Ashwagandha-herb for stress

Herb of the Month

Ashwagandha - The Herb for Stress and Depression

Ashwagandha is an ancient medicinal herb used in traditional Indian medicine (Ayurveda) for stress relief and to improve general health.

The herb is classified as an adaptogen, which means it helps the body manage stress as well as providing other benefits for body and brain such as increase energy and improve concentration.

Some of Ashwagandha’s common names are Indian ginseng and winter cherry. The plant is a small shrub with yellow flowers that is native to India and North Africa

Did you know Ashwagandha is Sanskrit for the smell of the horse?

This refers to the herb’s unique scent and its’ ability to increase strength.

The herb’s botanical name is Withania somnifera, as the plant has a high concentration of withanolides which have been shown to fight inflammation and tumor growth.

The plant’s roots or leaves are used to make extracts and powders to treat a variety of conditions.

Ashwagandha can particularly help with stress as studies have shown the herb can help reduce cortisol, a stress hormone that can lead to high blood pressure levels and increased fat storage in the belly.

Reduce Stress and Depression

Ashwagandha is the adaptogen best known for reducing stress.

Research has shown that it blocked the stress pathway in the brains of rats by regulating chemical signaling in the nervous system *

The herb has also been effective in reducing depression. It was used in a 60-day study of 64 stressed adults, and those who took 600 mg. of high concentration ashwagandha reported a 79% severe depression while the placebo group reported a 10% increase.*

Decrease Inflammation

Ashwagandha has been shown to decrease inflammation as it increases activity of the white killer immune cells that fight infection.

The herb has been shown to decrease markers of C-reactive protein (CRP), which is linked to an increased risk of heart disease.

May Lower Cholesterol & Triglycerides

Along with its anti-inflammatory abilities, ashwagandha is known for reducing cholesterol and triglycerides. It significantly decreased both fats in animal studies and while the human studies weren’t as dramatic, it did still show impressive improvements.

In one 60-day study of chronically stressed adults, the group taking the highest dosage of ashwagandha extract experience a 17% decrease in LDL (bad cholesterol) and a 10% decrease in triglycerides.

May Boost Brain Function

Like many adaptogens, ashwagandha can help improve focus, concentration and overall brain function.

It has traditionally been used to boost memory in Ayurvedic tradition and has antioxidant properties.

Research has shown that these anti-oxidant qualities protect the nerve cells in the brain from harmful free radicals.

Ashwagandha may also be used to; reat cancer, treat diabetes, reduce fatigue and joint pain