ½ cup Honey

Mix all the ingredients, pour into chocolate mold and place into the freezer to allow it to set. Store in airtight container in cool place afterward.

What Are The Side Effects?

Now that you have learned about incredible health benefits of Ashwagandha and how to include it in your diet, you must be wondering, but is it safe for me to take? Are there any side effects?

Fortunately, non-standardized Ashwagandha Root Powder is safe to consume without possible side effects in its recommended dosage. However, watch out for the following symptoms. Discontinue using it, if you experience any of the below.

  • Gastrointestinal upset- Diarrhea, vomiting
  • Increase in heart rate.
  • Increase in body temperature. 
  • Disturbance in sleep.

What Are The Special Considerations/Precautions?

Always talk to your health care practitioner before including Ashwagandha in your daily routine, especially if you have the following conditions:

  • Pregnancy and lactation: There is not enough evidence/research of using Ashwagandha Root powder in Pregnancy and lactation period.
  • Diabetes: Ashwagandha may lower the blood sugar level and can interact with your diabetes medicine.
  • Thyroid hormone abnormality: Ashwagandha may increase the thyroid hormone level, so you may need adjustment in your thyroid hormone supplement.
  •  Autoimmune disease: Ashwagandha boosts the immune system of the body, there are chances of aggravating the autoimmune disease, so always consult a natural health practitioner before adding Ashwagandha in your health care routine.
  • May aggravate the body congestion: Take it with caution in any type of body blockages like Constipation, Glaucoma, nasal congestion, Emphysema, and Congestion of lungs. 
  • Stop using Ashwagandha 1 week before the planned surgery or if you are on prescription immunosuppressants.

Contraindication

You should not take Ashwagandha Root powder if you have the following conditions. 

  • Allergy to Ashwagandha and any other Nightshades
  • Hyperthyroidism (Grave’s Disease)
  • Liver Disease
  • Stomach Ulcers
  • Untreated Glaucoma

Important Disclaimer

 Information provided above is for educational purpose only. We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications. *Above information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Information provided here is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. 

Conclusion

The diversity of this herb and its ability to increase body’s reaction against stress make Ashwagandha one of the most efficient superfoods available to mankind. With proper education and precautions, herbal supplements are the excellent natural source to boost body’s physiology, energy and immunity. However, talk to your health care provider before including it in your routine.