Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha, also known as winter cherry, is a powerful medicinal herb that has incredible adaptogenic properties that can significantly reduce stress related conditions such as adrenal fatigue, adrenal exhaustion, and heart and kidney problems. Ashwagandha is a rich source of minerals including zinc, iron, calcium, magnesium, vanadium, copper, and cobalt. It is an effective immune boosting herb that has the ability to increase white blood cell count and prepare the body to produce antigens to fight against different infections and allergies. Ashwagandha is also excellent for improving the function of the brain and neurotransmitters which can aid neurological conditions such as brain fog, migraines, tremors, tics and spasms, restless leg syndrome, chronic nerve pain, and shingles. Ashwagandha also is beneficial for the thyroid as it helps the body produce thyroid hormones which can increase energy, metabolism, and promote a balanced sleep cycle. Ashwagandha has been shown to improve oxygen flow and usage on a cellular level which is very beneficial for those suffering with breathing problems such as COPD and asthma as well as for athletes looking to increase their endurance and strength while training. It is also highly beneficial for depression, anxiety, insomnia, anemia, candida, type 2 diabetes, and autoimmune disorders such as fibromyalgia, lyme disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, and Guillain-barre syndrome. Historically, ashwagandha has also been used as a natural infertility treatment. Ashwagandha can be taken as a tea by adding 2 tsp of dried to herb to 1 cup of boiling water and allowed to steep for 10 minutes or more. Ashwagandha can also be found online or at your local health food store in tincture, capsule, extract, powder, or tea form.