Ashwanganda, Mind-Body Balance

I love the changing seasons; the fall weather is so invigorating. This unique time of year blends the expansive fire energy of the summer with the descending energy of early fall. Fall is a time of harvesting, of pulling in and building up energy reserves for winter. Fall is a time to listen to your body, reflect on your life’s direction, and make changes where they are needed, it is a good time to plan and evaluate your goals. Like the ripening of the plants on the vine, the fall energy calls us to complete projects and bring our goals to fulfillment.

If your energy feels out of balance during this season it may be because you have been spending too much time in your head, thinking and over analyzing our thoughts and have been out of touch with your body. The late summer energy calls us to return to our central core, to nourish our bodies and mind and bring forth our life force energy from within us. This is a time to take care of "you", to nurture yourself, and to meditate on your goals and the new directions you might like to take. Reach for the creative power of this season to envision ways to turn your obstacles into opportunities. Like the falling leaves from the trees, allow for a letting go of old, in order to make way for transformation and growth.

Ashwagandha herb has a history of use in Ayurvedic medicine for 5000 years. It is a powerful herbal adaptogen which can help you to re-center your mind and body in the fall season. Adaptogen herbs help your body adapt to stress, increase energy and stamina, and help build a healthy immune system. A well reported scientific study showed that when subjects were given KSM-66 ashwagandha (the same species that Nature’s Sunshine uses) for a period of 60 days, their cortisol levels reduced by 27 per cent! In addition to combating stress and anxiety, ashwagandha improves memory and focus, and has anti-inflammatory properties. Another wonderful benefit of ashwagandha is that is considered an aphrodisiac. It has been shown to increase testosterone levels, benefiting both men and women: improving sex drive, sexual enjoyment and performance. Ashwagandha has been shown to improves vaginal dryness and has often been referred to as female Viagra.

NSP’s Ashwagandha formula also contains a combination of Bacopa, Black pepper fruit extract, Schisandra and Rhodiola extract. Bacopa is a powerful adaptogen herb which improves memory, sharpens cognitive function, protects against long term memory loss and reduces anxiety and depression. Black pepper fruit extract increases the absorption of the herbs and nutrients in the formula, it is also being studied for its effect of enhancing cognitive function and lifting depression. Schisandra is known as a Harmonizing Tonic in Chinese Medicine, as it balances energy levels and increases vitality. Rhodiola is well known for reducing physical and mental fatigue and lifting moods. What a great combination of supporting herbs.

At Nature’s Sunshine’s National Convention, they launched Ashwagandha extract in standardized form. 600 mg. (of extract) per capsule. Extracts are approximately 4 times stronger than a whole herb capsule. The Ashwagandha in this formula has been sustainably and organically raised, and is non-GMO, yeah!

Disclaimer: We do not directly dispense medical advice or prescribe the use of herbs or supplements as a form of treatment for illness. The information found on this Web Site is for educational purposes only to empower people with knowledge to take care of their own health. We disclaim any liability if the reader uses or prescribes any remedies, natural or otherwise, for him/her or another. Historically all of these herbs & vitamin supplements may nutritionally support the body’s biological systems. Please consult a licensed health professional should a need be indicated.