You certainly know the feeling when you feel threatened. A big dog ran at you from behind the fence, your boss plowed into you in a meeting and carried you under the ground, or your mortgage is due tomorrow and you just got fired from your job. In such cases, the body produces a steroid hormone - cortisol. This already protects us in dangerous situations and the body prepares the "fight or flight" position. The heart pumps, blood rushes to vital organs, pain levels suppress... You say to yourself - the most useful thing under the sun!
But not in everyday life. Whereas once upon a time you fought or fled and after a few hours there was peace and the body returned to normal, in today's world you can have "butterflies in your stomach" for days, weeks. It's called - living in constant stress. The results you certainly know well. Pressure, nervousness, stomach and digestive problems, Increased psychological problems, insomnia... They probably claim that up to 80% of all modern diseases are caused by stress and nervous tension.
I'm sure you also know ways to cope with it. A glass or two, cigarettes (whether with tobacco or other material), various buffer pills. Some people vent to family or subordinates, the more mature ones go to the gym or do various sports. The present solution is simple - get rid of the source of stress. And we are at the core of the problem. Not everyone can pay the mortgage tomorrow, leave for a better job, change partners, cope with the loss of a loved one...
Therefore, people sought ways to resolve these situations. Meditation, yoga, Ayurveda. Consumption of calming teas and herbs. Natural medicine. And so they discovered Withania somnifera - a plant used in Ayurveda and called Ashwagandha in Sanskrit. It is also called Indian ginseng. Its roots contain withanolides and 80 other biologically active substances (alkaloids, steroidal lactones, flavonoids, saponins, oligosaccharides, tannins, etc.). Their effect on the human body is fascinating.
Ashwagandha suppresses cortisol, thereby reducing stress in the body and actually increasing the body's mental and physical resilience. It is used in the treatment of asthma and inflammatory diseases, supports cognitive function, and reduces tension and feelings of anxiety. In addition, almost every study mentions its effect on libido - increased sexual desire in both men and women. It supports sperm production and is also used experimentally by people who have difficulty conceiving a child. It lowers blood pressure and improves concentration and memory. It is also called the "herb of youth" because it is said to slow down ageing. It is amazing what nature has managed to pack into herbs.
The extract of its roots should contain 5-10% of vitanolides, and the daily dose should be in the range of 300-500mg. It is suitable for everyone, it is not recommended only for young children and lactating women. It should be taken during the day, not in the morning when the body flushes out cortisol upon waking, so that you are awake and ready for a new day. In such cases (taking it first thing in the morning), the depressant effects could become apparent. On the contrary, in the afternoon, it stimulates and, by reducing stress, in turn increases the working mood and sense of well-being.
If you are going to look for Ashwagandha, it is important that you check the ingredients of the product you are buying. It should have a clearly stated ratio of vitanolides (around 25mg per dose) and a daily gram up to 500mg. A specialty eshop that is dedicated exclusively to nutritional supplements is a good choice when buying this exceptional product.
