Ashwagandha

Stress. We all experience it (some of us more than others), and in this day and age it seems hard to escape. What if I told you there is a magic little pill that can help you deal with life's annoying little bumps in the road in a natural and totally supportive way?

Ashwagandha. It has been used in aryuvedic medicinal practices for thousands of years for a variety of ailments but is currently gaining popularity as a support for those experiencing chronic stress.

What is it?

It's an adaptogenic herb in the same family as the tomato that can be grown in India, the Middle East and Northern Africa, but also can be grown in the U.S.

How does it work?

Since it's an adaptogenic herb, it helps you do just that - adapt. The environment around us is constantly changing and this nifty little herb will help you to approach life in a more level-headed fashion.

What are the benefits?

Too much stress can cause all kinds of trouble - anxiety, depression, fatigue, just to name a few. Ashwagandha can help alleviate these, plus protect your body from the negative effects of stress, lower cholesterol, stabilize blood sugar, help your immune system and improve memory.

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms I first, of course recommend you make sure you're eating a balanced diet and eliminating as much stress from your life as possible. However, if you have done that and still need something to help you cope, this is a great choice. It is quite literally a "chill pill" that will make you feel more relaxed about life but not drugged or groggy in any shape or form. I highly recommend this herb for parents of young children (particularly those that are up several times in the night). Ashwagandha is typically taken in pill form and is available through a variety of sources. Personally, I have used this brand and found it to work the same day as taken.