Ashwagandha
Written By Amiah Taylor
The stock market is fluctuating in wild and previously unseen patterns. Flint, Michigan still doesn’t have clean water. Glaciers are melting and revealing prehistoric pathogens that scientists can only speculate about. And I guess pigs really have grown wings because it’s snowing in Dubai.
2021 has felt like a trying year for everyone and it’s only February.
Stress has been present since the beginning of time and such an enduring human issue has prompted a search for solutions. Some of which are thousands of years old and rarely remembered. In times where the current reality feels precarious and unstable, there’s a feeling of groundedness in seeking ancient and Ayurvedic remedies for stress relief.
Chances are you may have an Ayurvedic herb or two sitting on your spice rack right now. If you own any ginger, cardamon, turmeric, or black pepper, then you already are off to a great start. You may be thinking, what the heck are ayurvedic herbs?
Ayurveda is an ancient medicinal system that dates back to 10,000 years ago. Ayurvedic herbs are often grown and harvested in India. The herbs are synergetic and meant to be used in conjunction with one another to create a harmonious healing effect. They can be taken both internally and externally and are adaptogenic, meaning that they can adapt to your body's needs and act preventatively. Also, ayurvedic herbs are meant to be used consistently over long periods to see cumulative effects versus every now and then with instant results.
One of my favorite ayurvedic herbs to use is ashwagandha or Withania somnifera.
Ashwagandha roots in particular are seen as a potent herbal remedy for anything from stress to an overactive thyroid. The roots can be used fresh or dried and the resulting powder can be added to warm beverages. Traditionally speaking, ashwagandha root powder was often added to night tonics.
During overcast and cold days where your body isn’t being cooperative, it helps to have something energy boosting. Ashwagandha, in my opinion, is a must-have for winter. Its name literally translates to “strength of a stallion,” because it promotes a strong sense of wellbeing and vitality. In the current pandemic, while trying to insulate yourself from both the flu and CO-VID it’s an invaluable addition to your daily routine. Ashwagandha is an immune amphoteric, meaning that it has positive balancing properties on your immune system. It also fights against
insomnia, fatigue, and mood disorders such as anxiety and depression.
Rhodiola or Rhodiola rosea is another adaptogenic herb that can reduce fatigue and improve productivity. As a writer, one of my most prized possessions is my memory. It’s only my keen sense of observation that allows me to draw connections about the world around me. And when people-watching or grocery shopping or whenever inspiration strikes, it’s important for me to be
able to remember and then record my internal commentary. Rhodiola is linked to improved cognitive function and greater ease with learning. I find that it really helps with my writer’s block and takes the edge off of stressful days. Rhodiola is also great for nourishing sore muscles and speeding up their recovery. And for the sake of convenience, the herb can even be brewed as a tea.
If you’re interested in dipping your toe into adaptogenic herbs and trying ashwagandha or rhodiola, may I suggest trying them both at the same time? As I mentioned earlier, ayurvedic herbs are synergistic and work best as members of the same team. They’re both beautiful additions to the Anima Mundi’s Stress Relief + Happiness Tonic. And if you’d like to learn more about ayurvedic herbs, check out this comprehensive guide.
