3 Ways to Use Ashwagandha for Postpartum Anxiety
Ashwagandha for Postpartum Anxiety Benefits
Not sure how to use ashwagandha while breastfeeding? Today, we're going to talk about the benefits of ashwagandha, how to know if it's safe for you, and three ways to integrate it into your diet.
We focus on the root causes of insomnia, heart palpitations, mood dips, and even postpartum rage. If you're interested in this, make sure to join my 5-day email challenge, "Feel Calm," to uncover the reasons behind insomnia, anxiety, and depression after birth, and learn how to feel joy, calm, and focus once again.
I'm on a mission to help you uncover and address the root causes of your symptoms after birth by focusing on diet, the right supplements, and herbal and homeopathic remedies to soothe your nervous system quickly.
Today, we're talking about ashwagandha benefits. In "The Present Mama," we discuss the adaptogen and nervine combination, and ashwagandha is an adaptogen. Adaptogens help prevent burnout and take us out of fight-or-flight mode, helping the body modulate stress.
Let's discuss the benefits of ashwagandha, particularly for women's health. In Ayurvedic medicine, it's considered a rasayana, promoting youth, longevity, and alleviating suffering. It's known to give you strength and stamina, likely because it improves sleep quality, leading to more energy. Ashwagandha was life-changing for me in shifting out of postpartum depression.
Ashwagandha Benefits for Women
Ashwagandha can help regulate your thyroid and adrenal glands, particularly for hypothyroidism, though this is debatable among herbalists. Combining tinctures, like ashwagandha and motherwort, might not affect hyperthyroidism as much. After birth, your thyroid can fluctuate, so monitor your symptoms and consult with your doctor.
Additional benefits of ashwagandha include helping with anxiety, fatigue, cloudy thinking, and insomnia. It's rich in iron, making the powdered form helpful for those with low iron levels. It can also relieve muscle pain and might even boost your milk supply by soothing your nervous system.
Understanding the properties of ashwagandha is important. It's bitter, warm, and drying. If you're feeling dry or run hot, it may not be the best choice for you. Adaptogens should match your unique qualities and the time of your life.
Is Ashwagandha safe while breastfeeding? Researchers Simon Mills and Kerry Bone list it as lactation category C, meaning it’s compatible with breastfeeding. Dr. Aviva Romm also suggests it's safe. However, in high doses, it might cause tummy upset, diarrhea, or vomiting. Always combine botanicals carefully.
Who should avoid Ashwagandha? Herbalist David Winston suggests avoiding it if you have a sensitivity to the nightshade family or if you have hyperthyroidism. Consult with your doctor, especially if you have autoimmune conditions.
How to consume ashwagandha:
Tincture: 30-40 drops, 2-3 times a day, diluted in water. Start with one dose and adjust based on how you feel.
Capsules: 400-500 mg, twice a day. Ensure you buy from a reputable company.
Powder: Mix with water, ghee, or honey. Traditionally taken with warm milk before bed to boost milk supply and induce sleep.
If you think you can try Ashwagandha or have concerns, let me know in the comments. Join my free 5-day email challenge to get to the root cause of your symptoms and feel like yourself again.
xo
