*Ashwagandha is an Adaptogen which is a natural substance that helps the body:
>Adapt to stress
>Support metabolic function
>Restore systemic equilibrium
>Regulate the immune and nervous systems
NOTE: Ashwagandha is part of the nightshade family so be aware of this if you’re avoiding nightshades for any reason. See the Safety Issues section for additional information. Also, please keep in mind that I am sharing information. I am not giving advice – medical or otherwise. Ashwagandha may not be suitable for you. If it sounds appealing, always check with your doctor before proceeding. This is even more important if you’re under medical supervision, and/or taking medication on a regular basis. Be sure to check out the Immune System Support – Herbs & Supplements post to see more information.
Disclosure: I get commissions for purchases made through links (marked with asterisks) in this post.
Additionally, they increase the body’s resistance to physical, biological, emotional, and environmental stressors, while providing a defense response to short-lived (acute) and ongoing (chronic) stress.
A few years ago, I found a small container of ashwagandha while wandering the food aisles of T. J. Maxx. Prior to that, I had recently read an article about the wonders of ashwagandha. I decided this small container was a good size to try to help me handle a stressful period at work.
Since it was in powder form, my first challenge was finding a way to use it. Eventually I found a beverage recipe online. I later adapted it to create my Booster Porridge recipe.
After trying it one morning. l noticed right away that I was very energized. It also improved my mood. The likelihood that it was also boosting my immune system was (at the time) a side benefit. Fast forward to 2020 when supporting my immune system became a priority.
Ashwagandha Benefits
The more I researched ashwagandha, the more I wanted to know. Fortunately, I found an excellent resource in the Updated and Expanded edition of *Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief by David Winston. According to Winston, all adaptogens have a focused effect on the immune system. Additionally, ashwagandha is one of a few adaptogens that:
>Enhances brain function and mental clarity
>Provides relief from anxiety
>Increases energy, endurance, strength, and physical performance
>Provides adrenal support
>Helps to inhibit rheumatoid arthritis
>Protects the heart and liver cells from oxidative and chemical damage caused by chemotherapy or radiotherapy used to treat cancer
Wow! That’s a lot of benefits. What’s even more interesting is that I can take it in the morning to energize me, but I can also use it a couple of hours before bed, and the same herb helps me sleep? That is adaptive.
In her book Heart to Heart: Care for your Heart Naturally, Letha Hadady states, “Ashwagandha root works as an excellent immune booster that nourishes and rejuvenates the nervous system.” Further she adds “… your muscles, brain, nerves, heart and immune cells will be protected from stress and disease.”
All I can say to that is Ashwagandha Forever!
Seriously though, catchy sayings aside, if you are ready to try ashwagandha for yourself, you can get it here. Be sure to read the Safety Issues, and Side Effects sections first. As always, definitely check with your doctor if you have questions regarding if this herb fits your individual situation.
Safety Issues
In *Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief, David Winston identifies the following Safety Issues for ashwagandha:
>Avoid this herb if you are sensitive to plants in the nightshade family
>Do not use the powder internally if you have excess iron
>Avoid this herb if you have hyperthyroid disease
>Herb/Drug Interactions – Ashwagandha may enhance or increase the effect of barbiturates and thyroid hormones
Additionally, Memorial Sloan Kettering’s Integrative Medicine page for Herbs, provides the following safety information for ashwagandha:
>Avoid ashwagandha if you are pregnant because it may end your pregnancy
>Avoid ashwagandha if you have hormone-sensitive prostate cancer because it may increase testosterone levels. This may interfere with your treatments.
>Ashwagandha may increase the drowsiness effects of prescription medication so talk with your healthcare provider before taking it.
Side Effects
Also on Memorial Sloan Kettering’s Integrative Medicine page for Herbs, please do expand their Side Effects section which identifies possible side effects. For me personally, aside from the benefits I’ve outlined, I have only noticed that when I take ashwagandha, I can definitely rely on “movement” occurring shortly afterwards. But that’s my personal experience, and everyone is different.
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