Ashwagandha has had a big year. Ever since this powerful supplement made waves on the wellness side of TikTok, it’s been a highly sought-after herb for its healing benefits. With stress levels at an all-time high, it’s nice to know that there’s a supplement that helps soothe our minds and put our anxieties at ease.
If ashwagandha is new to you, you may be curious about what it is and the benefits it can provide your body and mind. Look no further because we’re breaking down all the facts you need to know about this powerful super herb.
What is Ashwagandha?
Herbal adaptogen Ayurvedic medicine, otherwise known as ashwagandha.
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Ashwagandha, scientifically known as Withania somnifera, is a popular herb in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, which is one of the world's oldest holistic healing systems and is commonly referred to as Indian ginseng or winter cherry.
Ashwagandha has a long history of use in traditional medicine for various purposes, including promoting vitality, longevity, and overall well-being. It is classified as an adaptogen, which means it may help the body adapt to stress and maintain balance.
The Health Benefits of Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha Benefits: Stress and Anxiety Reduction
One of the most well-known benefits of ashwagandha is its potential to reduce stress and anxiety. Because it is considered an adaptogen, it may help the body adapt to and manage stress. Studies suggest that ashwagandha may lower cortisol levels, a hormone released in response to stress.
Improves Mood and Mental Well-Being
Ashwagandha is believed to have mood-stabilizing properties. Some research indicates that it may help alleviate symptoms of depression and improve overall mental well-being. It is thought to influence neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin, which play a role in mood regulation.
Enhanced Cognitive Function
There is evidence to suggest that ashwagandha may support cognitive function and memory. Some studies indicate that it may have a neuroprotective effect, helping to safeguard the brain from oxidative stress and inflammation.
Ashwagandha is believed to have mood-stabilizing properties and is believed to play a role in mood regulation.
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Ashwagandha Benefits: Improves Quality of Sleep
According to Health.com, studies have shown that taking ashwagandha may help people sleep better. In a study involving 29 individuals with insomnia, those who took 300 mg of ashwagandha twice daily exhibited significant improvements compared to a placebo group of 19 individuals. The group taking ashwagandha experienced faster sleep onset, spent more time asleep while in bed, and reported better overall sleep quality.
Ashwagandha Benefits: Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Ashwagandha has been studied for its potential anti-inflammatory properties. Chronic inflammation is associated with various health conditions, and Ashwagandha may help modulate the immune system's response, potentially reducing inflammation in the body.
How To Take Ashwagandha
The upside to trying ashwagandha is that it comes in a variety of different forms to fit your needs — from supplements and capsules to powders and liquid extracts.
While Ashwagandha is generally considered safe for most people when used as directed, it's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional before adding any new supplement to your routine, especially if you have underlying health conditions, are pregnant, breastfeeding, or are taking medications.
According to experts, a 300-milligram dose of ashwagandha is a safe place to start; any larger doses could potentially lead to side effects like vomiting and diarrhea. To maximize the balancing effects of ashwagandha, it is suggested to take smaller doses in the morning, on an empty stomach.
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The origin of the word "discipline" can be traced back to the Latin word "disciplina," which means "instruction" or "teaching." Over time, however, discipline has come to be synonymous with punishment, with parents relying on shame, fear, and/or physical pain to curb undesirable behavior.
Teaching takes time, so nipping it in the bud in whatever fashion parents deem necessary (within reason) has become the norm. But is this what’s best for children? And when does it become less about curbing undesirable behavior and more about getting our licks back for offenses we feel our children should know better to do?
In my work as a parenting coach, I’ve often heard parents say, “I asked him nicely three times before spanking him. He didn’t stop doing it until I did, so clearly talking doesn’t work.”
And the parent isn’t wrong. Talking often doesn’t work the first, the third, or the even the 10th time. And the reason is directly tied to brain development.
Children cannot and do not process information the way an adult can. Auditory processing is not fully developed until a child is 14 or 15 years old. And even then, if a child has auditory processing delays or Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), they may always struggle with processing auditory commands. According to Susie S. Loraine, MA, CCC-SLP, the term auditory processing refers to how the brain perceives and interprets sound information. Several skills determine auditory processing ability—or listening success. They develop in a general four-step hierarchy, but all work together and are essential for daily listening.
Without this understanding, discipline can easily become revenge because parents will then view their child’s misdeeds as a personal slight. Instead of teaching them to do better, parents now want to show them the consequences of not doing better. This is why it's imperative for parents to discern between discipline and revenge to maintain healthy relationships with their children.
5 WAYS TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN PARENTAL GUIDANCE AND RETALIATION:
Understanding The Intent
Discipline is rooted in love and concern for the child's well-being. It focuses on teaching lessons and helping children understand the consequences of their actions. Conversely, revenge-driven actions stem from a desire to inflict pain or punishment as payback for perceived slights or disobedience. Parents should reflect on their motives before taking disciplinary actions. Ask yourself whether your intention is to help your child learn or to make them suffer for upsetting you.
Example: If a child accidentally breaks a valuable item, a disciplinary response would involve discussing the importance of being careful and working with the child to come up with a way to replace or fix what they’ve broken. On the other hand, a vengeful reaction might involve yelling, harsh punishment, or bringing up past mistakes to intensify guilt.
Maintaining Emotional Regulation
Effective discipline requires parents to remain calm and composed, even in challenging situations. It's natural to feel upset or frustrated when children misbehave, but responding with anger or resentment can escalate the situation and blur the line between discipline and revenge. Before addressing the issue, take a moment to breathe and collect your thoughts.
Example: If a child cannot follow instructions, a disciplined response would involve calmly explaining why their cooperation is necessary in working with the child to accomplish the goal. Conversely, a retaliatory response might involve shouting, name-calling, or resorting to physical punishment out of anger.
Promoting Growth and Learning
Discipline should always aim to promote growth and learning. It involves guiding children toward making better choices and understanding the impact of their actions on themselves and others. Effective discipline strategies include positive reinforcement, setting clear expectations, and providing opportunities for reflection and growth.
Example: If a child repeatedly forgets to complete their chores, a disciplinary approach would involve discussing the importance of responsibility and finding solutions together, such as creating a chore chart or setting reminders with Siri or Alexa. In contrast, a revenge-driven response might involve imposing overly harsh punishments or belittling the child, which can undermine their self-esteem and hinder their ability to learn from their mistakes.
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Building Trust and Communication
Trust and open communication are essential components of a healthy parent-child relationship. Discipline should strengthen this bond by fostering trust and encouraging children to confide in their parents without fear of judgment or retaliation. When children feel safe and supported, they're more likely to accept discipline as a form of guidance rather than punishment.
Example: If a child admits to breaking a rule or making a mistake, a disciplined response would involve listening to their perspective, discussing the consequences of their actions, and working together to find a solution. Conversely, a retaliatory response might involve accusations, blame, or shutting down communication, which can erode trust and damage the parent-child relationship.
Seeking Professional Guidance
Parenting is a learning journey, and, disciplining children is a delicate balance between guiding them toward responsible behavior and nurturing their growth. By understanding the intent behind our actions, maintaining emotional regulation, promoting growth and learning, building trust and communication, and seeking professional guidance when needed, as parents we can help our children built on love, respect, and understanding.
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