Ashwagandha: An adaptogenic Rasayini

In Ayurveda, Ashwagandha is a “rasayini,” a rejuvenating plant that restores the body to its optimal health and balance through its “prabhava” – ultimate property – of “balya,” – (strength). “Bala” can address mental, emotional, spiritual, or physical strength. The word “ashwagandha” is made up of “ashwa” – Sanskrit for “horse” and “gandha” for “smell.” Vaidya Mishra explains that the word “gandha” can also mean “essence of” or “character.” Ashwagandha is thus named because it is said to bestow the essential character of a horse, in terms of its stamina and ability to easily cope with ever increasing workload. Recent scientific findings confirm the statements of the ancients verses, demonstrating that Ashwagandha can be a wonderful mental, emotional and physical rejuvenator, particularly enhancing one’s ability to handle mental stress.ashwagandha-bsp(1)

Scientists call Ashwgandha an “adaptogenic” herb – this means it helps the body adapt to and cope with daily stress, helping us maintain normal levels of cortisol. Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced and released in our bodies by the adrenal glands in response to stress. Prolonged cortisol secretion due to repeated daily stress can result in unwanted physiological imbalances such as:
increase in blood sugar levels,
suppression of the immune system,
decrease in bone formation that may result in osteoporosis,
reduction in the absorption of calcium in the intestine,
loss of collagen which is necessary for connective tissue to support the structure of the body and the muscle tissue,
inhibition of protein synthesis,
stimulation of gastric acid secretion,
inhibition of sodium loss,
inhibition of memory functions,
increase in blood pressure,
impairment of the hormonal and reproductive systema,
inhibition of overall metabolism resulting in unduly weight gain
and many more imbalances.
This is why, even though the release of cortisol in our body is a natural way to help us cope with stress, unchecked levels of cortisol can result in serious chronic dis-ease or imbalance. What’s the solution?
Life itself, let alone stressful situations in life, cannot be controlled! The key then, lies in our response to stress. But this cannot just be a mind-over-matter thing. Stress awakens primordial mechanisms of chemical response in our brains and our bodies, so telling yourself you are going to “stay calm and carry on”(!) will not suffice to re-establish chemical balance.
This is when Ayurveda can help the most. This is when the specific properties of specific plants can come in to reset our chemical brain and body balance to help us cope. This is when the use of ashwagandha, or better yet, Ashwagandha along with a few other plants, happily combined in a balanced herbal synergy, can help you stay on top of things, so you can see yourself through a stressful situation and come out on the other end of the tunnel having accomplished what you set out to do.

Vaidya Mishra’s newest formulation is an oral mist or spray that works literally within seconds, as it delivers the intelligence of the herbal synergy through transmucosal delivery, supporting the mind to cope with day-to-day stress. The oral mist contains the “intelligence” of the herbs in homeopathic doses, making the formula even easier to be accepted by the stressed physiology. StressFree

What it contains:
Ashwagandha: the famous adaptogenic plant to help the mind and nervous system settle down and not overreact in response to high stress
Gotu Kola, also called “mandook parni” in ayurveda, is a kind of “brahmi”  (Bacopa monnieri). It shares in the “medhya” properties of “brahmi.” “Medhya” means a plant that supports the mind’s activity in all its aspects, by increasing the coordination amongst the 3 aspects of the mind: dhi, dritti, and smritti.
dhi: increases the power of acquiring knowledge;
dritti: is the power of retaining or storing knowledge;
smritti: is the power of recalling knowledge.  When dhi-dritti-smritti are functioning optimally, the mind is able to cope with stress optimally as well. And the opposite is also true.
Bacopa Monnieri in Ayurveda is called “aindri.” It is another kind of brahmi that is very cooling and has a relaxing effect on the mind. It is also known for supporting the functioning of dhi-dritti-smritti, like Gotu Kola.
Jatamansi (Nardostachys) is a famous ayurvedic herb, similar to Indian Valerian, known for being a great antidote for mental stress.

This unique combination of 4 reputed herbs, along with an easy-to-use fast delivery system will help you relax, as well as give you a more alert and sharp mind, so you can handle the stress that’s coming your way, as Vaidya likes to say, like an expert surfer looks for and rides the big waves, instead of dreading them!

Disclaimer

The sole purpose of this blog is to provide information about the alternative healing modalities of Shaka Vansiya Ayurveda (SVA) as practiced in Vaidya Mishra's ancestral family tradition. The information contained herein is not intended for use in the diagnosis, prevention or cure of any disease. If you have any serious, acute or chronic health concern, please consult a licensed health professional who can fully assess your needs and address them effectively. Otherwise, for more information, you may call Vaidya Mishra's Prana Center toll free in the USA at 1.888.3CHANDI (888.324.2634). or 1.818.709.1005 globally, or email us at: info@prana-center.com. You may also visit: www.vaidyamishra.com, or www.chandika.com

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