Then Ashwagandha – Withania somnifera is its Latin name – could be the ideal adaptogen to start with as part of your protocol to regain vitality and strength.
Ashwagandha, like all adaptogens, quenches the effects of stress, easing us off the fight 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.
Scroll to the bottom for more information and scientific literature.
Cautions:
Store in a cool, dry place.
Keep out of reach of under the age of 12
Do not take if pregnant or breastfeeding
Consult your health practitioner before taking. This product should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet or lifestyle. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If in any doubt, please contact us or your herbalist or healthcare provider
Adaptogens increase our physical and emotional resilience.
“Ashwagandha can be particularly good also for the elderly and frail and as well as sportsmen and women on the other end of the spectrum! I also prescribe it for anaemia of unknown origin (i.e. no evidence of excessive bleeding and diet is satisfactory).” Sophie Lamb, Medical Herbalist
And here are some very nice pubmed studies to validate the benefits mentioned above:
An investigation into the stress-relieving and pharmacological actions of an ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract
Triethylene glycol, an active component of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) leaves, is responsible for sleep induction
Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Extract in Improving Sexual Function in Women: A Pilot Study
A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study Examining the Hormonal and Vitality Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in Aging, Overweight Males
Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal ameliorates neurodegeneration and cognitive impairments associated with systemic inflammation
Study protocol and rationale for a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract on nonrestorative sleep (
nih.gov)
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6039614/
