This fall, experiment with ashwagandha to feel calm, steady, and stable. This season of transition from the hot summer into cold winter brings about big changes in both your world and your body. It can be very stressful on your system. If you notice a little bit of anxiety creeping into your mind as you move into fall, or find it difficult to sleep, ashwagandha can keep you steady, energized, and stress free.
Feel Energized yet CalmDoes fall have you feeling fatigued and frazzled? Ashwagandha means "strength of a horse," suggesting its ability to make you feel strong, sturdy, and focused when you are feeling tired in the middle of the day. It won't, however, make you feel jittery or anxious like a cup of coffee. Ashwagandha is a tonic for drained adrenals, replenishing your storehouse of energy so you can be productive, alert, and clear up your mind.Helps you SleepAshwagandha is the perfect herb for fall insomnia because of its sleep-inducing qualities. Grounding and soothing to your nervous system, it relaxes your body and mind so you can drift easily into sleep, even while winds whip quickly outside and thoughts turn over and over in your mind. Thanks the repair and rejuvenating abilities of ashwagandha, your sleep will become more beneficial so you wake up fresh and strong.Soothes Sore MusclesThe introduction of cold weather causes your muscles to tighten up and maybe even become sore. Ashwagandha nourishes your muscles so they stay loose and flexible. A little dose of Ashwagandha in your life can help keep your muscles comfortable and pain-free, especially when things start feeling tight and sore.For more information, or to purchase ashwagandha click here: BROWSE SIMILAR ARTICLES BY TOPICHEAVYHeavy is identified by sedation, sluggishness, or increased weight.HOTHot is identified by increased body temperature, metabolism, or inflammation.OILYIn Ayurveda, oily refers to anything moistening. More specifically, oily refers to building substances that increases fat, or are themselves fatty. For example, sugar is Oily.ASTRINGENTAstringency is characterized by constriction, drawing together, or drying.BITTERBitter is disagreeable and stimulates rejection. It is a strong taste often associated with black coffee, dark chocolate, and most salad greens.OJASOjas is the essence of healthy tissue, immunity, stable energy and happiness. Substances that improve ojas are recommended after long-term illness, debility, emotional and physical trauma, and even sadness.TAMASICTamasic foods promote rest, sleepiness and stillness. Examples include wheat, mushrooms.ANTI-AGINGGeriatric conditions typically involve low agni / metabolism, poor circulation, weakness & debility, muscle weakening, poor digestion, a drop in sex hormones, and connective tissue degradation in bones & skin.BOOSTS-GABAGABA, or gamma-aminobutyric acid, reduces nerve excitability. It is the body's primary inhibitory neurotransmitter. Thus, it promotes relaxation, calm, and sleep.PROGESTERONICProgeserone is the pregnancy hormone. It raises body temperature (Pitta), and suppresses menstruation. It is generally more extroverted.TESTOSTERONICAndrogenic. Stimulates testosterone.ADRENAL-TONICStrengthens, supports, or increases output of adrenals.ALTERATIVERestores the proper function of the body by cleansing the blood and balancing blood chemistry. In Ayurveda terms, they pacify Pitta in rakta. They were traditionally used to revitalize and detoxify after a long winter.ANALGESICPain reliever, reduces pain without eliminating sensation. Also known as anodyne.ANTI-INFLAMMATORYReduces inflammation in the body. Different herbs and carriers target different body systems.ANTICARCINOGENICHerbs that inhibit or prevent the activity of a carcinogen or the development of cancer.ANTIDEPRESSANTHerbs that lift feelings of depression, benefit the mind and improve mental function.ANTIOXIDANTAn antioxidant is a molecule that inhibits oxidation. Oxidation is a chemical reaction that can produce free radicals that lead to a chain reaction causing damage or death to cells. Antioxidants terminate these oxidation reactions.ANTIPYRETICReduces a fever / febrifuge.ANTIRHEUMATICAntirheumatic herbs help to ease and prevent arthritis and rheumatism. Many are also anti-inflammatory, analgesic, detoxicants and blood thinners. Antirheumatic herbs deal with problems involving the painful, stiff, swollen joints, and fatigue.ANTISPASMODICHerbs that reduce or inhibit muscle spasms or cramping, such as in asthma, menstruation, hear palpitations, migraine, or IBS.ANXIOLYTICHerbs that help people suffering from anxiety or panic. They promote a state of calm and often improve sleep. Most anxiolytic herbs are also nervines.BRAIN-TONICAn herb that strengthens the brain, thereby improves either mental function, stamina, or stability.GALACTAGOGUEIncreases