Ashwagandha goes by many names, including winter cherry, Indian ginseng (though not related to the ginseng family) and poison gooseberry. Its latin name, Withania somnifera means 'sleep inducing' which gives an indication to one of it's many benefits.
Plants like ashwagandha have been described by David Winston (author of Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief ) as “a bridge that can carry us over stressful situations with our health intact.” This powerful medicinal herb with adaptogenic properties has been shown to significantly reduce stress and improves symptoms of adrenal fatigue, heart and kidney problems.
Ashwagandha is a rich source of minerals including zinc, iron, calcium, magnesium, vanadium, and cobalt and has been used for it's health boosting and healing properties for over 4000 years. This herb also contains immune boosting properties and assists when fighting infections and allergies.
Ashwagandha is also excellent for improving the function of the brain and neurotransmitters which can aid neurological conditions such as brain fog, migraines, tremors, tics & spasms, restless leg syndrome, chronic nerve pain, and shingles .
Ashwagandha helps the body produce thyroid hormones which can increase energy and metabolism. This herb has also been used to create a healthy sleep cycle. If you suffer from insomnia, try incorporating a cup of ashwagandha tea as part of your bed time ritual.
It is also highly beneficial for depression, anxiety, anemia, candida, type 2 diabetes, and autoimmune disorders such as fibromyalgia, lyme disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, and Guillain-barre syndrome.
' Ashwagandha has been shown to improve oxygen flow and usage on a cellular level which is very beneficial for those suffering with breathing problems such as COPD and asthma as well as for athletes looking to increase there endurance and strength while training.' - Anthony William
Ashwagandha tea is a beverage that does not generally have any side effects, however if you are taking medications and/or prescribed supplements or are pregnant, breastfeeding or have diabetes, consult your health care practitioner before consuming.
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