If you are looking for a natural way to relax and rejuvenate, you might want to try ashwagandha tea. Ashwagandha is an ancient herb that has been used for centuries in Ayurveda, the traditional medicine system of India.
Ashwagandha has many benefits for physical and mental health, and it is easy to prepare and enjoy as a tea.
The Short History of Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a shrub that grows in dry regions of Asia and Africa. Its name comes from Sanskrit, meaning "smell of horse", because of its strong aroma and its ability to impart strength and vitality. Ashwagandha has been used for over 5,000 years in Ayurveda, one of the oldest holistic health systems in the world.
Ashwagandha has also been used in other traditional medicine systems, such as Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, and folk medicine. It is known by different names in different cultures, such as asgandh in Persian, amukkara in Tamil, and winter cherry in English.
There is a long tradition of it being valued for its adaptogenic properties, meaning it can help the body cope with stress and restore balance. It has been used to treat various conditions, such as inflammation, insomnia, anxiety, depression, arthritis, asthma, diabetes, and more.
The Benefits of Ashwagandha Tea
Ashwagandha tea is made from the dried roots or leaves of the plant. It has a bitter and earthy taste that can be sweetened with honey or sugar. Ashwagandha tea has many benefits for both physical and mental health. Some of the benefits are:
- Reduces stress and anxiety: Ashwagandha tea can lower cortisol levels, the stress hormone that can cause anxiety, insomnia, and mood swings. It can also enhance mood and cognitive function by increasing serotonin and dopamine levels, the neurotransmitters that regulate happiness and motivation.
- Boosts immunity: Ashwagandha tea can stimulate the production of white blood cells and antibodies that fight infections and diseases. It can also reduce inflammation and oxidative stress that can weaken the immune system.
- Improves energy and stamina: Ashwagandha tea can increase physical performance and endurance by improving oxygen delivery to the muscles and organs. It can also reduce fatigue and enhance recovery after exercise.
- Supports hormonal balance: Ashwagandha tea can regulate the production of thyroid hormones that control metabolism and growth. It can also balance sex hormones that affect fertility, libido, and reproductive health.
- Promotes sleep quality: Ashwagandha tea can induce relaxation and calmness by activating the GABA receptors in the brain that inhibit nerve activity. It can also improve sleep quality by reducing stress and anxiety that can interfere with sleep.
How to Make Ashwagandha Tea
There are different ways to make ashwagandha tea depending on your preference and availability of ingredients. Here are some simple recipes you can try:
- Boil one cup of water in a pot.
- Add one teaspoon of dried ashwagandha root or powder.
- Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Strain and enjoy.
We love to pair ashwagandha with herbs like mint, licorice root, and fennel. It makes a great drink for a mid afternoon break for us to energize our minds as we move into afternoon work. This is also one of the few herbs we feel has had the most impact on our mental and physical health.
Our Tea
When it comes to picking the right tea for the right moment, it is really up to your preferences. However, we recommend if you want a relaxing moment to unwind, stay clear of caffeinated teas.
Our blend Bear Hug and Reishi Realms are perfect for an afternoon and evening and are filled with ashwagandha.
If you like something lighter and uplifting, try our Time to Smile and its partnership with ashwagandha.
For a great bedtime tea, or a tea for a moment of stress and anxiety, try our Cozy Chamomile. It’s formulated with powerful herbs to help with mental health.
Precaution
When drinking herbal tea for anxiety or stress, it's important to remember that it's not a substitute for professional help. If you're struggling with mental health issues, it's important to seek help from a qualified healthcare provider. Herbal tea can be a supportive addition to your treatment plan, but it's not a replacement for professional care.
Citations
- Link -Adaptogenic and Anxiolytic Effects of Ashwagandha Root Extract in Healthy Adults: A Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Clinical Study
- Link - What are the benefits of ashwagandha?
- Link - An investigation into the stress-relieving and pharmacological actions of an ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract
- Link - Review of human trials - an alternative treatment for anxiety
- Link - safety and clinical effectiveness - Safety and clinical effectiveness of Withania Somnifera (Linn.) Dunal root in human ailments.