Plant medicine: Ashwagandha

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                                             ASHWAGANDHA- Alexia Mbogo 674225


 HISTORY 

Organic ashwagandha, scientifically known as Withania somnifera, has a long history deeply rooted in Ayurvedic medicine, dating back over 3,000 years in India. It is one of the most revered and commonly used herbs in the Ayurvedic tradition. The raw material used in medicine is the root and the name "Ashwagandha" comes from the word "ashwa", which means horse. It is believed that after consuming the root, a person gains powers similar to those of a horse. The second part of the name "gandha" means fragrance and refers to the characteristic smell of the fresh root of the plant. The plant is native to India but is cultivated in other parts of the world, including the Mediterranean, Africa and the Himalayas. It comes in many forms such as;

  • Powder (Churna) – Traditionally used in Ayurveda, often mixed with warm milk, water, or honey. Capsules/Tablets – Convenient and pre-measured for daily supplementation. 
  • Liquid Extract/Tincture – A concentrated form that can be added to drinks. 
  • Tea – Ashwagandha-infused herbal teas for relaxation and stress relief. 
  • Gummies – A tasty, chewable option for easy consumption. 
  • Ashwagandha Root (Dried or Fresh) – Can be brewed into tea or added to homemade remedies. Ashwagandha-infused Supplements – Found in protein powders, adaptogenic blends, and wellness drinks. 
Each form varies in potency and absorption, so the best choice depends on personal preference and health goals. Personally, I prefer to ingest Ashwaghandha in the form of tea. Here is a simple recipe: 

      1.  Measure: Add 1 teaspoon of Ashwagandha root to a cup. 
      2. Boil: Pour boiling water over the tea. 
      3. Steep: Allow to steep for 5-10 minutes. 
      4. Sweeten (Optional): Add honey or a sweetener of choice for flavor. I like to use stevia powder or dried hibiscus flowers for sweetening. 
      5. Enjoy 

 BENEFITS 

  • Stress & Anxiety – Reduces cortisol levels, helps manage chronic stress-related conditions, and improves well-being. 
  • Weight Management – Balances cortisol to aid in weight control and BMI reduction. 
  • Memory & Cognition – Enhances memory, cognitive function, and may benefit conditions like ADHD and OCD. 
  • Muscle Strength – Boosts muscle mass, strength, and recovery. 
  • Cardiorespiratory Endurance – Improves athletic performance, VO2 max, and energy supply to muscles.
  •  Male Sexual Wellness – Enhances testosterone levels, sperm count, and fertility. 
  • Female Sexual Health – Supports reproductive health, libido, and menstrual balance. 
  • Thyroid Health – Helps regulate thyroid hormones, particularly in hypothyroidism. 
  • Sleep – Improves sleep quality, efficiency, and reduces anxiety.
  •  Elderly Health – Supports physical and mental well-being, slows aging effects. 
  • Anti-Aging & Longevity – Contains antioxidants that protect against oxidative stress and support longevity.
  •  Immunity Boost – Strengthens immune response and increases resistance to infections. 
  • Arthritis Relief – Reduces joint pain and swelling. 
  • Anti-Inflammatory – Helps regulate the body’s inflammatory response. 
  • Blood Sugar Control – Assists in managing blood sugar levels, beneficial for diabetes. 
  • Cancer Support – May aid in cancer treatment by inhibiting tumor growth and boosting immunity. 

 MY JOURNEY WITH ASHWAGANDHA 

A few months ago, I found myself constantly overwhelmed—stress from school, restless nights, and a foggy memory that made even simple tasks feel exhausting. I had heard about ashwagandha before, but I never gave it much thought until a friend swore by it for managing stress. Though skeptical, I decided to give it a try, and I haven't looked back since. I started taking Ashwagandha tea every morning and after two weeks or so, I realized that I wasn't as stressed and anxious. Within a few weeks, I also noticed a difference in my focus and memory. I wasn’t losing my train of thought as often, and I felt sharper during conversations. But by far the biggest difference was in my sleep. For a while, I had been struggling with falling asleep and waking up feeling unrested. With ashwagandha, I found myself falling asleep easier, and I woke up feeling more refreshed. I didn’t expect one herb to make such a difference, but I’m glad I took that first step. If you are struggling with anxiety, high cortisol, sleep and memory you should definitely give Ashwagandha a try.

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