Ashwagandha

Adaptogens, “which can adapt to what the body needs” are the result of a romanticized version of thought to find the secret of a healthy, happy and successful life. In this world of physical, mental, emotional, or chemical stressors these give rise to the research around its shoes for fuel our bodies with re-energizing and restorative options. The criteria for an adaptogen are to be nontoxic, reduce and regulate stress by helping the body adapt, and benefit overall well-being. But you know the roots of Adaptogen are little more than that, it is from the basics of Ayurveda known as the Rasayana plants.

Ashwagandha is one of the adaptogens which qualifies for all the above criteria. Its scientific name is Withania somnifera(which means sleep-inducing). Morphologically this is a small evergreen shrub that is short and squat with velvety leaves and bell flowers. It contains orange berries (so often called “winter cherry”) similar in appearance to small tomatoes. Ashwa — horse, gandha — smell, once ground, the herb could be said to smell like a horse so and was thought to impart the power of one, too.

Ayurveda always says a healthy body requires a holistic approach. Even if you are a highly active person going to work and sitting for several hours straight takes a significant toll on general as well as mental health. Just like you want things to be Ashwagandha makes your body decrease stress, increase energy levels, memory enhancement, relieve general debility improve concentration levels with physical benefits such as lower cholesterol, balanced blood sugar, thyroid dysfunction, increased body weight, Infertility, Insomnia, and heart and lung health.

Certainly, Ayurvedic treatment is a customized way that Ashwagandha formulations are available its way based on disease, individual, strength, seasons, etc. Churna (fine root powder), capsules, teas, tinctures, or their raw forms are available in the market. Take Ashwagandha tea as a starter and use ghee, honey, and milk to avoid its bitter taste. For more creativity mix it into your foods like granola, smoothies, or overnight oats. Keep it over medium heat or toss it into your food toward the end of your food preparation.

The effects of ashwagandha also depend on various factors: the amount of ashwagandha intake, the interval of medicine, the quality of product, time of intake, etc. For these consult your healthcare practitioner and do it on a regular basis. Don't hunger down for immediate results, it may take several weeks, or even months, to see the full benefits. Ashwagandha is generally considered safe for most people. However, it can cause side effects such as stomach upset, diarrhea, and vomiting in some people. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s best to avoid ashwagandha.

When you buy your Ashwagandha supplement, please make sure it has ethically sourced ingredients without harm to the environment and concern of farmer welfare, Certified Organic, free from additives, has transparency and traceability from farm to supplement and approved by Health Canada for purity, quality and safety.