Also known as Indian Ginseng, Ashwagandha is a lot of fun to say, but that is the tiniest benefit of all! It can also keep your mind sharp, your joints supple, your stress low, your skin radiant, and your mood elevated.

Withania Somnifera (Ashwagandha) is a medicinal plant that through clinical studies has been verified as an effective treatment for anxiety, cognitive function, inflammation, thyroid function, Parkinson’s disease, and sexual function. In traditional systems of medicine, it has been used as a liver tonic, astringent, aphrodisiac, and to treat asthma, ulcers, and insomnia.

Ashwagandha is recognized as an adaptogen, which is an herb used to help the body adapt to stress and normalize its physiological function. Chronic stress is known as an underlying cause of both physical and mental illnesses, as well premature aging.

And that is why you need to know about Ashwagandha! With its use, you can control the detrimental effects of too much stress on your body, and mind, naturally. It is available in powder and tablet forms, and as a liquid extract and sold at natural food and supplement stores.

A word of caution: when buying supplements, keep in mind that supplements are unregulated in the United States and thus vigilant research into the purity standards of supplement companies is advised.

Without further delay, here are 5 Ways Ashwagandha can help you maintain your youthful energy and glow:

1. It’s a natural anti-depressant: categorized as a rasayana, Withania Somnifera  promotes physical and mental health and is an effective mood stabilizer. (1) Happier moods lead to more social and physical activity, and bonding and exercise are a sure fire way to keep that youthful vigor!

2.  It makes you more resistant to stress: as we already mentioned, stress is known to make us sick. Ashwagandha is a powerful agent in managing stress, as well as anxiety. (2) Lower stress and anxiety equal a higher quality of life where you can enjoy more relaxation, calm, and, ultimately, better health.

3. It increases cognitive function and enhances memory: As we age, we sometimes struggle to remember things or to think as sharply as we once did. Ashwagandha has been shown to have a cognition promoting effect and can be used to promote intellect and memory.(3) Taking care of our noodles is essential for total well-being!

4. It combats inflammation: Nothing will make you feel younger than moving your body and enjoying doing so without any aches or pains. Ashwagandha works to keep inflammation at bay and has been used as an anti-arthritic agent. (4) Keeping your joints supple will help you stay mobile, active and adventuring for years and decades to come.

5. It promotes Sexual Function: Want to stay young and healthy? Have more sex! Orgasmic pleasure is known to lower stress in both men and women, not to   mention it is a rather enjoyable calorie burning activity. According to this study (5), Ashwangandha is “known to improve the body's physical and psychological condition.” For women, achieving orgasm is both a physical and psychological process and this potent herb helps create the conditions for this pleasurable experience.

 And there you have it! 5 Ways Ashwagandha can supports your body, mind, and soul, keeping you young, energized, and high on life.

Now go get you some! Interested in setting and reaching goals for a healthier, more vibrant you? Let's talk about how I can help!  

References:

1. Phytomedicine. 2000 Dec Anxiolytic-antidepressant activity of Withania somnifera  (Antidpressant)

2. Indian J Psychol Med. 2012 ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults (Anxiety and stress)

3. Published online 2011 Jul 3. doi:  10.4314/ajtcam.v8i5S.9 PMCID: PMC3252722 An Overview on Ashwagandha: A Rasayana (Rejuvenator) of Ayurveda (Memory, Anti-inflammation, Anti-arthritic)

4. Published online 2011 Jul 3. doi:  10.4314/ajtcam.v8i5S.9 PMCID: PMC3252722 An Overview on Ashwagandha: A Rasayana (Rejuvenator) of Ayurveda (Memory, Anti-inflammation, Anti-arthritic)

5. Biomed Res Int. 2015;2015:284154. doi: 10.1155/2015/284154. Epub 2015 Oct 4. Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Extract in Improving Sexual Function (sexual function in women)

6. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2014 Oct-Dec;5(4):241-5. doi: 10.4103/0975-9476.146566. Subtle changes in thyroid (Thyroid)

7. Withania somnifera and Bauhinia purpurea in the regulation of circulating thyroid hormone  (Thyroid)

8. SITANSU KUMAR VERMA* AND AJAY KUMAR 2011 (thyroid, anxiety and depression, immune boosting, anti-aging)