Herbal supplements have been increasingly popular in recent years. Ashwagandha is one of the most well-known herbal supplements. This ancient herb has been used for millennia in traditional Ayurvedic treatment. However, it has recently acquired appeal in the Western world as a natural approach to improving sleep, lowering stress and anxiety, regulating hormones, and boosting the immune system.
In this blog post, we’ll cover all you need to know about Ashwagandha and how it can help boost your overall health and well-being.
What is Ashwagandha?
Before we dive into the health benefits of Ashwagandha, let’s understand where it came from.
Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb native to India, the Middle East, and Africa. Adaptogenic herbs are a type of plant known to help the body cope with stress while also improving overall health and well-being. They are referred to as “adaptogens” because they are supposed to assist the body in adapting to physical, emotional, and environmental stressors by restoring equilibrium to the body’s systems.
Ayurveda is a comprehensive medical system that originated in India over 5,000 years ago, and Ashwagandha has long been used in this system due to its adaptogenic characteristics. The word “ashwagandha” is derived from the Sanskrit language and translates to “smell of horse,” referring to the herb’s pungent odor and the ancient belief that consuming it can give you the power and vitality of a horse.
Ashwagandha’s usage in Ayurvedic medicine is well-documented, with mentions reaching back to the 6th century AD. In Ayurveda, it is classed as a rasayana herb, which means it can have renewing characteristics that help increase lifespan and overall health.
Health benefits of Ashwagandha
Helps you fall asleep faster
Ashwagandha can improve sleep quality by lowering cortisol levels, a stress-related hormone. Cortisol levels that are too high might alter sleep patterns, resulting in insomnia and other sleep problems. Ashwagandha can assist in enhancing sleep quality and reduce the time it takes to fall asleep. Furthermore, Ashwagandha has a relaxing impact on the psyche, promoting relaxation and deeper sleep over night.
Reduces stress and anxiety
Ashwagandha can alleviate stress and anxiety. It helps the body adapt to stimuli as an adaptogenic herb by lowering cortisol levels and modulating the body’s stress response. Ashwagandha has been found to lessen anxiety and depression in people suffering from stress-related diseases. Furthermore, Ashwagandha has a relaxing impact on the neurological system, which can aid in reducing stress and promoting overall relaxation.
Read this blog to learn how Ashwagandha can specifically benefit students during exam season.
Boosts the immune system
Ashwagandha has also been found to improve immunological function. It contains antioxidants that can protect the body from oxidative stress, which can harm cells and lead to chronic diseases. Ashwagandha can boost the formation of white blood cells necessary for battling infections and disorders. Furthermore, Ashwagandha has anti-inflammatory qualities that can help reduce inflammation in the body and support general wellness.
Balances and regulates hormones
Ashwagandha, an adaptogenic plant, has been demonstrated to have hormone-balancing properties. It has been used for millennia in traditional Ayurvedic medicine to treat hormone imbalances, and modern scientific research studies have shown encouraging benefits.
In women: Ashwagandha can benefit women’s reproductive health by regulating menstrual cycles and alleviating premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms. It has also been reported to increase fertility and alleviate menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and mood swings.
In men: Ashwagandha has been proven to enhance testosterone levels. Testosterone is a crucial hormone for male reproductive health, muscle growth, and bone density. Therefore, Ashwagandha can strengthen several elements of men’s health by raising testosterone levels.
How to take Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha comes in various forms, including capsules, powder, and tinctures. The typical dosage of Ashwagandha is 250-500mg per day for capsules and 1-2 grams per day for powder.
It is vital to cycle Ashwagandha, meaning one should not take the supplement indefinitely. Like most supplements, the body can acquire a resistance to the herb over time, and taking it constantly can lessen its effectiveness. Therefore, we recommend taking Ashwagandha for 6-8 weeks and then stopping for 2-4 weeks before starting again.
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Conclusion
Overall, Ashwagandha has a rich and varied history, with a lengthy history of usage in Ayurvedic medicine and other traditional medical systems. Its adaptogenic characteristics and possible health advantages have made it a popular Western supplement. Scientific research continues to investigate its numerous uses and benefits, such as its capacity to lower stress and anxiety, promote sleep, support immunological function, and balance hormones.
While Ashwagandha is typically safe and well-tolerated, it is crucial to consult with your healthcare professional before adding it to your supplement regimen, especially if you have a history of health problems or are taking medication. To avoid any potential side effects, it’s also vital to stick to the specified dosages and cycle on and off the supplement.