Ancient Herb Combats Stress

You know the feeling. You feel wired. You feel on edge. Your blood pressure rises.

Your adrenal glands begin to pump out cortisol, the stress hormone. You feel a momentary burst of energy that quickly escalates into heart-thumping anxiety.

But what does all this have to do with cravings? A lot, actually.

Here’s the quick equation: Stress = Cortisol = Sugar or Carb cravings.

[shareable cite=”Connie Bennett on Crushing Monday”]One awesome herb can de-stress you.[/shareable]

If cravings strike when you’re stressed out, consider taking the Indian herb ashwagandha, which Ayurvedic practitioners have prescribed for several thousand years to relieve anxiety, stress, insomnia, menstrual cramps; and balance female hormones.

The word “ashwagandha” means “smell of horse,” alluding to another benefit — it can give the user the vigor and strength of a stallion, according to The Chopra Center. (Ashwagandha increases DHEA, which you need for a healthy libido.)

What you’ll find helpful if you get wired and if you get big huge cravings is that according to research, it helps combat anxiety and creates a feeling of calm by lowering serum cortisol levels.

Please Note: Before you take this herb, bear in mind that you should first consult your health care provider. Also know that the FDA has not tested this herb for safety.

If you decide to try ashwagandha to unwind, a general dose is 300 mg to 600 mg twice a day, taken with food. To determine whether ashwagandha is working for you, it helps to keep a daily cravings journal so you can track your cravings.

Caution

  • While ashwagandha is generally considered safe, it may cause vaginal bleeding in some women.
  • Plus, among pregnant woman, it can cause miscarriage when taken in large doses. Therefore, pregnant women should avoid this herb.
  • Also don’t take ashwagandha if you’re sensitive to plants in the nightshade, or Solanaceae, family. (Other such plants include tomatoes, eggplants, potatoes, green and red peppers).

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