Feeling stressed out and anxious? Look no further than the stress reliever herb – Ashwagandha. Its botanical name is Withania somnifera and it’s one of the most powerful herbs used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine.

Ashwagandha has been used for centuries as a remedy for various health issues. It is primarily used for its ability to help the body manage stress by reducing cortisol levels.

Cortisol is known as the ‘stress hormone’, and when its levels are high, it can lead to negative impacts on your mental and physical health. Studies indicate that this herb is a safe and effective way to reduce stress and anxiety, promote relaxation, and improve overall mood and quality of life.

Memory Boosting Abilities

In addition to being a stress reliever, ashwagandha has been found to improve memory. In a study conducted in India, healthy adults were given ashwagandha supplements for eight weeks.

After the eight weeks, the participants had significant improvements in both immediate and general memory compared to those who had taken a placebo.

Ashwagandha is believed to improve cognitive performance by promoting the growth of nerve cells and increasing the communication between brain cells.

It is believed to reduce oxidative stress in the brain, which can damage brain cells and cause memory problems.

Boosts Immune System

Studies indicate that the herb can also enhance the immune system. Ashwagandha has been found to increase white blood cells count, which are essential for fighting off infections and diseases.

This herb has also been found to increase the activity of natural killer cells, which are white blood cells that attack cancer cells and viruses.

Helps Combat Depression and Anxiety

Ashwagandha can be used to treat depression and anxiety. In a study, patients who had experienced chronic stress took ashwagandha and had significant improvements in their depression and anxiety symptoms compared to the control group.

This was due to the herb’s ability to regulate the body’s stress response system and also helped to balance neurotransmitters in the brain.

It is important to note that if you are currently taking medications for depression or anxiety, you should consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating ashwagandha supplements into your routine.

Reduces Inflammation

Ashwagandha has anti-inflammatory properties that can help improve overall health. It has been found to reduce inflammation in the body, which is the root cause of many diseases like heart disease, diabetes, cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.

These anti-inflammatory properties are mainly attributed to the presence of withanolides and withaferins, two compounds found in ashwagandha.

These compounds help inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes that contribute to chronic inflammation in the body.

Improves Cardiovascular Health

Ashwagandha can improve cardiovascular health by reducing lipid levels in the blood and regulating blood sugar levels.

Studies show that ashwagandha reduces total cholesterol levels, LDL levels, and triglycerides while increasing HDL levels in the blood.

Ashwagandha also helps reduce blood sugar levels by increasing insulin sensitivity. This property makes it a useful herb for those with type 2 diabetes.

In a study, patients with type-2 diabetes who took ashwagandha supplements for 30 days had significantly lower fasting blood sugar levels compared to those who took placebo supplements.

May Help Improve Fertility and Testosterone Levels

Ashwagandha can also be used to boost testosterone levels in men and improve fertility. In a study, men who took ashwagandha supplements had higher levels of testosterone and increased sperm count.

It is believed that this herb improves fertility by reducing oxidative stress and balancing hormones.

How to Take Ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha can be taken in the form of capsules, powders, or teas. The recommended dose varies depending on the form and the individual’s health condition.

It is always necessary to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.

Conclusion

Ashwagandha is a powerful herb that can help improve overall health by reducing stress and anxiety, improving cognitive function, and boosting the immune system.

It is also beneficial for reducing inflammation, improving cardiovascular health, and improving fertility and testosterone levels.

Remember, ashwagandha is not a cure-all and should not be used to replace other medications or therapies. If you are experiencing any health issues, speak to your healthcare professional before incorporating ashwagandha into your routine.