Why do people take Ashwagandha? Consuming this Ancient Medicinal Herb has many benefits. Let us look into various aspects of this widely used herb.
It is a highly used herb in Ayurveda and has various benefits for your body.
Ashwagandha is a Sanskrit name that initially means "Smell of the Horse'. It refers to its distinct smell and unique ability to enhance strength.
It is also called Indian Ginseng and Winter Cherry, probably because it is accepted as an adaptogen or tonic in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. It is part of Ayurvedic, Siddha, and Unani traditions and is also listed in the Indian Materia Medica.
It benefits both the body and the brain. Ashwagandha has shown remarkable results in improving brain function and increasing concentration.
It contains a very high amount of withanolides which fight tumor growth and inflammation. In addition, it's known to lower blood sugar, reduce stress levels and help with anxiety or depression.
1. Why Do We Use Ashwagandha?
2. How Much Ashwagandha Should You Take?
3. Health Benefits of Ashwagandha
4. Disadvantages of Ashwagandha
5. The Final Say
6. FAQs
Natively found in India and Southeast Asia, the plant of Ashwagandha has small bushes and yellow flowers. Its roots and leaves are used to treat anxiety and fertility issues. In addition, the plant is beneficial in improving several conditions.
It is also harvested on farms, but the plants grown in forests are preferred for extracting oil. It contains steroidal lactones called withanolides.
Ashwagandha's pharmacological activities are attributed to these steroidal lactones presence. Besides, the roots provide:
Excess stress increases the cortisol level, storing abdominal fat faster than usual. It also elevates blood sugar levels. Many studies have proven that it helps to reduce inflammation and prevent several diseases.
Studies show that Ashwagandha can reduce cortisol levels in the body by 30%.
It boosts testosterone levels in men, promoting muscle gain and fat loss. It is also a fantastic fitness supplement for gym-goers and athletes.
Considering the multiple benefits of this plant, it is no wonder it is one of the most valuable herbs in Ayurveda.
Ashwagandha has no standard dose, some people use 1-6 grams of this herb daily, and others mix at least 3 grams of Ashwagandha with milk. Standardized extracts are also available in syrup, powder, and tablets for convenient usage.
Ashwagandha has shown calming effects on anxiety compared to the drug lorazepam, a sedative and anxiety medication. It significantly reduces stress levels by lowering cortisol, a stress hormone.
Ashwagandha also acts as a pain reliever by obstructing pain signals from reaching the central nervous system. It contains the compound WA (withaferin A), which makes it a natural painkiller.
It may also reduce inflammation due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
The majority of people use Ashwagandha to boost or improve their heart health as it-
According to research, the extract from the roots of Ashwagandha can enhance cardiorespiratory endurance, improving heart function.
It is a perfect supplement for improving athletic performance.
According to some studies, it has been found that consuming Ashwagandha enhances oxygen consumption (VO2 max) which is the maximum oxygen a person needs while doing an intense activity. It's a measurement of heart and lung fitness. Additionally, Ashwagandha may help increase muscle strength.
It improves many mental health conditions, including depression.
For a study, people were told to take Ashwagandha 1,000 mg for 12 weeks for depression and anxiety instead of Placebo (a drug prescribed for depression). People found it more beneficial.
Some studies have shown Ashwagandha supplements to benefit male fertility and increase testosterone levels. It also helps in increasing sperm count for men.
Taking Ashwagandha may benefit cognitive function. It improves cognitive functioning in specific populations, including older adults with mild cognitive impairment and people with schizophrenia.
Effects On Cognitive Functions
Researchers noted that compounds found in Ashwagandha, including WA, have antioxidant effects on the brain, which may benefit cognitive health.
Ashwagandha's most common side effects are uncomfortable gastrointestinal symptoms, nausea, upset stomach, and diarrhea.
While studies found that Ashwagandha may help you sleep better at night, drowsiness can be an unwelcome side effect for some users, interrupting day-to-day tasks and making driving uncomfortable.
It may lead to insomnia or lack of sleep. Avoid eating it during the night because it makes the brain active and can cause problems like sleeplessness.
Ashwagandha can reduce your BP. It is recommended to avoid it if you have low BP.
Excessive use of it may cause fever, fatigue, and pain.
Overuse can cause stomach disorders.
If you intake Ashwagandha excessively, vomiting and nausea may also be unwanted side effects.
With various health benefits, Ashwagandha is an ancient medicinal herb used to manage or treat multiple medical conditions.
It helps in reducing stress and anxiety. It even improves cognitive skills for certain people.
Q. Is Ashwagandha safe for women?
A. Yes, it is safe for both men and women. But women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid the intake of Ashwagandha.
Q. Can we mix Ashwagandha with water?
A. You can mix ashwagandha roots with water, milk, and other liquids. The traditional way to take Ashwagandha is with warm milk, honey, and ghee.
Q. Can vegetarians or vegans take Ashwagandha?
A. Yes, it contains only plant material.
Q. Is Ashwagandha gluten-free?
A. Yes, Ashwagandha is gluten-free
Q. Does Ashwagandha have any smell or odour?
A. Ashwagandha powder has a strong odour, as described by many people as "horse-like", which is exactly like the meaning of the name Ashwagandha "horse scent."
About ToneOp
TONEOP is a platform dedicated to improving and maintaining your good health through a comprehensive range of goal-oriented diet plans and recipes. It also intends to provide value-added content to our consumers.
Android user- https://bit.ly/ToneopAndroid
Apple user- https://apple.co/38ykc9H
Very informative blog... Understood a lot about ashwagandha and it's health benefits.
ReplyYour email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Is ashwagandha beneficial for diabetes?
ReplyYour email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Wow itz a natural weight gainer.i will definately try this herb.
ReplyYour email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Didn’t know it had side effects too, will surely be careful now
ReplyYour email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Wow, Nice tips & very informative, Keep it up!
ReplyYour email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Thanks for sharing such an amazing health blog.
ReplyYour email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *