Stress is a very popular subject in today’s society and it isn’t a surprise. So many of us are overworked, stretched to our limits, and lack the coping strategies to deal with the busyness of life. Instead of healthily managing our stress levels, we turn to food, TV, social media, and other outlets that provide momentary relief but not long term solutions. There are many ways to manage your stress, including exercise, a healthy diet and freeing up your schedule for relaxation and solo time, but you can also add in herbs that support your mental and physical health.
One such herb that works wonders for stress is Ashwagandha. This root from India has a long history as a therapeutic solution to stress, cognitive decline, and overall well-being. Ashwagandha is a sacred herb in Ayurvedic medicine (traditional Indian medicine) dating back to 6000 BC. Ashwa means “horse” and Gandha means “smells”, aptly named because Ashwagandha smells like horses. (1)
“If we could all see the miracle of a single flower clearly, our whole life would change.”
Buddha
Ashwagandha has a variety of health benefits. One of the main uses for Ashwagandha is combating stress. Cortisol is the stress hormone that triggers our flight, fight, or freeze response in the body in an emergency or moments of high stress (such as a bear attack, car accident, or getting a project done on time). Cortisol levels naturally rise in the morning to assist with getting out of bed and tackling the day. Then it tapers off in the evening as the body winds down for rest. (2)
In our fast-paced, often high pressure society, cortisol levels can become chronically high. (3) This wears out our body in a variety of ways, including taxing the endocrine (hormonal) system, overstimulating the nervous system, and inhibiting digestive functions. (4)
Ashwagandha supports the HPA axis in our bodies which is the hypothalamus, pituitary, and adrenal glands. It moderates cortisol levels and helps the body adapt to stress. (5) Ashwagandha also mimics GABA, a neurotransmitter responsible for calming the nervous system. Recent studies have shown that taking ashwagandha can assist with other ongoing stress-related issues such as ulcers, anxiety attacks, and chest pains. (6) Therefore, Ashwagandha balances cortisol and calms the nervous system, it indirectly improves digestive function.
Ashwagandha is also a nootropic herb which means that it supports cognitive function. (7) Studies have shown that this root can slow and, in some cases, stop or reverse cognitive decline and neurological disease. It can boost brain function, improve memory, and protect against neurological impairment. (8)
ASHWAGANDHA Alive - The most effective Ashwagandha
Clean Choice Awards 2020 Winner
Living Alchemy offers the most effective ashwagandha, a multiple award-winning formula. In addition to the two Alive Retailer & Consumer Choice Awards 2019, Living Alchemy’s ASHWAGANDHA Alive as now also won the Clean Choice Award 2020 in the overall supplements category by Clean Eating Magazine, a North American healthy lifestyle publication. Living Alchemy strives to create the cleanest and most effective supplements to optimize your health and help you feel the best that you can.
ASHWAGANDHA Alive includes USDA certified organic bacopa and USDA certified organic turmeric which has many anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It rejuvenates and reduces stress, improves mood, as well as helps focus and concentration. Living Alchemy uses the ancient art of fermentation to activate USDA certified organic ashwagandha into its superior form for ASHWAGANDHA Alive. We ferment our finest organic ashwagandha using a month long fermentation containing 35 select species of micro-organisms from kefir and kombucha cultures. This activation delivers the complete synergy of the herb within a living food matrix for exceptional vitality and bioavailability. Shop now to try it!
References:
1. Singh, Narendra. 2011. An Overview on Ashwagandha: a Rasayana (Rejuvenator) of Ayurveda. Afr J Tradit Complement Altern Med. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3252722/ Accessed Feb 10, 2020.
2. Auddy, Biswajit, et al. J Am Nutraceutical Assoc1 (2008): 43-49 Accessed Feb 11, 2020.
3. Singh, Narendra. 2011. An Overview on Ashwagandha: a Rasayana (Rejuvenator) of Ayurveda. Afr J Tradit Complement Altern Med. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3252722/ Accessed Feb 10, 2020.
4. Auddy, Biswajit, et al. J Am Nutraceutical Assoc1 (2008): 43-49 Accessed Feb 11, 2020. Accessed Feb 11, 2020.
5. Mahdi AA, Shukla KK, Ahmad MK et al. Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine Volume 2011, article ID576962, 9 pages. Doi: 10.1093/ecam/nep138. Accessed Feb 11, 2020.
6. Singh, Narendra. 2011. An Overview on Ashwagandha: a Rasayana (Rejuvenator) of Ayurveda. Afr J Tradit Complement Altern Med. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3252722/ Accessed Feb 10, 2020.
7. Singh N., Bhalla M., de Jager P., & Gilca M. "An overview on Ashwagandha: A rasayana (rejuvenator) of Ayurveda." Afr J Tradit Complement Altern Med. (2011) 8(S):208-213 Accessed Feb 11, 2020.
8. Singh, Narendra. 2011. An Overview on Ashwagandha: a Rasayana (Rejuvenator) of Ayurveda. Afr J Tradit Complement Altern Med. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3252722/ Accessed Feb 10, 2020.