Ashwagandha, also known as Indian ginseng or winter cherry, is an herb that has been used for centuries to boost energy, improve health and reduce inflammation. It is part of a class of herbs called adaptogens that promote balance between the body, mind and spirit.
Studies have shown that ashwagandha can help reduce stress, anxiety and depression. Some early research has even found that it can improve sleep quality.
1. Adaptogen
Adaptogens have been used as herbal medicine in ayurvedic practices for centuries. They’re a group of herbs, roots and mushrooms that help the body cope with stress, reduce inflammation and balance hormones. They’re typically non-toxic when consumed in the recommended doses, but you should always consult with your doctor before starting any supplement.
Traditionally, adaptogens have been used for a variety of health concerns including insomnia, aging, anxiety and many others. They can be taken as supplements or added to your diet. They’re not regulated by the FDA and aren’t a substitute for standard care, but they could provide a natural way to improve your health.
Ashwagandha is also an anti-inflammatory herb that can reduce inflammatory markers in your body. In one study, adult participants who took an ashwagandha extract had lower levels of C-reactive protein than those who took a placebo.
It’s important to note that while these studies are promising, more research is needed. For example, there haven’t been enough studies to know how ashwagandha might benefit people with Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s.
Another ashwagandha benefit that’s worth looking into is its ability to increase VO2 max, which is how well your heart and lungs can supply oxygen to your muscles during physical activity. This can be particularly helpful for athletes who want to maximize their performance.
Ashwagandha is a good choice for anyone who wants to boost their energy and mental focus, enhance sleep, boost immunity, or reduce inflammation and fatigue. This calming herb can also be a great addition to a wellness routine that includes regular exercise, meditation and a healthy diet.
2. Antioxidant
Ashwagandha, also known as Indian ginseng, is an antioxidant that supports stress relief and reduces anxiety. It also improves sleep and cognitive function.
As an antioxidant, ashwagandha protects cells from free radical damage. This can prevent chronic oxidative stress, which can lead to premature aging and degenerative diseases. It also helps boost the immune system, preventing disease-causing agents from reaching cells in the body.
Studies show that ashwagandha can lower levels of cortisol, which is a stress hormone that causes fatigue, depression, and weight gain. It can also help regulate the release of thyroid hormones.
The herb can also reduce inflammation in the body. This can help prevent and treat conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, and arthritis.
It can also promote heart health and decrease the risk of developing heart disease and cancer. In one study, people who took ashwagandha for three weeks experienced a reduction in cholesterol levels and triglycerides. The herb also decreased the rate at which triglycerides and cholesterol were deposited in the liver.
In a 2015 study, ashwagandha improved cardiorespiratory endurance, or maximum oxygen consumption (VO2 max). VO2 max is a measurement of how much oxygen your body uses during exercise. Low VO2 max is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease and premature death.
In addition, ashwagandha has been shown to increase testosterone levels and support thyroid health in men. This can help them fight fatigue and boost energy levels, which are important for physical performance.
3. Anti-inflammatory
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), also known as Indian ginseng or winter cherry, is an adaptogenic herb that helps the body deal with stress. It is also a powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immune system support.
It is an important component in Ayurvedic medicine, which is based on the philosophy of homeopathy and uses herbs to treat various ailments. Ashwagandha root powder is used to treat a number of conditions such as arthritis, headaches and sprains. It is also used for increasing energy and strength.
The leaves, flowers and seeds of ashwagandha have anti-inflammatory properties that reduce inflammation throughout the body. This is particularly helpful for people with inflammatory diseases like arthritis and lupus.
Another important benefit of ashwagandha is that it has anti-tumor effects. It has been shown to inhibit the growth of tumor cells, which include breast, lung and colon cancers. It also has an ability to stimulate the immune system and improve white blood cell count, which is depleted in patients with cancer.
Studies show that ashwagandha extract can increase the production of immunoglobulins and cytokines in the body. These substances are necessary for boosting the immune system and improving the way it functions.
It has also been found to reduce pain, including joint pain and arthritic pain. This may be because ashwagandha is an adaptogen, which means it lowers the levels of the hormone cortisol, which is responsible for pain.
It is also known to improve focus and memory in people who are suffering from stress-related conditions. In a study on ashwagandha, participants who received 300 milligrams of the herb’s root extract for eight weeks were able to perform better on cognitive tests than those taking placebo.
4. Anti-aging
Ashwagandha is a powerful adaptogen that encourages your body’s natural defenses and keeps your hormone levels in balance, even during stressful times. It’s also an anti-aging herb that helps you feel good and boost your immune system.
The herb’s anti-aging properties are attributed to its high antioxidant content, which helps your body fight off free radicals and protect against disease. It’s also an anti-inflammatory that reduces inflammation throughout the body, which can help your cells repair themselves and slow the aging process.
It’s also an anti-depressant that promotes positive moods and boosts energy levels. This makes it ideal for people who suffer from stress, anxiety and depression.
This herb also helps reduce your body’s cortisol level, which can increase blood pressure and lead to heart problems. In addition, ashwagandha can boost your thyroid function and help you deal with adrenal fatigue, which occurs when the endocrine glands become overly stressed.
Researchers found that ashwagandha helps increase a person’s “VO2 max,” which is the maximum amount of oxygen a body can take in and use during exercise. This can make you more efficient in cardiorespiratory exercises, such as running or cycling.
Another study showed that ashwagandha reduced a person’s oxidative stress, which is the accumulation of free radicals in the body that can damage tissue and cause disease. It also increased the activity of an antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase.
This herb is safe to use, but if you have a medical condition, talk to your doctor before taking it. It’s important to note that the herb is best used in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise routine. It also takes time for it to work, so stick with it until you see results.
5. Immune system support
Ashwagandha is an adaptogen, which means it helps your body to fight stress. It has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years to support a healthy immune system, as well as other health conditions.
It also helps to reduce cortisol levels in the body, which is produced when you are stressed. The stress hormone cortisol triggers a reaction in your body that can lead to inflammation, fatigue and a variety of other physical and mental problems.
Research shows that ashwagandha can help support your immune system and overall wellbeing when taken as a supplement. Taking this herb regularly will not only help you to feel better, but will also boost your energy levels and improve sleep.
In addition, the herb can also support your brain health and improve your memory. In fact, a recent study found that participants who took ashwagandha were able to improve their executive function and attention span, while also showing significant improvements in their information-processing speed and blood serum antibodies.
To use ashwagandha, you can either take it in capsule form or in tablet, gummy, powder, tincture or tea form. We recommend tablets over capsules as they are more convenient to swallow. They also allow you to taste the herb, which can start your digestive process and send signals to your body as to what to expect from it.
The benefits of ashwagandha can be experienced within two weeks, but it may take up to a month for you to see the most dramatic effects. However, if you are using supplements along with a balanced diet and plenty of exercise, it is likely that you will see results sooner than that.
