Stress.
In moderation, it is an evolutionary tool that helps us survive challenging times. In overabundance, however, it slowly wears down the systems in our bodies.
According to writer James Lee, author of “The Methuselah Project”, nothing ages your brain more quickly than cortisol. Did you know that when a brain cell comes into contact with a certain level of cortisol (aka STRESS), it very literally shrivels and dies?
I hope I’m not stressing you out. ;)
It is well known that stress is the root of a countless number of health issues. Overwhelming stress in our busy lives can leave us feeling devitalized, fatigued and susceptible to illness.
Chronic Stress leads to:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Weight problems
- Autoimmune disease
- Skin conditions
- Reproductive issues
- Pain
- Heart disease
- Digestive problems
- Sleep problems
- Cognitive and memory issues
- Premature aging
- … and more!
In a chronically stressed-out world, what is one to do?
Ashwagandha: The Anti-Stress, Healing Herb
Ashwagandha, one of the most powerful herbs in Ayurvedic medicine, has an incredible ability to help our bodies cope with stress.
A study published in the “Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine” shows that Ashwagandha achieves a highly significant reduction in stress and anxiety and serum cortisol levels. In fact it was able to reduce cortisol up to 27.9%!
In a similar, unpublished study by NutraGenesis LLC, participants with particularly high levels of cortisol were given extracts of Ashwagandha. Along with their cortisol levels dropping up to 26%, participants reported:
- Increased energy
- Reduced fatigue
- Better sleep
- An enhanced sense of wellbeing
Yet another fascinating study showed that when rats were exposed to chronic stress, 85% of their brain cells had signs of degeneration. When given Ashwagandha, this degeneration decreased by 80%.
Research shows that ashwagandha has a particularly strong effect on the nervous system and can calm down the areas of the brain that are worn down due to prolonged stress. Ashwagandha helps keep nerve cells from over-firing, which creates a naturally calming effect on the mind and body.
How To Use Ashwagandha
Because of the unbeatable benefits ashwagandha provides, we chose it as one of our main ingredients in Organifi Green Juice Powder.
In third party clinical trials, our very own Organifi Green Juice has been shown to support healthy cortisol levels when taken as recommended - two servings per day or more.
You can also find ashwagandha in capsule form, powder form and as a liquid extract. You can mix ¼-½ tsp of the powder form into an evening tea or other beverage.
Ashwagandha Latte Smoothie Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tsp ashwagandha root powder
- 1 tbsp roasted dandelion root
- 2 cups nut milk
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp Holy Basil powder
- Ice cubes
- 1-2 scoops vanilla plant protein powder
Directions: Mix all ingredients together in a blender until smooth. Add more or less ice depending on desired consistency.
Conclusion
Stress is one of those things we all deal with at some point in our lives. But if you can’t remember the last time you were NOT stressed… it might be time to rearrange your priorities.
Your health has a more dramatic effect on your life than almost anything else. Take care of yourself so you can live to your full potential.
I hope you find ashwagandha as rejuvenating and healing as I do!
