11/30/2025
ASHWAGANDA (Withania Somnifera)
The world is full of stress
We do not need to suffer every effect of it.
This amazing herb is an adaptogen. That means it interrupts the path of the release of cortisol. When our bodies sense stress, our hypothalamus releases CRH (cortisol releasing hormone) which then stimulates the tiny pituitary gland to release ACTH which travels through our blood and stimulates the adrenal gland (sits on top of our kidney) to release cortisol and adrenaline, which ready the body to deal with threats. Blood moves away from our digestive system to our muscles, our eyes dilate to see our predator. Most helpful when in danger! However, when our brains think they are "learning" that our daily life is chock full of horrors, this can lead to an overstimulation of this system. I personally have felt (at times) this system lurch into peak performance due to something as simple as a crowded grocery store or in anticipation of a social gathering. In these instances, it was evident how self-limiting it is, with my nervous system immediately relaxing once it was able to assess first hand that these situations were of no danger to my survival. I am a nurse that deals with a high risk population out in the community, so the actual risk of me encountering a dangerous situation is fairly high, but it does me no benefits, and could cause great harm to my psychological and physical health to have this system turned on all day "just in case" it is needed. I have been immersing myself in ashwaganda as of late to attempt to mitigate these effects, and not only did it do that, but with such agrounded intensity that it also inspired me to start posting about herbs again!
Ashwaganda root powder, when added to whatever hot drink I had, made me feel calm, collected, and logical in situations where I had NO idea what to expect. Like a quiet Lil voice reminding me that I could figure out whatever I may encounter. Most noticeably in situations I had been sweaty palmed in, just days before, without the support. So rather than your normal list of benefits, I thought a personal testimonial to the raw felt power of this herb was in order. List in comments :)
