FIONA ROCHE PHARMACY

For the busy person who is constantly rushing about, not sleeping properly, using a lot of mental energy, or someone who’s always falling sick, this herb is for you. It provides mental clarity, energy, stamina, endurance and inner strength.

Ashwagandha is one of the strongest adaptogen herbs. Adaptogens are substances (a combination of amino acids, vitamins, and herbs) that modulate your response to stress or a changing environment. Adaptogens help the body cope with stresses on all levels – be it physical, mental or emotional. External stressors include toxins in the environment, and internal stressors such as anxiety and insomnia. Ashwagandha supports the health of the adrenal glands and the Thyroid via its apoptogenic effects.

Ashwagandha is from the same family at the tomato, and is a plump shrub with oval leaves and yellow flowers which bears red fruit. It is commonly referred to as ‘Indian Ginseng’ even though these plants aren’t related. Its due to their shared healing benefits of that it gets this reference.

Why Use Ashwagandha?
If you are experiencing any of the following, Ashwagandha can greatly assist.

o Stress
o Fatigue
o Lack of energy
o Difficulty concentrating
o Poor immunity
o Thyroid and endocrine disorders
o Insomnia

Just to name a few.

Benefits and Healing Effects

Ashwagandha is used to tone, support, and revitalise all bodily functions. It has been revered over time for its dual capacity to energise and calm at the same time. When taken in the morning Ashwagandha creates energy for the day ahead, yet at the same time calms down a hyper and over-active nervous system. Taken at night it helps to promote deep and restful sleep by enhancing the release of our sleep neurotransmitters. Ashwagandha exerts its affect all over to supports the body’s natural functioning. It works harmoniously to promote homeostasis – a balanced state where the body functions at best.
This dual energizing/calming effect is due to Ashwagandhas many Phytochemicals (medicinal chemicals), including withanolides (steroidal lactones), alkaloids, choline, fatty acids, amino acids, and a variety of sugars. While the leaves and fruit have valuable therapeutic properties, the root of the plant is the part most commonly used in herbal remedies.

There are over 200 studies proving the healing benefits of Ashwangandha. They show it has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidizing, anti-stress, sleep-inducing and drug withdrawal properties.
Recent research on Ashwagandha conducted at the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology in Japan reported that the leaves of Ashwagandha can selectively inhibit cancer cells.

Studies also show the following health benefits.

Ashwagandha:
o Protects the immune system
o Creates health sleep patterns
o Helps combat the effects of stress
o Improves learning, memory, and reaction time
o Reduces anxiety and depression without causing drowsiness
o Helps reduce brain-cell degeneration
o Stabilizes blood sugar
o Helps lower cholesterol
o Offers anti-inflammatory benefits
o Contains anti-malarial properties
o Enhances sexual potency for both men and women
o Increase stamina and endurance