Ashwagandha – the Ayurvedic herb for a better night’s sleep.

There are few herbs that are more highly regarded in Ayurveda than Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). The roots of this shrub-like bush, native to drier regions of India, Sri Lanka and parts of Africa are considered a “rasayana”, the Sanskrit for “path of essence”, and used to describe plants that prolong life. In Ayurveda, this adaptogenic plant is claimed to have regenerative qualities and is considered a treatment for nervous exhaustion, memory related conditions, insomnia, tiredness and potency issues  

Adaptogens help our bodies to adapt to the effects of hormone instability. Their action increases our resistance to physical, chemical and biological stress in a non-specific manner. Whilst Ashwagandha’s mechanisms of action are not fully understood, there is increasing research to demonstrate its benefits towards common wellbeing concerns. Ashwagandha is noticeable in its ability to stabilise our hormone levels, where its primary areas of action are at the adrenal and thyroid glands. These are hugely important producers of hormones that regulate many vital processes in our body, including our reproductive system and metabolic function. Studies have shown that Ashwagandha’s effects help to reduce chronic stress , inflammation  neurological oxidative stress improve fertility and also to have strong antioxidant properties.

Superior Ashwagandha Key to Ashwagandha’s action are its ability to lower cortisol, which may explain improved sexual function and its ability to reduce chronic stress. What’s often referred to as our “fight or flight” hormone, cortisol, prepares our bodies for action. However, no longer are we running from predators to necessitate this level of response, instead, we feel this intense stress from work deadlines, social media and a lack of quality sleep. Chronic stress issues arise from permanently being on ‘alert’ and can manifest in a wide range of illnesses, including digestive issues and feeling permanently tired. So, it is important to be aware of and address chronic stress as early as possible. Ashwagandha can play a potent role in deeper sleep, alongside a consistent pattern and time to wind down from the day, dimming the lights and closing our phone and TV screens.