“Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare. ”
Did you know that May is Mental Health Awareness Month? Yep, it’s a thing and has been a thing since 1949 when established by Mental Health America, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping folks achieve mentally healthier lives. Now in its 89th year, this year's theme is fitness #4mind4body, which is all the way up my alley and partial inspiration for this blog post.
If you’ve been following the headlines as I’ve been, you’re probably already aware of the madness that has ensued in recent weeks:
Black celebs are finally publicly on board to #muterkelly
America’s Dad, Bill Cosby was convicted
Kanye’s “free thought” has everyone in their feelings
Rudolph Giuliani’s big mouth
The Starbucks arrests in my hometown, Philadelphia
I’m not going to let you all in on my business, but trust and believe there are plenty of things going on in my actual life as I'm sure there are in many of yours.
Of course, I strive to juggle all the things with a smile and with as much grace as humanly possible but… WOO SAH. Doing the most is stressful, wears you down, and sometimes grinning and bearing it doesn't cut it.
I'm pretty sure I'm not alone with feeling overwhelmed, so here is a quick run-down on one of my favorite go-to herbs to help me maintain my sanity and sexy.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
Ashwagandha is a member of the Solanaceae family, is native to India, Africa, and the Mediterranean, and has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for over 3,000 years. Ashwagandha is classified as an herbal adaptogen, which means it helps the body adapt to stress.
When I’m taking my own advice, I use this magic root to help me deal with insomnia associated with an inability to quiet my racing mind. Yes, my mind is on the move, especially at night when I’m free to think in peace. It’s a blessing and a curse....
Luckily, ashwagandha doesn’t leave me feeling drowsy or sluggish the next morning, and I can continue two-stepping through life.
Known as ‘Indian Ginseng’ I use this herb when I find myself in ‘beast mode’, and I’m trying to sustain my ‘momomentum’ as I like to call it (which is pretty much all of the time)! I like adding a teaspoon of the powdered herb to my morning smoothies along with maca root and cinnamon powder, for a cognitive and physical boost! This is a nice combo for folks who are run-down, sleepless and stressed.
Shine Alert: Ashwagandha will step-up your beauty routine too!
Applied topically as a poultice, it heals minor wounds.
It protects the body against the effects of aging
Increases collagen in the skin
Reduces hair loss
Reduces premature graying
Oh Yes, There is More: Ashwagandha Improves...
Strength and endurance
Cognitive function
Healthy weight management during stress
Male sexual dysfunction
And the list goes on...
Geek Out:
Read a study on ashwagandha, healthy weight management, and stress!
Need I say more? Probably so....
Use with caution during pregnancy.
Ashwagandha is safe when taken within the recommended dosage.
People allergic to plants in the Solanaceae family should use with caution.
Have fun playing with herbs at home! Make sure you are using high-quality products at the right doses. Be safe out there, friends! Make sure your herbs are safe to use with your current medications. If you're interested in a customized herbal medicine plan or want to know how herbs can help you hit me up or contact your local friendly herbalist!
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-Xoxo Momo
