Introduction
If you’re into natural medicine, you might have heard about an Ayurvedic herb called ashwagandha. It’s also known as Indian ginseng because it’s used to strengthen and tone the body in the same way ginseng is. It has a long list of benefits that can help with everything from brain function to stress relief and muscle building – so it’s no surprise that this unique herb is making waves in the natural health community! In addition, some research shows that taking ashwagandha supplements may reduce certain risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure (hypertension) and cholesterol levels. Ashwagandha also seems to improve brain function by increasing thinking ability (cognitive function), especially in people who are already experiencing some decline due to aging.
Ashwagandha is an Ayurvedic herb with a variety of healing properties.
Ashwagandha is an Ayurvedic herb with a variety of healing properties. It’s been used for thousands of years as a medicinal plant, and modern science has confirmed that it has several uses.
Ashwagandha is sometimes called Indian ginseng because of its reputation for improving physical strength and endurance. It’s also known as winter cherry or winter cherry tree, because the roots are harvested during the winter when they have the highest amount of nutrients in their system.
The scientific name of ashwagandha is Withania somnifera.
Ashwagandha is a small shrub with yellow flowers, native to India and North Africa. It has been used in traditional herbal medicine for thousands of years, but didn’t begin to be studied by Western science until the late 19th century. In traditional herbal medicine, ashwagandha was sometimes used as a stimulant in small amounts (1-2 grams), and more commonly as a sedative in larger doses (10-15 grams).
The ashwagandha plant belongs to the Nightshade family of plants, which includes over 2,500 species.
The ashwagandha plant belongs to the Nightshade family of plants, which includes over 2,500 species. The name comes from the scientific name Solanum and refers to the fact that most members of this plant family are poisonous. The nightshade family includes some common vegetables like tomatoes and potatoes as well as other well known foodstuffs like bell peppers, eggplants and tobacco.
The roots of Ashwagandha are used medicinally in Ayurveda (traditional Indian medicine) while its leaves have historically been used as a spice in cooking. It is also an important ingredient in Chinese medicine where it is known as yang jiao teng or “winter cherry” due to its resemblance to a small fruit called “Cerasus” which grows at high altitudes during winter months only!
The ashwagandha plant is a small shrub with yellow flowers that’s native to India and North Africa.
The ashwagandha plant is a small shrub with yellow flowers that’s native to India and North Africa. The roots of this plant are dried, ground into powder and used as an herbal supplement.
It’s commonly called winter cherry because of its resemblance to cherries. The root of this herb goes by several names: Indian ginseng, poison gooseberry, spiny-leaf nightshade or Indian nightshade (Sauropus andromedical).
In traditional herbal medicine, ashwagandha was often used in small amounts as a stimulant, or in large amounts for sedation.
In traditional herbal medicine, ashwagandha was often used in small amounts as a stimulant, or in large amounts for sedation. In the Indian Ayurvedic system of medicine, it is regarded as an “adaptogen,” meaning that it helps the body adapt to stress by balancing out hormones and neurotransmitters.
Ashwagandha root and leaf have been used for hundreds of years for medicinal purposes.
Ashwagandha root and leaf have been used for hundreds of years for medicinal purposes. The root is used for treating skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and fungal infections like ringworm. The leaves are used to treat wounds and ulcers.
The Ayurvedic practice of using ashwagandha is called dravyaphalam or ayurveda vaidya bhavana, which means “the use of herbs” or “herbal medicine application.”
In Ayurvedic medicine, the berries and leaves of ashwagandha are applied topically to treat skin conditions and heal wounds.
The berries and leaves of ashwagandha are applied topically to treat skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema and acne. The herb is also used to help heal wounds and burns.
What Is Ashwagandha Used For?
Ashwagandha is used for a variety of ailments, including:
- Anxiety and stress. Ashwagandha has been shown to help reduce anxiety by reducing cortisol levels in the body. Cortisol is a hormone that’s secreted by your adrenal glands when you’re stressed out, which can lead to symptoms such as heightened blood pressure, digestive problems, and muscle tension. By reducing cortisol levels in the body through ashwagandha consumption, it can help relieve symptoms associated with anxiety.* Depression.* Fatigue.* Insomnia (short-term sleep loss).* Memory loss.* Sleep disorders like restlessness at night or excessive daytime drowsiness due to sleep deprivation (caused by insomnia).* Diabetes.* Arthritis/joint pain (inflammation of joints caused by inflammation; increases pain).* High blood pressure
How Does It Work?
Ashwagandha is a natural adaptogen, meaning that it helps the body adapt to stress. Ashwagandha’s active ingredients are believed to work by supporting the adrenal glands (the glands which produce stress hormones). It also contains antioxidant compounds which might help protect against harmful free radicals.
Ashwagandha works best as a long-term supplement that you take regularly instead of occasionally.
