Why Ashwagandha is the health buzz you need to be all over
Ashwagandha is a herb at the heart of rasayana, a traditional Ayurvedic therapy designed to restore your body’s vitality to its fullest. Here’s what you need to know.
There’s little wonder the ancient Indian Ayurvedic system of medicine that stretches back centuries has been trending hotter than hot in recent times.
Modern science is finding this holistic approach to wellness, known as the “science of longevity” has a lot going for it.
One of the most important herbs in Ayurvedic medicine is ashwagandha (or Withania somnifera).
Ashwagandha is a rasayana herb. This is good
Ashwagandha is classified as a rasayana herb — that is one used as a tonic or an adaptogen to help promote energy levels and a youthful state.
In Ayurveda medicine, rasayana refers to both the science of promoting long life and the herbal remedies used to maintain optimal health.
Ashwagandha is an adaptogen
Adaptogens are non-toxic plants that are said to help your body’s resilience in dealing with physical and emotional stressors — ie. they help your body ‘adapt’ or adjust to this stress. Hello busy holiday season.
One study out of Sweden suggested that adaptogens may “exert an anti-fatigue effect that increases mental work capacity against a background of stress and fatigue”.
Another US review found Ashwagandha is among three adaptogens that could potentially benefit people during times of mild stress.
How Ashwagandha may assist brain function
As well as supporting a healthy stress response in the body, Ashwagandha has traditionally been used to aid memory in Ayurveda medicine.
While only a relatively small amount of human research has been carried out, one study of 50 adults found that taking 300mg of Ashwagandha root extract twice daily improved general memory, task performance and attention.
How to get your daily dose of Ashwagandha
With no trips to India or North Africa on the cards, luckily you can easily pick up an Ashwagandha supplement at your local pharmacy.
GO Healthy’s GO ASHWAGANDHA 8000+ STRESS & ENERGY 1-A-DAY is a convenient 1-A-Day formula for adults suffering from low energy or stamina, poor memory or mild stress.
This handy formula also contains vitamin B5 to support energy levels, energy production and assist the body to cope with environmental stress, and Siberian Ginseng to support physical stamina.
Best yet, GO Healthy uses Shoden® Ashwagandha extract, a clinically-tested* and purified extract from the leaves and roots of the Ashwagandha plant shown to decrease anxiety and improve restfulness.
This post is brought to you by GO Healthy’s GO ASHWAGANDHA 8,000+ STRESS & ENERGY 1-A-DAY, New Zealand’s No. 1 selling supplement brand in pharmacies.
Always read the label. Follow the directions for use. Dietary supplements should not replace a balanced diet. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional.
*Lopresti, Adrian L. PhD; Smith, Stephen J. MA; et al. An investigation into the stress-relieving and pharmacological actions of an ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract, Medicine: September 2019 – Volume 98 – Issue 37.
