Herb Weavers Journal #68 - Ashwagandha - 28th Jan 2025

Ashwagandha

This plant is an adaptogen, so it works really well for stress related problems. It is also considered to help and support many of the bodies systems due to its anti-oxidant content and the fact it contains withanolides.

Also an anti-inflammatory, Neuroprotective which means it supports the brain and nervous system, sedative properties that help to induce sleep and keep you asleep. It is a cardioprotective which helps to protect the heart and and anti-diabetic: which improves insulin sensitivity and evens out blood sugar levels.

It has been used to help improve cognitive function including memory, attention, and reaction time.  Also considered to help improve sperm count, sex drive, and male infertility and on the other end of the spectrum support women through menopausal symptoms and perimenopause when symptoms are mild to moderate.

So this plant really does have a lot to offer.

It is considered safe when used within the normal supplemented prescription. Although pregnant woman should not take this herb and unfortunately there isn’t enough evidence as yet to say whether taking while breastfeeding is contra-indicated or not. Ashwagandha should NOT be taken if you are on benzodiazepines, CNS depressants, caution also needs to be taken around Thyroid meds, those with severe Liver damage and those on insulin for diabetes, although I have taken this supplement and not suffered any hypos at all while also taking injected insulin, so if you have good control of your sugar, it is less of a problem, but I mean good control.

Anything up to a 1000mg dose daily is fine, but if you have never taken before, then start lower and build up. Take with food or water.