FRAZZLED? WORN OUT? TIRED BUT WIRED? HAVING NON RESTORATIVE SLEEP?
Then Ashwaganda – Withania somnifera is its Latin name – could be the ideal adaptogen to start with as part of your protocol to regain vitality and strength.
Ashwaganda, like all adaptogens, quenches the effects of stress, easing us off the light or flight response and reducing the release of stress hormones from the adrenal glands. Due to their stress-alleviating effects, they also have a positive effect on the immune system which becomes deficient with chronic stress. This particular adaptogen is specific for non-restorative sleep (NRS) which is strongly associated with stress, anxiety, depression and daytime fatigue.
The clue is in the name – Withania somnifera, referring to it’s “somniferous” sleep promoting effect.
There are interesting reasons as to why it aids sleep which are also highly beneficial during the day – it reduces stress hormones! The same hormones that can keep us awake or wake us up at night, are the same hormones that can make us tired and eventually wired and worn out during the day. This why Ashwaganda falls under the definitition of adaptogen. It mitigates the effects of stress, be that environmental, emotional or physical. It is also a great tonic for the thyroid.
So if you are tired but wired, worn out and getting non-restorative sleep, this is the herb for you.
ASHWAGANDA
Ingredients
Ashwaganda somnifera is extracted in sugar beet ethanol (alcohol) and water. The part used is the root. The strength is a 1:3.