Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha, aka Indian Ginseng, is an adaptogenic herb, which means it helps the body adapt. This root is known for its ability to help the body cope with stress and relaxes the nervous system. It also boosts the immune system, reduces inflammation, it can help lower blood pressure, and it improves sex drive.

Benefits

• Helps the body deal with stress

• Soothes the nervous system

• Helps with respiratory conditions

• Strengthens sick children and the elderly

• Improves libido

• Helps with relaxation

• Reduces oxidative stress

• Improves cognitive function

• Helps with adrenal exhaustion

• Improves "fight or flight" state

• Supports thyroid and hormone health

• Helps with digestion, especially nausea and vomiting

• Increases fertility in men

• Improves muscle strength and body mass

Herbal Actions

Herbal actions are the affects herbs have on the body's systems, organs, and tissues.

• Adaptogenic (helps the body adapt to stress)

• Anti-Inflammatory (controls inflammation)

• Antioxidant (protects against oxidation)

• Aphrodisiac (increases libido)

• Immunodulant (changes the body’s immune response)

• Nervine (soothes the nervous system)

• Relaxant (promotes relaxation)

Did you know in Sanskrit, Ashwagandha actually means "smell of the horse"? Thankfully, it refers to the strength and stamina of a horse and not its actual odor.

Preparation Information

• Parts Used - Roots

• Common Preparations - Decoction, Dried or Powdered, Tincture

Herbal Energetics

Herbal energetics are how an herb acts when used to correct imbalance.

• Temperature - Warming

• Moisture - Moist

• Tone - Neutralizing

• Taste - Astringent, bitter, sweet

Caution

• Use only the root.

• People with liver disease or ones who take Tylenol should avoid using Ashwagandha.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place in a dark, airtight container. Potency decreases over time, so it's best to use it within 6 - 12 months.

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Resource

1. Ashwagandha | Herbs | Herbal Reality. (n.d.). Herbal Reality. https://www.herbalreality.com/herb/ashwagandha/

2. Office of Dietary Supplements - Ashwagandha: Is it helpful for stress, anxiety, or sleep? (n.d.). https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Ashwagandha-HealthProfessional/

3. Ashwagandha. (2024, April 24). Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/ashwagandha

4. Academy, H., & Academy, H. (2020, June 11). Herbal terminology: actions, categories, energetics, flavors, and Properties—Oh, my! Herbal Academy. https://theherbalacademy.com/blog/herbal-terminology/