December 20, 2023
3 min read
When it comes to adaptogens, there’s no question that ashwagandha is probably the most well-known. And for good reason!
In recent years it’s been well-researched and with an impressive phytochemical profile, this adaptogenic herb is widely praised for its abilities to support our bodies' stress response, bolster immunity, support heart health, improve mood and energy levels—and combat systemic inflammation.
As a key ingredient used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years, ashwagandha is also commonly known as Withania somnifera as well as Indian ginseng or winter cherry. While we have previously incorporated ashwagandha into some of our topical formulas due to its high levels of antioxidants which support collagen formation and combat free radical damage—with the launch of the LAMAV Ayurvedic Beauty Powder, we have now been able to harness its incredible abilities to holistically support health, beauty and wellbeing from within by including it in our exclusive Ayurvedic Beauty Blend™.
Here’s how it works…
It’s adaptogenic
As a collective, adaptogenic herbs are considered powerful tools in helping the body to respond, cope and adapt to stress. They work by encouraging our body’s systems to come back into balance—subsequently enhancing our ability to handle any stressors that come our way, no matter their source.
What’s incredible about ashwagandha in particular, is its dual ability to both energise and calm at the same time. By helping to reduce cortisol levels and support adrenal health, research shows that ashwagandha can improve our resistance to stress and overall quality of life. Given that stress can also negatively impact other aspects of our health and wellbeing—such as our sleep quality, anxiety levels (see below), energy, mood and even our skin—by using ashwagandha as an effective tool to manage stress, we can experience a myriad of benefits.
It supports glowing skin
For healthy, glowing skin we need to ensure we consume an abundance of antioxidants daily—and thanks to its rich antioxidant profile, ashwagandha ticks all the boxes! It not only aids with collagen formation, but it is also loaded with catechins (potent phenolic compounds), making it a free radical scavenging powerhouse. Given that free radical damage is a key contributor to ageing of both the skin and body, incorporating this beauty-boosting adaptogen into your daily routine can help you to stave off the effects of inflammageing.
It helps to balance blood sugars
There are now several studies which indicate that ashwagandha may help to reduce blood sugar levels in both healthy people—and those with diabetes—indicating that supplementation with ashwagandha may influence our health in ways we hadn’t before considered. As our blood glucose levels are directly impacted by what we eat, ashwagandha may be a helpful addition for those who battle with blood sugar balancing issues.
It fights inflammation
With demonstrated anti-inflammatory abilities, ashwagandha helps to decrease inflammation by bolstering what’s known as natural killer cells—the immune cells which act in our defence and enhance the body’s immune response. There is also evidence that suggests ashwagandha can help to decrease inflammation markers—including the C-reactive protein (CRP), which is linked to an increased risk of heart disease.
It reduces anxiety
We already know that ashwagandha as an adaptogenic herb can help our body better respond to stress—but studies have also shown that it can actually support those with anxiety disorders, too. One study showed how participants reported not only a reduced stress response after supplementing with ashwagandha for 60 days, but also a reduction in feelings of anxiety and insomnia. It works by helping to calm the nervous system—encouraing the body to maintain homeostasis.
It supports brain health
While human studies are limited, there is evidence to show that ashwagandha may also help to support brain health and memory due to its powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Given impaired brain function is often linked to oxidative stress and inflammation, ashwagandha can help to scavenge free radicals and reduce the damage caused by oxidative stress.
Find ashwagandha in our new Ayurvedic Beauty Powder—for improved vitality, inner calm, health and wellbeing.
