Ashwagandha - The Herbal Alternative to Anti-Anxiety Medications

Ashwagandha, the Indian herb with the difficult-to-read-name, is also known as "Indian Ginseng", "Winter Cherry", or by its Latin name, "Withania Somnifera" - which literally means "sleep-making".

For more than 4000 years, this plant which hails from the same family as the round, red tomato, has been used medicinally for a number of disabling illnesses. In Sanskrit, its name means "horse smell". This gives a strong hint to its curative properties as a health and longevity encourager. But recently, it has also been considered one of the more powerful anti-anxiety medications in natural medicine.

In the ancient medical tradition of Ayurveda (long believed to be the mother of, both, Chinese and Indian medicine), Ashwanganda is considered a "rasayana herb" or an herb that promotes increased health and longevity. Originally, its berries and roots were used to treat sexual dysfunction in both men and women and to encourage a wakeful appearance. But recent US and European studies have shown early suggestions that Ashwagandha can be used effectively and safely to treat anxiety and the anti-inflammatory symptoms of arthritis. In fact, long-term studies have shown its effectiveness even as an anti-malarial, as a treatment to reduce brain cell degeneration, and as a stabilizer of blood sugar. Google any online health magazine and you are sure to find an article about this tea or herb as a proven effective treatment for generalized anxiety disorder or GAD.

When combined with almond oil and rose water, it can be used as a facial toner or make-up remover. As a tea, it can be consumed as a muscle relaxant and an anti-inflammatory agent. It has a nutty, hearty flavor which can be pleasantly mixed with the natural powerful sweetener, Stevia, as an after dinner tea. Taken three times a day at regular intervals, Ashwagandha tea can significantly reduce the symptoms of anxiety. It is an excellent deterrent to winter blues and to the seemingly never-ending stress of the holiday season. Sip a cup while wrapping gifts, signing holiday cards, or even while at a party with family and friends. Be sure to offer a box of the tea from a high quality health food store as a gift to an overworked co-worker or family member. They will not regret their gift from you.

Ashwagandha, in large quantities, has some mild side effects. It can cause temporary blurry vision and mild nausea. However, compared to its conventional counterparts in traditional medicine, Ashwagandha does not have the extreme and often toxifying effects of regular anti-anxiety meds, like Lorazipam or Wellbutrin. In fact, Ashwagandha has some similar effects on the nervous system as that of the herb Kava Kava, but it has no known ill effects on the liver, as large and excessive quantities of Kava Kava has been known to have caused in rare cases.

Rather than grab another cup of highly caffeinated coffee or a cholesterol-rich glass of eggnog this season, enjoy the mild, but pleasant and relaxing effects of Ashwagandha tea - a safe and calming alternative to a busy winter season.