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Natural Awakenings Central New Jersey

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Roots: Restore Health with ASHWAGANDHA

by Dr. Michael La Mastro

When looking for a botanical to rejuvenate and restore health, consider ashwagandha (withania somnifera). This revered Ayurvedic tonic is known to positively impact mood, memory, cardiovascular and metabolic health. 

In Ayurvedic medicine, ashwagandha is considered to be a rasayna, a Sanskrit word meaning “path of essence”. Rasayanas stimulate the body toward health by boosting energy levels, immunity and intelligence as well as fight disease.

Research supporting its benefits is growing. A recent study of men participating in resistance training showed improvement in muscle mass and strength with a decrease in oxidative stress compared to placebo. In a randomized double-blind placebo controlled trial ashwaganda was shown to significantly reduce the severity of symptoms in individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

The minimum dosage by which ashwaganda was observed to be effective was at 125mg daily, but greater benefits were observed at increased dosages.

In healthy adults subjected to mental stress, treatment with ashwaganda was observed to reduce hypertension, fasting, blood sugar, triglycerides and low-density lipid proteins (LDL) cholesterol. This success was accomplished with dosages as low as 125mg twice daily.

Ashwaganda has been shown to be effective and well tolerated in human studies, however, it is a member of the night shade family and concerns should be exercised for individuals with documented night shade sensitivity.

As seasons change our bodies may experience many challenges to our moods, energy levels and immunity. It is at these times that we look for additional support in the area of a supplement or other intervention. The addition of this adaptogenic herb to regular exercise, rest and a balanced diet may be the solution to help maintain vitality through the winter. 

Dr. Michael La Mastro is a holistic practitioner and owner of Be Well Live Well Health & Wellness Center located at 66 Woodport Rd., in Sparta. For information, call 973-729-7803 or visit DrLaMastro.com.


In-Print November 2019 Ayurvedic medicine ashwagandha botanical Plant Medicine
Tick Talk

Spring officially sprung on March 21. We have turned our clocks ahead. We are looking forward to warm winds, sunny skies and the smell of fresh cut grass. The daffodils and tulips have recently bloomed and we are just starting with the yard work that comes with the warmer weather.  Sadly, another season has started ramping up.  Tick season.

•             The best form of protection is prevention. Educating oneself about tick activity and how our behaviors overlap with tick habitats is the first step.

•             According to the NJ DOH, in 2022 Hunterdon County led the state with a Lyme disease incidence rate of 426 cases per 100,000 people. The fact is ticks spend approximately 90% of their lives not on a host but aggressively searching for one, molting to their next stage or over-wintering. This is why a tick remediation program should be implemented on school grounds where NJ DOH deems high risk for tick exposure and subsequent attachment to human hosts.

•             Governor Murphy has signed a bill that mandates tick education in NJ public schools. See this for the details.  Tick education must now be incorporated into K-12 school curriculum. See link:

https://www.nj.gov/education/broadcasts/2023/sept/27/TicksandTick-BorneIllnessEducation.pdf

•             May is a great month to remind the public that tick activity is in full swing. In New Jersey, there are many tickborne diseases that affect residents, including Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis, Ehrlichiosis, Lyme disease, Powassan, and Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiosis.

•             For years, the focus has mainly been about protecting ourselves from Lyme disease. But other tick-borne diseases are on the rise in Central Jersey. An increase of incidence of Babesia and Anaplasma are sidelining people too. These two pathogens are scary because they effect our blood cells. Babesia affects the red blood cells and Anaplasma effects the white blood cells.

•             Ticks can be infected with more than one pathogen. When you contract Lyme it is possible to contract more than just that one disease. This is called a co-infection. It is super important to pay attention to your symptoms. See link.

https://twp.freehold.nj.us/480/Disease-Co-Infection

A good resource from the State:

https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/topics/tickborne.shtml

 

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