Go out for a walk, breathe, have a nice bath.

These are some of the most common tips you are most likely to get when you tell someone you’re feeling anxious.

They do help and ease mild anxiety, and I cannot stress the importance of breathing mindfully for long term anxiety relief.

Though, when your body’s pumping with cortisol after a number of back-to-back sleepless nights, it’s going to take more than blowing bubbles in your bath or a brisk walk to get you back on track.

and No, it doesn’t have to be medications.

There are many natural ways out there, to turn to, that can just as effectively ease your high anxiety.

Though, it’s never a one size fits all approach.

Alas, if your anxiety and cortisol levels are high enough, you will not feel the effect of most natural remedies by more than a tickle.

This was my case during a bout of anxiety and health problems, brought on by chronic insomnia.

My Story

After trying out natural herbs such as Chamomile, Valerian, Passionflower and Lavender, to no effect, it took me a while to find the punch I was looking for.

As sleep deprivation and cortisol took its toll on my body, my testosterone hormone levels dropped to that of a 65 year old man!

Not the ideal situation in my prime.

After countless doctors’ visits and vitamin courses, I decided to research natural ways to boost my hormone levels.

Little did I know I was about to discover the killer blow to not only my hormone issue but also to my anxiety and sleep problems.

My full healing was aided and driven from a lesser known and used herbal gem

…….

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is an Ayurvedic medicine.

In other words it forms a part of the Hindu system of medicine.

Found mainly in Africa and India, it is often used in the Indian culture as a way to increase longevity.

Ashwagandha is an adaptogen, meaning it’s a substance that helps the body and mind adjust to environmental stressors.

The herb comes from the Withania Somnifera plant and many also refer to it as the Indian Ginseng.

The Benefits

Ashwagandha contains withanolides, a group of naturally occuring steroids, shown in tests to suppress cancer cells and act as an antioxidant.

In fact, research also suggests that withanolides hold brain and nerve cell regenerative properties leading to many other benefits.

Early humans knew all along what they were dealing with.

Amongst the claimed benefits on the human body, a 2-3 month course with Ashwagandha:

  • Reduces stress and anxiety
  • Promotes sleep quality
  • Enhances strength, sexual health & testosterone in men
  • Contains anti-cancer properties
  • Lowers cholesterol, blood sugar levels & blood pressure
  • Boosts memory & brain function

Now, each component from the group that forms withanolides attributes itself to Ashwagandha’s effects. 

However, each component is more effective in some parts of the plant than in others.

It’s Safety

Ashwagandha for anxiety or other health issues is very safe for short to long term use.

There are no reported side effects other than nausea or an upset stomach at very high doses above the recommended dose.

Having said that, you’ll find that most Ashwagandha on the market is produced from either the whole plant or extracted from the roots of the plant.

This is because of their tested safe use.

When withanolide components are modified and extracted from the plant individually, they can be toxic at the wrong doses.

You therefore need to be aware as to where your Ashwagandha is coming from.

For example Withaferin A, is a toxic withanolide component which you can find in the leaves of the plant.

Although effective on cancer cells, it can be toxic to the body at the wrong dose.

Hence it’s important to ensure that if you decide to use Ashwagandha for anxiety, it is extracted from either the roots or in its whole form for the most benefits.

Conclusion

Mother nature has a solution to every one of your mental or physical problems. You just have to look for it!

Sadly, it will never be aknowledged by the pharmaceuticals industry, which is a business in itself.

So before turning to meds to get over and ease your high anxiety, give Ashwagandha a try.

You’ll discover, as I did, not only a change in your mental health but lasting changes to your overall health too.

Who knows, one day we may see the older generation take one dose of Ashwagandha instead of the cocktail of meds as an aperitif to dinner.

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