Today’s herb is Ashwagandha

Ancient medicinal herb classified as an adaptogen which simply means it can help your body manage stress.

One of the most important herbs in Ayurveda and often referred to as Indian ginseng or winter cherry.

Although scientific research is limited, but ashwagandha can carry the following benefits:

  • can reduce blood sugar levels
  • might have anti-cancer properties
  • can reduce cortisol levels
  • may help reduce stress and anxiety
  • can boost testosterone and increase fertility in men
  • may increase muscle mass and strength
  • can increase activity in immune cells fighting infection
  • may lower cholesterol and triglyceride
  • can improve brain function

Ashwagandha is safe to take for most people, but the following groups should avoid:

  • pregnant and breast feeding ladies
  • people with autoimmune diseases unless authorized by a healthcare or medical professional
  • people with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and type 1 diabetes.

If in doubt, s ever, please seek advice from a healthcare or medical professional.

Ashwagandha can be found in powder or capsules format with dosage depending on the varying concentration of the herb.

Today’s spice is Anise

Anise has a history of use as a spice and fragrance and has been cultivated in Egypt for at least 4,000 years.

Recordings of its diuretic use and treatment of digestive problems and toothache are seen in medical texts from this era; and in ancient Greece it was used to helps breathing, relieve pain, provoke urine, and ease thirst.

Anise oil has been used commercially since the 1800s and since then it is widely used in food, soap, creams, and perfumes.

Anise can have the following benefits and uses:

  • it is widely used as a flavoring in all food categories including alcohols, liqueurs, dairy products, gelatins, puddings, meats, and candies
  • can decrease bloating and settle the digestive tract and widely used especially in paediatrics.
  • in high doses, it is used as an antispasmodic and an antiseptic and for the treatment of cough, asthma, and bronchitis
  • anise oil can be used for the treatment of lice, scabies and psoriasis
  • it is rich in iron for blood cell production and has small amounts of manganese, a key mineral that acts as an antioxidant and is necessary for metabolism and development
  • may reduce symptoms of depression
  • can protect against stomach ulcers
  • can help relieve menopause symptoms
  • can contribute to balancing blood sugar levels

Anise is safe to take for most people, but the following groups should avoid:

  • pregnant ladies
  • women with breast cancer and endometriosis (due to its oestrogen mimicking properties

If in doubt, s ever, please seek advice from a healthcare or medical professional.

Anise can be found in the format of dried seeds, powder, capsules and also as an oil with dosage depending on the varying concentration of the spice.

Follow our A – Z of herbs and spices by the wonderful Krissy Billiczky our resident nutrition explorer and trainer.