Since its Mental Health Awareness Month the timing of this post worked well.
Ashwagandha also known as Withania somnifera and Indian ginseng is a medicinal herb commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine.
The meaning of Somnifera is "sleep-inducing" which from my own experience I can tell you is very accurate.
Ashwagandha is known to help with brain function, the nervous system, improving memory and energy levels. It is also one of many adaptogenic herbs.
In herbal medicine, an adaptogenic herb helps the body adapt to stress and anxiety.
Why did I begin to take Ashwagandha?
I attempt to take care of my stress and anxiety as naturally as possible. Once again, I am not against medications but I wanted to attempt this holistically first. Some days are great and others can be challenging hence why I read about this herb and decided to start taking it.
It recommends taking two capsules a day (1000mg) I only take one. My body reacted well to this herb and one seemed enough. I made the mistake of taking it before work and I had the hardest time getting through the day... I was so tired! (It is sleep inducing after all)
After talking to a friend who also did the same thing, she made me realize that taking it at night would be a better solution. I now take it right after work, no later than 7:30pm. I get a good nights sleep every night and wake up with lots of energy in the morning.
In regards to anxiety and stress, I want to say it has taken the edge off my anxiousness but I will never fully know if it is because of the Ashwagandha. I have noticed a change in the way I react to my stress and anxiety. Since this herb naturally helps me sleep well, I will continue taking it.
Vital Proteins have recently done a collaboration product with none other than
Kourtney Kardashian recently. I have always loved her for her love of natural remedies.
I just ordered their Pink Moon Milk product containing Ashwagandha. I have heard so many great things about Vital Proteins so i'm excited to try this product.
I'll let you know how I can get on with it once it arrives.
You can find Ashwagandha in a lot of your local health food stores nowadays in powder, liquid, capsule forms. The capsules are working well for me.
I hope this helps you understand another of mother natures beautiful gifts. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Love always,
Alisha