Ashwagandha – restoring harmony

Ashwagandha is one of my favourite herbs for managing symptoms associated with the perimenopause and menopause. Also known as Winter Cherry, because of its tiny red Autumnal berries, Ashwagandha is one of the most important herbs in Indian Ayurvedic medicine. It’s often used to improve libido and sexual desire; both of which may decrease in the perimenopause.

In herbal medicine, Ashwagandha is considered to be an adaptogen, which is a type of herb known for its ability to help the body adapt to stress and to restore balance. It supports the adrenal glands to function effectively, by nourishing rather than over-stimulating them. This is important as stress hormones are pumped out by the adrenal glands. Ashwagandha has a relaxing, restorative and nurturing effect.

If your sleeping patterns are broken due to night sweats and attacks of night time anxiety, Ashwagandha can help restore restful sleep and reduce fatigue. Its Latin name is Withania somnifera; and somnifera means sleep inducing. Ashwagandha also has a beneficial effect on hot flushes, muscle wasting and weakness. It can act as a uterine tonic, which is particularly useful if your periods become extra heavy in the perimenopause. In addition, it is rich in iron, which is useful to restore your levels following menstruation.

Some women find their thyroid levels fall in the perimenopause, which means the body’s metabolism slows down. Symptoms may include fatigue, lethargy, weight gain, dry skin and hair, low mood; and impaired concentration and memory. Ashwagandha supports the thyroid gland to function more effectively. However, if you have an over-active thyroid, it’s worth checking with your doctor or Medical Herbalist before taking Ashwagandha.

In summary, Ashwagandha is a remarkable herb, which has been used for thousands of years and can help rebalance your body, reduce stress and maintain hormonal equilibrium as you transition through the menopause.

Watch Hannah’s four minute video on Ashwagandha

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