I will be completely honest in saying that I am mostly writing this post because I don’t really know what the heck Ashwaganda is. Yet, I have been giving it shout outs in my smoothies for the past couple of months and I do feel it working. I know that it is an adaptogen herb…but I really don’t even know what the heck that means!
So, let’s learn together!
One thing that I do know is that adaptogens have been around for a very long time as most of them have been used in traditional Indian and Chinese medicine for centuries. They are known to boost energy and heal and support the adrenal system, which is the system delegated to managing your body’s reaction to stress (eek, right?!).
Adaptogens work to strengthen how your body handles stress. It helps to fight fatigue and works with your body to enhance your ability to cope with anxiety without having crashes. Pretty crazy stuff.
They get their name because of their ability to adapt their function to your body’s specific needs. (What?!!?!?) Sounds crazy, but it is real.
They work by keeping score of your body. When your body heats up, they bring you down. When you are low, they bring you up. Adaptogens are able too both calm you down, relax your nervous system, and destress you, while boosting your energy at the same time! They work to normalize any imbalances in your body and contract any negative effects that stress may be causing you.
So, basically adaptogens are miracle workers and you want them in your life.
I have been loving Ashwaganda, and I have used it both as a tincture and a powder. You can also find it in capsule form. Besides being an awesome adaptogen it is an antioxidant, thyroid stimulant, anti-inflammatory, and can relieve muscle spasms. It is actually said to be useful for treating fibromyalgia, which I have and did not know that it was recommended until I started to research it more to share with you.
I can definitely give a testament that is greatly helping me. My body often feels tense and achy and using Ashwaganda has greatly helped all of that ickiness. It also is great for restless leg syndrome, and hyper/hypo immune systems, including autoimmune conditions that affect muscles and joints.
Lately, I have been putting the powder into my smoothies and other beverage concotions and I have been feeling more energy and less pain in my body. When I was touring I definitely noticed mine and my client’s being able to handle the stress of lack of sleep and jumping time zones with the aid of adding Ashwaganda into our smoothies and juices, too.
Other adaptogens include Cordyceps, Astralagus, Holy Basil (I also have on hand and use from time to time) and Asian Ginseng.
Wait, wait, wait….but what is it really? Ashwaganda is a shrub. Yes, a shrub, that is also known as Indian Winter Cherry.
Have you tried using any of these herbs? What have you felt?