Benefits of Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is a popular herb that can provide many health benefits, including increasing energy and stamina. It also helps to improve memory and concentration, as well as reduce anxiety, stress and depression. Ashwagandha is also used for weight loss, improving sleep quality and libido. Ashwagandha is also known to boost muscle building, athletic performance, mental health and overall well-being.
Heart Disease Risk Factors
Ashwagandha has been shown to lower cholesterol levels and improve the function of the cardiovascular system. One animal study found that ashwagandha can help lower blood pressure, while another showed that it can reduce inflammation.
In addition to its heart-healthy effects, ashwagandha is also a good source of potassium, which can help lower blood pressure by helping relax the muscles in your arteries. It’s also been shown to have positive effects on blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity (the ability of your body’s cells to use insulin).
Brain Function and Mental Health
In addition to its benefits for the heart and skin, ashwagandha is also beneficial for brain function and mental health. Ashwagandha can help improve memory, concentration, brain function, mood and mental health. In fact it’s one of our favorite herbs for improving overall well-being. Ashwagandha has been shown in studies to reduce cortisol levels (the stress hormone) which means it has anti-stress effects on the body.
Ashwagandha is also an adaptogen herb meaning that it helps reduce anxiety and calm your emotions without causing sedation or drowsiness like some other calming herbs do. The most common way people use ashwagandha is by taking it as a tea form but you can also find it as a tincture or capsules if that suits your lifestyle better.
For best results when using ashwagandha as part of your daily routine add 1 tsp daily into your morning smoothie or juice drink so that you don’t get tired of drinking something else with every meal!
Natural Sleep Aid And Treatment For Insomnia
Ashwagandha is a traditional Ayurvedic herb used in India for centuries to promote a restful night’s sleep. It’s also known to improve overall energy, mood, and stress levels.
- How does ashwagandha help with sleep? Ashwagandha may help you fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer and reduce the time it takes to fall back into deep sleep after waking up during the night. In one study of 70 people who took 600 mg of ashwagandha daily for three months, those taking the supplement reported an improvement in their overall quality of life compared to those taking a placebo (an inactive substance). They also had less daytime stress after taking ashwagandha than before they started using it—another sign that this herb positively affects your ability to get restorative shut-eye.*
- Dosage for natural sleep aid: Take 300–500 mg 30 minutes before bedtime with food or on an empty stomach as needed.* How long does it take for ashwagandha to work? The effects of this herb are noticeable within one hour but may take up to two weeks before they reach their full potential.* Should I eat something when taking this herb? Yes; eating something just before bedtime will help keep your blood sugar balanced throughout the evening so that you don’t wake up hungry in the middle of the night.* Can I take this herb with other medications or supplements? Consult your doctor first
Benefits For Men’s Reproductive Health And Fertility
Ashwagandha is a traditional Indian herb that has been used for thousands of years. It has many benefits for men’s reproductive health, including:
- Increasing sperm count and motility
- Lowering stress levels
- Boosting libido
Sexual Function In Women
IndianJadiBooti Ashwagandha is used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat sexual dysfunction in women. It is also used to treat infertility and menopause symptoms.
Research suggests that ashwagandha may increase fertility in women; however, more studies are needed before any conclusions can be made regarding this use of the herb.
Boosts Athletic Performance And Muscle Mass
Ashwagandha is a potent adaptogen, meaning it helps you to cope with stress and gives your body the ability to regulate itself. Ashwagandha’s main benefits are related to its ability to boost testosterone levels, improve muscle growth and recovery, reduce muscle soreness and increase energy levels. Studies have shown that ashwagandha can also reduce exercise-induced oxidative damage (or inflammation), help build more lean mass, increase power output and strength as well as improve endurance.
This herb can also be used for treating low libido in men since it boosts testosterone production which is essential for healthy sexual functioning.
Potential Side Effects Of Ashwagandha Supplements And Precautions To Consider Before Trying Them Out Yourself.
Before you start taking ashwagandha supplements, it’s important to know that there are a few potential side effects. For example, some people may experience an upset stomach or nausea as a result of taking this supplement. It’s also worth noting that ashwagandha can interact with other medications, so you should check with your physician before taking it if you have any preexisting medical conditions or take prescription medications on a regular basis.
Finally, while the benefits of ashwagandha are supported by research and there are no major risks associated with its use at recommended dosages (the highest dosage listed in the study referenced above is 2 g per day), these benefits haven’t been firmly established through randomized controlled trials yet—so they’re still largely anecdotal at this point!
Conclusion
Ashwagandha is a powerful supplement with many health benefits, but it can also interact with medications and cause side effects. Consult with your doctor before taking ashwagandha if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding; taking medication for thyroid disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, or autoimmune disorders; undergoing surgery; or have gastrointestinal problems. Also be aware that ashwagandha may lower blood sugar and interfere with blood thinning medications like warfarin and aspirin. If you take any of these medications or have any chronic conditions, avoid using ashwagandha supplements until speaking with your doctor. Ashwagandha should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor. We recommend consulting a medical professional before adding this supplement as part of your diet regime to mitigate potential side effects and drug interactions