Benefits of Ashwagandha
What is Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha is an increasingly popular herb these days in the roughly $9 billion US herbal supplement market. You can currently find it in a variety of products including lattes, pills, and even moisturizing creams. Ashwagandha is an adaptogen, meaning a Super herb that supposedly helps the body adapt and deal better with stressors. These products have not been regulated by the Food and Drug Administration and there is no clear science yet on their effects, but they are popular amongst Wellness influencers and have a tradition spanning centuries. Ashwagandha is a drug which we use as Ayurvedic medicine.
The history of Ayurveda spans almost 3000 to five 5000 years back. Although the use of these herbs in India dates back thousands of years. The term Adaptogen was coined much later in 1947. The original research on Adaptogen starts in the late 1940s in the Soviet Union and basically, a Soviet researcher who was basically funded by the military, who was trying to find a way to create better soldiers, better factory workers, and eventually better cosmonauts. According to herbalists, adaptogens are herbs which support and improve our body’s ability to respond to stress internally. It’s really the root that’s the medicine. Herbalists say Ashwagandha and other adaptogens are supposed to work by targeting the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis, commonly referred to as the HPA
Withania somniferous, often known as ashwagandha, is a herb that is frequently used to support health and well-being in conventional Ayurvedic medicine.
Here are a few possible advantages of ashwagandha:
- Ashwagandha can help the body deal with stress because it is an adaptogen, which means it can reduce stress. According to numerous studies, ashwagandha can lower cortisol levels, which are linked to stress.
- Ashwagandha may help reduce the signs and symptoms of anxiety and depression. Studies have demonstrated that it can elevate mood and lessen anxiety.
- Cognitive ability: It has been demonstrated that ashwagandha enhances cognitive ability, particularly memory and concentration. Additionally, it might shield the brain from oxidative stress, which is linked to age-related cognitive loss.
- Sleep quality: Ashwagandha may lessen insomnia and help with better sleep. It can extend the period spent in deep sleep, according to numerous research.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Ashwagandha contains substances that may lessen inflammation in the body and shield against chronic diseases.
- Immune system support: Ashwagandha may strengthen the immune system by boosting the body’s capacity to fight infections and producing more white blood cells.
While ashwagandha appears promising in several areas, additional research is necessary to completely comprehend its effects and possible advantages.
Before beginning to take ashwagandha, as with any supplement, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional, especially if you have any medical issues or take medications.
