Ashwagandha
Scientific Name: Withania Somnifera (Solonaceae)
Ashwagandha has a bold, dark, earthy taste and it makes me feel calm and focused. It’s an interesting herb, even the name of it alone gives it this mystical presentation of being from a faraway land. While researching it I found so many applications for how it is used. I usually tincture most of my herbs, but this one I prefer as a tea because it exudes a unique flavor and aroma. To think of it, it’s the only herb that I take and chew on throughout the day. I like it for its ability to improve memory, mental clarity, and physical performance.
Plant Properties
Rejuvenating - Helpful in recovering from fatigue, long-term stress, and illness.
Sedative - Slows down the feedback of the central nervous system (CNS). The CNS is the connection between your brain and spinal cord that regulates the influx of information and stimulus.
Adaptogen - Help to recover from stress and navigate stressful situations more easily. They help you return to a balanced state.
Immuno-modulator - Helps the immune system respond more effectively to any harmful substances.
Anti-tumor - Disrupts the functions of cancer cells
Anti-inflammatory - reduces inflammation in the body. The body’s natural immune defense is to send inflammatory cells to combat foreign properties. However, excessive inflammation damages nerve tissue over time and is linked to diseases such as cancer, arthritis, and diabetes.
Astringent - Shrinks the skin or tissues in the body to help with bleeding or to make the skin less oily.
Anti-anemic - Increases the amount of red blood cells present in the blood to combat anemia.
Aphrodisiac - Increases sexual arousal, stimulation, fertility, or libido
In addition to all of its properties, it is used in Ayurveda and Chinese Medicine to improve vitality and sense of well-being. Ashwagandha is also useful in having restful sleep and easing stress and anxiety.
Quoted to, “clarify the mind, calm and strengthen the nerves and promote sound restful sleep.
- Robert Svoboda (Ayurveda: Life, Health, and Longevity)