Organic Ashwagandha Root Powder

Ashwagandha has been used for thousands of years in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. In Sanskrit, ashwagandha translates to "smell of horse” as it’s said to give the individual consuming the herb the vitality and strength of a horse (!) among many other health benefits, more on that below.

Ashwagandha is part of the nightshade family, a shrub that produces small red fruit. It is native to the dry regions of India, northern Africa, and the Middle East, and also grown in more mild climates, including the United States.
The extract is taken from the root and fruit of the plant and typically ingested in pill or powdered form. In powdered form, it tastes slightly bitter, so it makes for a great superfood addition to smoothies and warm lattes.
I personally love to add superfood powders like Ashwagandha to energy balls (see recipe below) for a nutritional boost in a healthy snack.Now, let’s go over some of those health benefits!

Health Benefits of Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is considered a potent adaptogen. Adaptogens are herbs (and some mushrooms) known to help the body manage stress and “adapt” to the exact needs of the individual consuming them. Other adaptogens include ginseng, reishi mushrooms, holy basil, schizandra, milk thistle, and aloe vera.
Ashwagandha has the unique ability to help calm the adrenals. When it comes to our stress hormone, cortisol, levels are naturally supposed to rise and fall in periods of stress and relaxation. However, in our modern society, we spend our days under high stress more often than not. We’re experiencing raised cortisol levels due to work, commuting, news, current events, from constant incoming texts, emails,

social media notifications and more. By reducing stress and anxiety, the adaptogenic properties of Ashwagandha can help lower cortisol levels, sustain energy throughout the day, prevent restlessness and insomnia in the evening and promote restful sleep. Ashwagandha is also a source of iron improving red blood cell production, and antioxidants necessary to help protect our bodies from oxidative stress. It is also said to have anti inflammatory properties and has been beneficial in treatments for rheumatoid arthritis. Other benefits of ashwagandha include lowering blood pressure, managing blood sugar in those with and without diabetes and boosting the immune system. Always choose a well sourced, organic ashwagandha like Root Alive Organic Ashwagandha Root Powder. Disclaimer: Ashwagandha is generally considered safe, but is not recommended for use by pregnant or breastfeeding women. Remember to speak to an expert about dosage before incorporating ashwagandha in your diet. Discontinue use if you experience headaches, drowsiness or stomach upsets

Ashwagandha Truffle Energy Balls

Ingredients

1 cup organic rolled oats
½ cup creamy natural peanut butter
2 tbsp organic coconut oil, melted
2-3 tbsp pure maple syrup or honey
2 tbsp coconut flour
1 tbsp hemp seeds
2 tsp Ashwagandha powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp cacao powder (for rolling)

Method

Mix all ingredients together in a food processor. Using a tbsp measure and roll into small balls. Roll each ball through cacao powder. Place balls in a container and let set in the fridge for at least an hour. Store in the fridge for up to a week.

Katherine Krivanek, R.H.N.
Kat Krivanek Nutrition
www.katkrivaneknutrition.com

Instagram: @katkrivaneknutrition