Being busy is a status symbol and "Inbox Zero" is the best feeling ever. It’s no wonder that stress, fatigue, and burnout are increasingly common.
Thankfully, the wellness world understands the far-reaching toxic effects of stress on the body. (We see you, inflammation, brain damage, genetic expression, and lowered immunity.)
That's where adaptogens, such as ashwagandha, come into play.
Before diving into all of ashwagandha's benefits for women - let's recap what it is quickly.
What is Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha, also known as “Indian winter cherry” or “Indian ginseng”, has become a staple in today's alternative medicine.
While it’s having its trendy moment, ashwagandha has been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine to boost the immune system, soothe and enhance the nervous system, and promote longevity and vitality.
This adaptogenic overachiever positively affects almost every system in the body. It's been used as an aphrodisiac, narcotic, diuretic, anthelmintic, astringent, thermogenic, stimulant, and everything in between.
The antidote to our current stress epidemic.
What are Adaptogens?
Adaptogens are herbs that protect the body from the toxicity of stress by bringing it back into homeostasis.[1]
Ashwagandha's list of superpowers goes on, but we’ll dig into a few of ashwagandha’s most notable benefits for women below.
Key Benefits of Ashwagandha for Women
1. Nature's Chill Pill
Stressed? There’s an adaptogen for that.
One of ashwagandha’s most touted benefits is its ability to create more balanced energy. Dr. Frank Lipman relates its adaptogenic capabilities to that of a thermostat:
When the thermostat senses that the room temperature is too high it brings it down; when the temperature is too low it brings it up.”
Ashwagandha recognizes when the body is in a state of stress and brings it into balance by reducing cortisol (a hormone responsible for controlling stress and optimizing metabolic function) and balancing glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain.[2],[3]
As a result, many of those gnarly side effects of chronic stress — insomnia, anxiety, chronic fatigue, etc. — subside.
2. Brain Power
Another major perk of ashwagandha’s ability to support and enhance the nervous system is amped up, clearer brain power.
As it normalizes imbalances in the body, ashwagandha can simultaneously calm the nerves and boost energy.
By allowing your body to utilize oxygen more efficiently, it enhances all aspects of cognitive function, including focus, concentration, and memory.[4]
3. Immunity Boost
Under conditions of chronic stress, our bodies break down because our immune systems are compromised
If you’ve come down with a cold or flu during a high-stress period, you know there’s no amount of vitamin C or echinacea to lessen the blow of a taxed immune system.
It’s no surprise, then, that when ashwagandha swoops in and saves the day on the stress front, it’s also doing double duty to boost your immunity. When you nix chronic stress, your immune system can carry out its protective duties a whole lot better.[5]
4. In Your Femme Flow
Stress plays a major role in regulating the sensitive reproductive hormones that impact fertility, libido, and healthy menstruation.[6]
Ashwagandha’s role in stress reduction is closely tied to its support and enhancement of women’s reproductive health.
Mineral-dense ashwagandha enhances communication within the complex endocrine system — strengthening the adrenal glands, reducing cortisol, and increasing the production of blood.
The increased blood flow and regulated hormones have a positive effect on libido and menstrual health and can also aid in fertility.[7]
In Conclusion, Stress = The Worst
The moral of the story is something we’ve kind of known all along: stress is a huge hindrance to your overall health.
The light at the end of the tunnel?
Ashwagandha’s all-star, stress-combating, superpowers. This herb is the ultimate win in helping us fight the good fight against stress and the many ways it wreaks havoc on our bodies.
So, how do I get some?
If you're jonesing for a little DIY action or are really into kitchen chemistry, there are a handful of ashwagandha powders out there that can be measured and mixed with whatever you like - from smoothies to coffee, you name it.
As with most supplements, there's also the tablet option. If, however, you're not a huge pill person nor do you really feel like buying a jar of every adaptogen out there and playing Marie Curie we've got a solution for you.
Our vegan pre-workout powder and organic greens both contain ashwagandha - and a whole slew of other good things! (Not to mention flavors worth bragging over.) Just sayin' - why do more work than you have to?
*Note that ashwagandha (and all adaptogens) harmonize our bodies with regular use over time — so while their powers are potent, they must be used regularly.