My passion for Ashwagandha
My passion for Ashwagandha, also known as Withania somniera, started when I met an Ayurvedic doctor in Sri Lanka. The praise he gave this traditional herb inspired me to start using it myself.
Ashwagandha is an exceptional Indian botanical that has been used in the traditional Ayurvedic system of medicine as a ‘rejuvenative’ tonic for over 5000 years. Indeed, it is purported to support many a symptom, but its most impressive is its ability to support resilience to stress, both physiological and psychological.
Both the scientific studies on this magnificent plant to date, coupled with my experience in clinical practice, have meant that this has become my ‘adaptogen’ of choice when it comes to supporting a return to balance, whether that imbalance has been caused by external stresses or from internal changes such as inflammation or hormonal fluctuations.
What does Ashwagandha do?
Ashwagandha has many benefits. It is seen as a GABA mimetic, meaning it is effective at reducing symptoms of heightened anxiety, stress and supporting focus and mental well-being.
The provenance of any herb, botanical or nutrient is deeply important to me. KSM-66® Ashwagandha is an incredible form, organically certified, grown and ethically harvested from an organic farm in the southern region of India. The extraction process is unique too, using a pioneering ‘green extraction process’ without the use of solvents or alcohol and maintaining a high quality full spectrum of actives within the plant.
Over 32 scientific studies have been conducted on KSM-66®, supporting its use in anxiety, depression and stress, as well as statistically significant improvements in memory, cognition, immunity, sports endurance and recovery and promoting libido in both men and women. Indeed, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials have shown an average reduction in serum cortisol levels of 27.9% and a lowering of DASS scores for depression and anxiety of 71.6% over eight weeks.
They have also shown that KSM-66® facilitates choline production in the body, which in turn influences key memory processes and enhances telomerase activity that may be responsible for anti-ageing activity. Studies demonstrate its ability to improve sperm concentration and motility by 167% and 57% respectively, and improve macrophage function, which in turn increases the body's immune defences against pathogens and immune-suppressed diseases.
Ultimately, working in synergy with your body to provide the natural support you need and deserve, Ashwagandha helps you to move freely with the ebb and flow of life’s adventures…
