Can You Say "Ashwagandha"?
- Linda Crider
- Jan 17
- 3 min read
Let's begin with how you pronounce the name of this plant whether out loud or in your head by clicking on the link and listening to the first 10 seconds of the following video: ASHWAGANDHA Good! Now if this remarkable herb resonates with you, it will be easier to ask for it at your local health food store.
If you're into natural healing, there's a good chance you've heard of it before now, and perhaps have seen it in formulas along with other herbs considered to be adaptogens. Ashwagandha is one of the most sought after herbs these days by those wanting to support their adrenal glands to manage the effects of stress (this would likely include most of us living on the planet!). It has come to the attention of western medicine from the 5,000+ year old Ayurveda healing system, and its name actually means "smells like a horse." Well yes, it sort of does, so you can understand why many herbalists prefer the alternative translation "strong like a horse" which sounds a lot more appealing.
This herb indeed does help with building strength, endurance, and healthy immunity while at the same time it promotes relaxation. Adriana Ayales, creator of the Herbal Astrology Oracle Deck (featured in this month's card above), best explains such a somewhat contradictory reputation by pointing out that Ashwaghanda falls under the guardianship of both the sun and the moon. It's worth quoting her exact words:
"Ashwagandha is ruled by both the sun and the moon. It is a strengthening, regulating, immune protective, anti-aging, and mood-boosting embodiment of the energetics of the Solar archetype. At the same time it provides restful sleep, deep relaxation, nervous system nourishment and restoration, all of which are embodied by the Lunar archetype."
That's quite a twofer!
This explanation sheds some light on why I found myself so often suggesting this herb to customers back in my health food store days. I wasn't aware of it then, but now that I've learned to look deeper than just the physically healing abilities of such plants, I can see there's more to the story. The key word from Adriana's quote is"energetics," which involves looking at the plant's metaphysical properties that compliment its physical actions.
By restoring a calm balance of body and mind, Ashwagandha offers the potential for
greater clarity and the ability to access "higher levels of consciousness and spiritual breakthroughs." It makes sense when you consider that by reducing the effects of stress and anxiety, we can feel more at peace with ourselves. This allows the freedom to explore our inner beings and to discover what Vedic healers refer to (in Sanskrit) as our "dharma" or sense of purpose.
This brings us back to January's plant medicine card and how Ashwagandha is presented with the word "Purpose." The idea of determining one's purpose ("why am I here?") can seem daunting. It's a subject that introduces a whole new discussion beyond this post, but it's helpful to know that there's a plant that offers some guidance. I believe it involves responding to what makes your heart sing and being open to the ways you can express this. The upcoming new moon in the sign of Capricorn provides quiet energy to begin this process.
When contemplating your own dharma, consider Adriana's words to describe this plant's gentle assistance:
"Ashwagandha reminds us that it is not necessary to fully know the entirety of your purpose in order to pursue it...Even if you've lost touch with your"why,"remain open to the mystery of the journey. Stay focused and playful. Keep following the signs."
As always, thanks for letting me share my thoughts and journey with you. I welcome your input, so if you want to submit a comment, scroll down to the bottom of this post. If you are interested in booking a personal session, you can do this here:
You can also contact me via email at: my.plant.allies@gmail.com
For now, here's wishing you wellness, wisdom and bloomin' vibes
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