production of breast milk, often by raising prolactin and diaphoresis.IMMUNE-CALMINGHerbs that interrupt an allergic reaction or calm the immune system, useful in allergies and autoimmune conditions.URINARY-TONICAn herb that tonifies and strengthens the urinary system. These can be helpful for urinary incontinence or improving function after a urinary tract infection. They can also strengthen the bladder to ward off a urinary tract infection.UTERINE-TONICAn herb that tonifies and strengthens the uterus. Helpful for menstrual difficulties and fertility. Often herbs that increase ojas, but also circulation to reproductive system.VULNERARYAn herb used for the treatment of wounds (antiulcer, connective tissue tonic).ABORTIFACIENTAn abortifacient is a substance that induces abortion. These herbs are contraindicated in pregnancy.ADAPTOGENHerbs that promote stabilization of physiological processes and homeostasis. Adaptogens increase the body's ability to resist the damaging effects of stress and promote or restore normal physiological functioning.APHRODISIACHerbs that increase sexual arousal through various actions including increased circulation, relaxation, stimulation, or tonics that strengthen glandular health.BLOOD-TONICAn herb that produces more blood cells in the body, or otherwise improves blood cell quality or hemoglobin content. Helpful for anemia and other types of deficiency.BONE-TONICAn herb that strengthens the bones and joints.BUILDS-SEMENHerbs that increase the production of semen, often by rebuilding fluids in general.MUSCLE-TONICHerbs that strengthen and tone muscle tissue. Helpful for people recovering from long term illness and debility, or after a sprain.NERVINEBalances the nervous system. They can help with stress, memory, early alzheimer's, and even chronic pain. Often they are aromatic in nature.NUTRITIVEAn herb that is strengthening and nourishing.PROMOTES-VIRILITYEncourages virility and potency.SEDATIVESedative herbs create a sense of calm in the mind and body by specifically calming or quieting the nervous system. Excellent for anxiety, stress and chronic pain.TONICA tonic herb restores function through strengthening tissue. This can happen through a combination of nourishing the tissue, and invigorating tissue metabolism. The tonic should not be withering, as in caffeine.BUILDS-STAMINAPromotes strength, endurance and resistance in the body. Rebuilds weak tissues after a time of depletion.DIURETICHerbs that promote urine formation, thereby flushing the kidneys and urinary tract while eliminating any excess water retention. As diuretics reduce water retention, they are often used to reduce blood pressure.NERVE-RELAXANT-GROUNDINGEncourages feelings of stability and heaviness. Makes you feel settled, mentally relaxed. Mildly sedates the nervous system to ease stress. Can bring a spacey or anxious person back to earth. Reduces agitation, irritation, stress and racing thoughts.RELIEVES-TENSIONAn herb that releases tightness, constriction, and rigidity in a muscle.STRENGTHENS-RESOLVEIncreases determination and courage by reducing stress and building strength.MUSCLE-RELAXANTHerbs that relax muscles. Helpful for chronic pain or tension as well as healing from physical trauma.My Saved Articles | Most Popular About the Author John Immel, the founder of Joyful Belly, teaches people how to have a healthy diet and lifestyle with Ayurveda biocharacteristics. His approach to Ayurveda is clinical, yet exudes an ease which many find enjoyable and insightful. John also directs Joyful Belly's School of Ayurveda, offering professional clinical training in Ayurveda for over 15 years.John's interest in Ayurveda and specialization in digestive tract pathology was inspired by a complex digestive disorder acquired from years of international travel, as well as public service work in South Asia. John's commitment to the detailed study of digestive disorders reflects his zeal to get down to the roots of the problem. His hope and belief in the capacity of each & every client to improve their quality of life is nothing short of a personal passion. John's creativity in the kitchen and delight in cooking for others comes from his family oriented upbringing. In addition to his certification in Ayurveda, John holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Harvard University. John enjoys sharing Ayurveda within the context of his Catholic roots, and finds Ayurveda gives him an opportunity to participate in the healing mission of the Church. Jesus expressed God's love by feeding and healing the sick. That kindness is the fundamental ministry of Ayurveda as well. Outside of work, John enjoys spending time with his wife and 6 kids, and pursuing his love of theology, philosophy, and language. STUDY AYURVEDA
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