What in the world is Ashwagandha?

What in the world is Ashwagandha?

I am glad you asked. 😊

Ashwagandha is a shrub that is native to India and western Asia. It has been used as a main ingredient in ancient medicine since as early as 6,000 BC and features prominently in Ayurvedic medicine.

Ashwagandha is considered an adaptogenic herb. True to their namesake, adaptogenic herbs help your body adapt and resist physical and mental stressors by improving hormonal balance. They also support the glands that act as gatekeepers to your hormones: your adrenal glands and thyroid gland.

Your thyroid gland is responsible for regulating your metabolism. Ashwagandha’s influence on the thyroid is believed to positively impact weight loss and weight management.

According to the Natural Medicine Data base Ashwagandha taken orally seems to help reduce stress and stress related weight gain.

Ashwagandha’s adaptogenic component, high alkaloid content, and steroidal lactones are believed to be the main source of its health properties. Alkaloids help to balance hormones and decrease cortisol. Steroidal lactones decrease inflammation and boost immunity.

This super herb is also chock full of weight loss promoting antioxidants.

The antioxidants found in Ashwagandha have been found to decrease inflammation, increase metabolism, boost weight loss, and increase overall wellness of your body by preventing cell damage.

Do you ever use herbal remedies to promote health or decrease stress? If so, do share!