Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb.
Adpaptogen herbs are substances that help your body adjust and handle outside stressors such as toxins in your body and harmful substances in your external environment. They also help you through anxiety and the inability to sleep at night.
What is Ashwagandha?
The Chopra Center explains here that Ashwagandha is known as a healing herb, indigenous to India, that offer many restorative properties from helping protect the immune system, reducing anxiety, lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, to helping improve our reproductive system.
There is science to support the mood-boosting benefits of the herb. This study shows how orally taking Ashwagandha for five consecutive days can serve as a safe and effective mood stabilizer, anti-depressant, and can lessen anxiety comparable to prescribed medications.
It may be helpful in supporting hormonal balance as well. Dr. Axe explains that, .”..ashwagandha improves cortisol levels, improves insulin sensitivity and naturally balances hormones.”
For five years, The Institute of Natural Medicine at the Toyama Medical Center and Pharmaceutical University in Japan has been conducting research on the benefits of ashwagandha. Their research suggests that this herb helps restore the fiber of nerve cells (such as dendrites and axions – the communication between cells) which help refurbish the nervous system. This can slow down the degenerative brain process that can lead to dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease. (you can learn more HERE)
With the rise of Unicorn-trending mushoom and adaptogen-infused foods like THESE in Vogue , plus the bliss of Moon Juice, you’ll find a zillion creative ways to mix some Ashwagandha into your smoothies, cereals, cocoas, cupcakes…. but the traditional way is very simple.
1 cup of milk (cow’s milk or almond milk)
1 teaspoon ashwagandha powder
2 teaspoons honey
Optional: some people add black pepper or cinnamon.
Heat the cup of milk in a small sauce pan over medium heat.
Add the herb power, and honey, and any of the spice you’d like.
Worth a big note: I love to share these many ideas but I am not by any means a medical expert and you should always, of course, consult with your doctor before consuming herbs or tonics. And none of the above should ever replace what your doctor says.
Enjoy!
xoxo Dana
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