Ashwagandha is one of the most highly regarded Ayurvedic herbs and one I have loved to use for many years. In fact, I use it so much I gained the nickname ‘Ashwagandha Annie’! Its adaptogenic actions help to increase our resilience to the harmful effects of stresses of all kinds on mind and body. It protects us from mental and emotional stress, environmental stress, toxins and pollution and physical stress from putting too much strain on the body.
Known as ‘Indian Ginseng’, ashwagandha is renowned as a rejuvenative, not only for increasing energy, vitality and longevity, but also as an exceptional tonic to the nervous system and one of the best remedies to counter mental and emotional overwhelm and nervous exhaustion. Starting the day with ashwagandha is calming, grounding and strengthening and helps support your energy throughout the day.
In Ayurveda ashwagandha is considered sattvic in quality, which means that it is is one of the best herbs for promoting calmness and mental clarity and helping to enhance wisdom. It can be helpful for those who meditate and is also well worth using for children with behavioural problems and ADHD, as well as by the elderly as it protects the brain against brain cell deterioration. It can be wonderfully beneficial in nervous disorders, neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s and in the management of addiction.
With its rejuvenative and antioxidant actions, ashwagandha is excellent for the weak and elderly, and for anyone that would benefit from a nourishing, natural source of energy. It is one of the best herbs for children and for anyone feeling fragile or depleted, and for many problems associated with old age, such as loss of energy, lack of muscular strength, poor memory, weak eyes, arthritis and insomnia. It particularly nourishes muscle and bone tissue and helps to support the adrenal glands.
Ashwagandha is the main herb for balancing vata. While being the most famous energy tonic in Ayurvedic medicine, its Latin name, Withania somnifera, indicates its amazing ability to help us to sleep. It is the herb that is most indicated for vata disturbance of sleep, which means sleeping lightly and waking up between 2-6am. Being calming yet strengthening, it is excellent when run down by chronic illness and suffering from stress, anxiety, overwork, panic attacks and exhaustion. It boosts the immune system, and as a painkiller and anti-inflammatory, it is useful for inflammatory joint problems and can be combined with turmeric. Avoid during pregnancy.
Why not try ashwagandha this autumn to help you to sustain your energy through the day and have restful sleep at night. This soothing bedtime drink below is my favourite for a good night’s sleep.
1 cup oat milk (or milk of choice)
1/2 -1 tsp ashwagandha powder
2 cardamom pods
1 tsp rose water
A pinch of nutmeg
Heat all the ingredients together slowly, add 1 teaspoonful of honey if you wish and take at night before bed. This recipe also helps to nourish the nerves and the reproductive system and has a grounding yet energising effect on body and mind.
