Ashwagandha has been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic practice, but is only now becoming widely recognised in modern medicine. This is in large part due to recent clinical studies that have produced strong results, backing up historical claims with hard facts.
Where to start with Ashwagandha? It has a long list of benefits to both humans and pets. Here's just a few:
These are just some of the studied results of Ashwagandha - little wonder it is seen as something of a staple herb in Ayurvedic Medicine. It was first mentioned in the Sushruta Samhita and Charaka texts, which are believed to have been written as early as 1200 BCE - and would have formed part of an even earlier oral tradition.
The name "Ashwagandha" in ancient Sanskrit means 'the smell of a horse', because the dried root quite literally smells like a horse. On top of all this, Ashwagandha is considered an aphrodisiac, and a general health tonic. In traditional medicine, even the leaves are useful, and are dried and turned into a paste for the treatment of wounds and burns.
For dogs, Ashwagandha is used primarily as an adaptogen, which means that it assists the body to mitigate the effects of, and adapt to stress. As a natural alternative, it is considered safe for long term use in pets, avoiding any of the harmful side effects of pharmaceutical antidepressant and anti-anxiety medications.
So if you or your pooch need a little added assistance when it comes to anxiety, stress, or are having trouble sleeping, why don't you try a little of this ancient/ modern medicine? The results may surprise you!
