Episode 168:
Ashwagandha for Sleep and Ashwagandha Side Effects

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Would you prefer watching or reading this episode? If so, click here for the 'Ashwagandha Benefits' video and transcript.

Episode Summary

Ashwagandha is one of the most revered herbs in the Ayurvedic tradition, and it’s easy to see why!  This amazing herb can be a wonderful ally if you’re struggling with sleep issues, anxiety, and stress – and even if you’re not.  It’s a wonderfully grounding and rejuvenative herb that, when taken at the right dose, can support your health in so many ways.  (However, it is worth noting that ashwagandha can have some side effects and isn’t for everyone - so be sure to tune in to learn about whether it’s the right herb for you!)

I love to work with ashwagandha, and one of my favorite recipes for it is my Ashwagandha Date Treats.  You can download a beautifully illustrated recipe card for these delicious treats from the  section below!

By the end of this episode, you’ll know:

► How ashwagandha works to help improve your sleep and reduce anxiety

► Who can benefit from ashwagandha – and who should avoid taking this herb

► Why you can’t always rely on the recommended dosage on herbal products you buy at the store

► Five tips for growing and harvesting ashwagandha

► and so much more…

What You'll Learn from This Episode

• [01:09] Student spotlight
• [03:01] Introduction to ashwagandha
• [04:36] Withania somnifera energetics
• [05:11] Ashwagandha for sleep
• [10:12] Ashwagandha and anxiety
• [11:50] Ashwagandha side effects
• [12:44] How to work with Withania somnifera
• [15:38] Ashwagandha for sleep recipe: Ashwagandha Date Treats
• [17:25] Growing and harvesting ashwagandha
• [18:56] Rooted Medicine Circle online course
• [21:29] Herbal tidbit

If you’d like to learn about two other herbs that can help with sleep, check out my solo podcast episode on valerian here, and my interview with Ben Zappin all about California poppy here.

Our online medicine-making course, Rooted Medicine Circle, opens soon! Sign up on the waitlist here and get a sneak peek with our free mini course.

Get Your Recipe Card!

These Ashwagandha and Date treats are not only delicious but also an excellent way to incorporate ashwagandha into your daily routine. Powdering herbs and then using them in a dried fruit or nut or seed butter is just a great way to enjoy herbs without having to use capsules.

For this recipe you’ll need: 

Ingredients:

• 1 ½  cups pitted and chopped dates (approximately 250 grams)
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1/3 cup ashwagandha powder (40 grams)
• 2/3 cup coconut flakes (plus extra for rolling)
• 1/4 cup tahini
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon organic orange extract
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
• 1 teaspoon ginger powder
• pinch of salt

Directions:

1. Begin by soaking the pitted dates in 2 cups (475 mL) hot water for 30 minutes.
2. Strain dates well. (The water can be reserved for cooking sweet rice or oatmeal.)
3. Place the dates and the rest of the ingredients into a food processor. Blend until it forms a consistent paste.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
5. Roll the paste into teaspoon-size balls and roll in coconut.

This recipe was published in my first book, Alchemy of Herbs.

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