The use of botanicals in herbal medicine has its traditions in ancient cultures and medical systems like Ayurveda. 

 

Ayurvedic medicine is native to India, and founded upon the idea that an imbalance between your internal ‘prakriti’ and external ‘doshas’ environment may lead to dis-ease.

 

In present times, more and more of us are living in chronic states of stress. When we become aware of this and the impact of stressors (whether internal or external) on the mind and body, we can begin to look towards remedies to heal and build resilience.

 

The Ayurvedic herb and adaptogen, Ashwagandha Withania somnifera, has been practiced with for thousands of years and presents an encouraging and presently sought after option, to restore balance to a stressed system.

 

So, what are Adaptogens and what is their function?

Adaptogens are herbs with stress relieving properties.

 

When ingested at therapeutic doses, adaptogens may improve the body’s resilience to stress by interacting with the stress response and the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis.

 

Although activation of the stress response, by means of the HPA axis, is not inherently bad, and rather adaptive and a necessary part of maintaining homeostasis, the overactivation of the neuroendocrine system is maladaptive.

 

Long term elevation of the primary stress hormone, cortisol, may lead to:

I. Cortisol dysfunction

II. Systemic inflammation

III. Fatigue

IV. Anxiety

V. Depression

 

A member of the Solanaceae family, Ashwagandha root is efficacious in enhancing vitality, lowering fatigue, reducing anxiety and more. Other properties of the herb include:

I. Anti-inflammation

II. Neuroprotection  

III. Antioxidant

 

At an appropriate dosage, emerging research shows that Ashwagandha is safe to use.

 

As such, Ashwagandha may be a beautiful option to consider to support your adrenals and your internal ‘prakriti’ wellbeing.

 

In obese and stressed individuals, the herb may also improve dietary behaviours. Ashwagandha may also have sports performance benefits. However, more research is needed into the long term effects of Ashwagandha use. Ashwagandha may also not be a suitable option for individuals with chronic health conditions or allergies to alternative medicine.

 

Remember to seek guidance from your health care practitioner before making a decision relating to your wellbeing. 

 

Bonilla DA, Moreno Y, Gho C, Petro JL, Odriozola-Martínez A, Kreider RB. Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) on Physical Performance: Systematic Review and Bayesian Meta-Analysis. J Funct Morphol Kinesiol. 2021;6(1)

Singh N, Bhalla M, de Jager P, Gilca M. An overview on ashwagandha: a Rasayana (rejuvenator) of Ayurveda. Afr J Tradit Complement Altern Med. 2011;8(5 Suppl):208-13

Chandrasekhar K, Kapoor J, Anishetty S. A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults. Indian J Psychol Med. 2012;34(3):255-62

Salve J, Pate S, Debnath K, Langade D. Adaptogenic and Anxiolytic Effects of Ashwagandha Root Extract in Healthy Adults: A Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Clinical Study. Cureus. 2019;11(12):e6466