What is Ashwagandha? Can Ashwagandha help anxiety? And Should I be using it?

what is ashwagandha jennfier aniston meghan markle

 

Ashwagandha, also known as 'Withania Somnifera,' is one of the major herbs used in Indian ayurvedic medicine . Loved by Jennifer Aniston and HRH The Duchess of Sussex-Meghan Markle for its ability to reduce stress and promote a calmer and happier sense of being, both are said to be avid advocates of this wonder ingredient.

Ashwaghandha is  classified as an adaptogen, these are also hot news in the wellness world. Adaptogens, as you might expect, adapt to your body’s needs in the moment, working on areas such as balancing hormones and boosting immune cells. 

what is ashwagandha

The ashwagandha plant is a small shrub with yellow flowers that's native to India and North Africa. Extracts or powder from the plant's root or leaves are used to treat a variety of conditions.

Many of its health benefits are attributed to its high concentration of with anolides, which have been shown to fight inflammation

With such big advocates, we wanted to give you the low down on this current hero of wellness:

 

What are the Benefits of Ashwgandha?

benefits of ashwagandha

Help reduce stress and anxiety 

By supporting our adrenal glands, Ashwagandha helps normalise our cortisol levels, our fight or flight hormone, also known as our stress hormone, by literally blocking the stress pathway. Elevated Cortisol levels over the long term are known to negatively impact our bodies and health in many ways, resulting in increased stress, inflammation, exhaustion, burn out and our ability to cope with stress. 

Increases energy, stamina and endurance

By opening up the capillaries, it has been proven to increase both heart and lung function. This results increased endurance both physically and mentally. No mid afternoon slump for regular users of this ingredient!

Stabilises blood sugar, resulting in weight loss and abdomen fat reduction

 Ashwagandha has been shown to have a significant effect on stabilising blood sugar levels, helping raise or lower it to the correct level, dependant on current need. Blood sugar levels can have long term implications for things like weight gain and dementia. Studies have shown that users of ashwagandha have had a positive effect on abdomen fat storage and overall weight loss. 

Immune boosting and anti-inflammatory 

Due to its immune boosting effect on our adrenal system, Ashwagandha has been shown to improve our resistance to illness, making it the perfect herb to add to your routine as winter approaches.  In addition to this, its anti inflammation properties can be useful in conditions associated with inflammation, such as arthritis.

 

How do I take ashwagandha? 

The easiest way to add ashwagandha to your wellness routine is via supplementation. Dosage recommendations vary wildly between 125mg - 1g. Our 03 SMART Focus supplement hits this right in the middle, with a generous 500mg per serving. Take daily with food and water for the best effect. 

Side Effects of Ashwagandha

I general, ashwagandha is known to have very few, if any side effects, hence it's widely adopted usage in alternative medicine. 

However, usage whilst pregnant is not advised, due to its ability to bring on labour. 

Is Ashwaghanda safe for long term use? 

Singe its benefits are cumulative, ashwagandha is ideal for daily usage. We recommend taking 2-3 03 SMART Focus supplements per day for the best impact on your health. 

Ashwaghanda, nootropics,

 

This power player of a herb has a lot to offer in terms of reducing stress and anxiety, boosting health and wellbeing and our ability to keep going for longer!

Our 03 SMART Focus supplement contains 500mg per serving of Ashwagandha. Click here to find out more. 

 

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