December 2024

ROOTS

• Roots For Stoking The Digestive Fire
• Nourishing Roots
• Roots That Boost The Immune System
• Roots For Unwinding

Stress is meant to be an adaptive response to an acute threat, but the modern lifestyle puts our bodies in a chronic stress response, which depletes the system of its resources. In addition, when you are stressed, digestion is not a priority, so the absorption of nutrients is inhibited, and the body doesn’t replenish its resources. Turning to roots to help ground and nourish the brain can help you unwind. 

Roots For Unwinding

Minerals play a crucial role in nerve conductivity in the brain, supporting brain metabolism, learning, memory, and mood. These minerals are essential throughout life but vital for the developing brain of the embryo and child. 

Calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, iodine, and selenium are essential minerals in brain health and cognitive function. 

Minerals dissolved in soil water are absorbed by roots and distributed by plants. Therefore, roots are rich in minerals that can nourish and support brain health. One such root is the root of Ashwagandha.

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is one of the most well-known herbs in the Ayurvedic tradition, originating in 6000 BC. It was an important Rasayana medicine used to increase vitality and immunity.

The taste of Ashwagandha is an earthy mineral, alluding to the root’s high iron and potassium.

Ashwagandha is a mild warming, moistening, and relaxing herb. It is used for windy, drying conditions when psychological tension, worry, and fear lead to stress and dryness.

Ashwagandha’s stress and fatigue

Ashwagandha is a mild adaptogen that increases the body’s capacity to adapt to stress and its ability to build reserves of energy. However, unlike most adaptogens, it is not stimulating; instead, it is calming. In Ayurveda, it is considered a rasayana herb that rejuvenates worn-down, emaciated, and fatigued people. 

Ashwagandha nourishes the nervous system and balances cortisol levels. A full-spectrum ashwagandha extract was found to reduce cortisol levels in the blood. Some of its components bind to GABA receptors, instigating a calming effect.

The #1 complaint that clients come to me with is fatigue. If you are constantly tired, you need to get to the root cause. Fatigue can mask serious conditions, so taking Ashwagandha instead of going down the rabbit hole and unveiling the root cause might have serious implications. 

Ashwagandha & insomnia 

Ashwagandha is not a nervine sedative that works in acute insomnia but builds its effect after consistent use. 

It is hard to get a good night’s sleep if you have cortisol spikes throughout the night or your endocrine system isn’t producing enough melatonin. Ashwagandha works by stabilizing the endocrine system’s peaks and dips, which helps regulate sleep cycles.

Ashwagandha needs to be used several times throughout the day to even out the endocrine system.

Ashwagandha cognition and mood

Ashwagandha supports cognitive function, memory, and learning. It could be simple forgetfulness or a degenerative disease.

Because Ashwagandha binds to GABA receptors, it can support people who struggle with chronic anxiety.

How to use Ashwagandha

I saw Ashwagandha sold as a tincture. Minerals do not dissolve in alcohol but are better dissolved in water. 

The traditional way of using Ashwagandha is to add a tablespoon to dairy or non-dairy milk, sweetened with a teaspoon of honey, and spiced with chai spices. 

Another way to use Ashwagandha is to take it in capsules. The recommended dosage is two capsules three times daily. 

Use Ashwagandha several times throughout the day to even out the endocrine system.

 Some safety concerns

Ashwagandha is in the Solanaceae botanical family. If you are sensitive to other plants in that family, such as tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers, avoid It.

 Because Ashwagandha affects GABA receptors, it is not to be used alongside Barbiturates and anxiolytics.

 Ashwagandha directly stimulates the thyroid gland, so it should not be used in people with hyperthyroidism.

 Avoid Ashwagandha during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

 Roots are a natural choice when trying to calm a “windy brain.” When you feel a never-ending “gusts” of thoughts that keep you worried and anxious. Roots are grounding, nourishing, and calming.

 For many people, the holiday season is stressful. A good night’s sleep can help you sail through the season stress-free. Here is where herbal roots, specifically Ashwagandha, can be your ally.