Herbs for Stress: Ashwagandha

The holidays can be particularly stressful for us all. This time of year brings about old wounds, family separations, lost loves and the reminder of financial struggles. This season is a time to reflect on our year, remind ourselves how lucky we are to have what we have and to love who we love. The balance between overwhelm and gratitude can be hard to achieve. Herbs to the rescue!

Our bodies are built to deal with stress, but when we are inundated with the daily stressors of life our bucket can start to overflow. Herbs serve to support you in these times to better equip your body.

Ashwagandha also known as Withania somnifera is an adaptogenic herb that has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine as a stress tonic. Adaptogenic herbs are used to aid in stress adaptation. Ashwagandha, in particular, is able to reduce cortisol levels. Cortisol, our stress hormone, when chronically elevated can suppress immune function and dampen libido among other things. By altering cortisol levels, we can reduce our anxiety levels as well as improve sleep! 

This robust herb is warming, drying, bitter and sweet. These energetic qualities are best to restore the yang energy within us. Yang is our fire energy, our strength to get up in the morning and go. If you are someone that is overtired, under-rested, stressed out and unmotivated, this might be the herb for you!