By: @curawellness.co, www.curawellness.co
Ashwagandha, otherwise known as Withania somnifera, is one of the most loved herbs by Naturopaths. Dating back 2,500 years ago, it’s a highly admired herb throughout Ayurvedic medicine. It’s commonly adopted for its adaptogenic properties by modulating/lowering cortisol production (one of our main stress hormones), therefore aiding in general stress reduction whilst improving resilience to stressors.
As a general tonic, Ashwagandha is suitable for the depleted, exhausted, burnt-out, undernourished, overworked, and/or convalescing person. Ashwagandha is highly indicated for those with chronically low energy/vitality, thus it is therapeutically useful in those with chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, stress, anemia, insomnia, and post-viral syndromes.
For individuals with low iron levels, Ashwagandha helps to support the circulation of oxygenated blood flow throughout the body to optimize iron stores through its anti-anaemic benefits, which is another reason I love to adopt this herb in menstruating clients especially!
As one of the most researched adaptogenic herbs, it is extensively used for its replenishing and rejuvenating properties by enhancing vitality, energy production, cognitive/mental clarity and the reproductive system which makes it an incredible all round restorative herb!
Herbal Actions: Adaptogenic, nervine, nootropic, neuroprotective, general tonic, anti-anaemic, alterative, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hypotensive, (mild) sedative, antitumour
Energetics: Bitter, earthly, slightly sweet
Disclaimer: always seek professional support to ensure this is suitable for you.
If you’re looking for further support, please contact Tayla via email hello@curawellness.co, Instagram @curawellness.co or book in for a naturopathic consultation.
References
Bone, K. (2007). The ultimate herbal compendium: a desktop guide for herbal prescribers.
https://organicmerchant.com.au/ashwagandha/
https://www.huhs.edu/literature/Ashwaganda.pdf
https://drclaresacademy.com/mod/glossary/view.php?id=1&mode=cat&hook=18&sortkey&sortorder=asc&fullsearch=0&page=-1
