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Ashwaganda (Withania)
I've heard that Ashwaganda is a herb which can be good for anxiety and depression, is this true?
The Ayurvedic herb Ashwaganda is also known as Ayurvedic Ginseng, Indian Ginseng, Winter Cherry or Withania. The Botanical name for this herb is Withania somnifera and it is grown in India, North Africa and the Middle East.
In regards to using Ashwaganda in depression, it is a herb which is commonly used as a tonic for the nervous system to help alleviate anxiety, depression and nervousness and bring about feelings of wellbeing.
Ashwaganda is used in India similar to the way Ginseng is used in Asia, its properties are similar. However Ashwaganda tends to be more nourishing and milder compared to the stimulating effects of Ginseng. Some herbs which blend well with Ashwaganda to reduce nervous system tension and ease depression are Oats, Passionflower, Siberian Ginseng, Licorice, Astragalus, Sacred Basil, Magnolia, Skullcap and St Johns Wort.
Therapeutic actions of Ashaganda (Withania)
- Adaptogen (kidney tonic) to increase stress resistance due to its effect on reducing Cortisol (stress hormone) production in the adrenals in response to stressors.
- Supports the emotional aspects of nervous system exhaustion (panic attacks, low sense of wellbeing, nervousness, depression, anxiety)
- Exhibits mild sedative qualities
- Warming and tonifying
- Immune enhancer
- Aphrodisiac
- Antianxiolytic, adaptogen, antistress, antidepressant
- Anti-inflammatory
- Liver protective
- Mild sedative
- Antispasmolytic