ASHWAGANDHA

Also known as Indian Ginseng and Winter Cherry. “Winter” only looks good in front of “Cherry” to me at this point in time. Full disclosure, this blogger is jotting this post from “cruising” altitude on a jet, leaving Michigan (expecting anywhere from 1 to 5 inches of snow on this 27th day of April 🌬🤔), headed to Lauderdale by the Sea for a night and then on to a 6 night cruise…..ahhhhhh. Don’t be a hater!😘

On to the “root” of the conversation! Pun intended. Ashwagandha has been used for over 2500 years in Ayurvedic medicine. The leaves and roots are used and this root has the distinction of being one of the most researched medicinal roots.

It is considered an “aptogenic” herb which means it assists the body in handling all manners of stress, physical, chemical and biological.

Ashwagandha is said to:

• Rejuvenate and energize the nervous system;
• Helps prevent stress and related disorders;
• Helps reduce stress related vitamin c depletion;
• Helps control cortisol levels. (Ummmm…for those of you new to the health journey, cortisol helps fatten up the old spare tire, a.k.a. muffin top!);
• Improves sexual function. I personally wont speak to this, I am without hormones these days and, truth be told…frankly, I don’t give a damn? Been there done that? I have a headache? Good Lord, this will be the one post the husband reads! 😏;
• Anti-inflammatory;

If I could insert a drum roll, with sound AND graphics, I would…

• ANTI-AGING (I should have heard “Hell Yeah” at 30,000 feet!)
• Modulates and stimulates immune function. (I am sitting in a true “test lab” for this theory judging by the coughing, sneezing and nose blowing going on in this thing);
• Supports normal thyroid function;
• Normalizes blood sugar;
• May protect the brain from oxidative stress which can lead to neurodegeneration and may also reduce brain cell degeneration;
• May lower cholesterol.

That is the short list of why everyone should be taking this tried and true root. It seems to possess the ability in aiding the body to a state of homeostasis.

For those of us with the big “C” experience, ashwagandha has been shown to have anti-tumor effects as well as the ability to slow or prevent cell proliferation (the increase of cells because of growth and division).

It has also been shown to help reduce side effects of traditional cancer treatments and medicines.

The African Journal of Traditional, Complimentary and Alternative Medicines” sites that “ashwagandha acts as an immunomodulator that can enhance the life span of cancer patients who are especially at risk of lowered immunity”.

One last “fun fact”: According to Alzheimer’s Research and Therapy, “Ayurvedic” medicinal plants have been the single most productive source of leads for the development of drugs, and one of those is ashwagandha!

Have an awesome week! I have Astragalus queued up for the plane trip home. Till then….safe travels to all of you and have an amazing weekend!

Our first encounter with wild life here in Ft. Lauderdale….