The calming power of Ashwagandha—an ancient herb for the modern world

By Hannah Williams

Life is demanding and stress unavoidable, often requiring more from us than our body can handle. This is where Ashwagandha shines. Ashwagandha, also known as Withania somnifera, Winter Cherry or Indian Ginseng is an adaptogenic herb that helps your body adapt to stress and ageing.

Ashwagandha, an adaptogenic herb that is popular in Ayurvedic medicine

Ashwagandha has long been considered one of India’s most versatile herbs.

It has been used in traditional Ayurvedic Medicine for more than five thousand years as a tonic to buffer stress and support longevity. Ashwagandha belongs to a category of herbs, fruits and spices referred to as ‘rasayana’, meaning rejuvenation.

In recent decades, Ashwagandha has gained recognition in Western Medicine with many studies, including human trials being published supporting its application in stress-associated anxiety conditions.

The whole plant has healing qualities, yet it is the alkaloids and steroidal lactones in the root that are most commonly used for its medicinal purposes. The root has adaptogenic, sedative, neuroprotective, immune-modulating and anti-inflammatory properties.

All these actions have subtle but powerful effects. They help to protect the nervous and endocrine systems (including the thyroid and adrenal glands) from internal and external stress while balancing the immune system.

Ashwagandha is therefore useful in reducing depression, anxiety, fatigue, cloudy thinking, stress-induced insomnia, and nervous exhaustion. The root is also rich in iron, making it a great choice for women with iron deficient anaemia.

When taking Ashwagandha quality is important. Look for supplement made from the dried root only. A dosage of 3-6g a day is recommended. Within 2 weeks you should start feeling a difference.

The Take-Away

It’s no wonder this exceptional herb from the past is the superstar in the modern world when we are all busier, distracted by technology and looking for ways to worry less.

Ashwagandha is the calming herb, for those of you struggling with stress and anxiety.

Always consult your GP or Healthcare Practitioner before commencing any supplementation

References

Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy. Modern Herbal Medicine. Mills, K Bone: (2000): 595-602

Traditional and Medicinal Uses of Withania Somnifera. Umadevi, M; Rajeswari, R; C Sharmila Rahale; Selvavenkadesh, S; Pushpa, R; et al. The Pharma Innovation; New Delhi1.9, Part A (Nov 2012): 102-110.

The Clinical Application of Ayurvedic and Chinese herbs. Monographs for the Western Herbal Practitioner. K Bone (1996): 137-141

Phytomed Phytobried 75. The Versality of Withania (Feb-March 2017)