What is Ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha is frequently referred to as “Indian ginseng” despite having no connection to the plant because it is treated similarly in Ayurveda, the Indian system of medicine, to how ginseng is treated in traditional Chinese medicine. The reason for this is that ashwagandha is a well-known, restorative shrub that both calms and stimulates the mind.

The herb ashwagandha, which is non-toxic, is getting popularity all over the world for reducing stress and anxiety due to its adaptogenic properties. This herb has long been used to treat a variety of ailments, including rheumatism and insomnia, and is a crucial component of the centuries-old Indian traditional medical system known as Ayurveda.

What Are the Potential Health Benefits of Ashwagandha?

1. Relieves Stress and Anxiety

Most of you probably know ashwagandha for its capacity to reduce stress. Ashwagandha has been shown in numerous studies to significantly lower participants’ levels of stress and anxiety, which is an advantage.

The adaptogenic properties of ashwagandha aid in your body’s ability to cope with a variety of physical and emotional stresses. The body’s “stress hormone,” serum cortisol, becomes decreased by ashwagandha.

Ashwagandha also significantly decreases the amount of ascorbic acid, C reactive proteins, blood pressure, pulse rate, and cortisol in the adrenals of your body. Additionally, it assists in reducing stomach ulcers brought on by stress. Ashwagandha extract effectively boosts the body’s effective response against stress without having any negative side effects.

2. May Act as Antidepressant

According to a clinical study, Tribulin, which is an endocrine marker of clinical anxiety, gets decreased due to ashwagandha, which shows that it also has antidepressant properties. Due to this, ashwagandha may also be used as a mood stabilizer in clinical anxiety and depression. Ashwagandha may help lessen depression and aid in calming the central nervous system.

3. Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Ashwagandha has been empirically proven to lessen inflammation by boosting immune cell activity that fights infection. Additionally, it lessens inflammation-related markers, which raise the risk of heart disease. It, therefore, possesses antibacterial, immunomodulating, and anti-inflammatory properties.

4. May Help Reduce OCD

According to some studies, ashwagandha may help to lessen the symptoms of neurological disorders like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It restores mental equilibrium, increases stress tolerance, and activates Neurotransmission. This Ayurvedic herb helps lower compulsive urges, which worsen the situation when anxiety or stress is also present.

5. Supports Improved Sleep and Overall Well-Being

Ashwagandha is highly beneficial in supporting good quality sleep, especially for those who are bearing from insomnia. It helps regulate your sleep-wake cycle by regulating the stress hormones in the body. Because when there would be low or no stress at all, your body will relax and the functioning of the bodily systems would be normal. People who take ashwagandha experience less anxiety and improved wake-up alertness.

6. Helps Improve Mood Swings

Ashwagandha helps promote good moods by regulating the calming hormones in the body. As it has soothing effects on the body, those people who consume ashwagandha are less likely to suffer from mood swings.  

7. Helps Reduce Oxidative Stress in the Body

Ashwagandha contains potent bioactive compounds which act as strong antioxidants to fight free radicals. Free radicals are harmful substances that cause oxidative stress in the body. Ashwagandha helps reduce oxidative stress in the body.

8. May Lower Fat and Regulate Blood Sugar

Ashwagandha is beneficial in lowering blood sugar levels and triglycerides (the most prevalent type of blood fat) in a few small clinical studies.

9. Increases Athletic Performance

The effectiveness of ashwagandha in increasing muscle mass and strength is still being researched. Participants in one study showed improved strength and speed. Another study found that taking ashwagandha decreased cholesterol levels and body fat percentage while increasing muscle power.

In a separate study that included only male participants. Favorable outcomes were assessed by the use of ashwagandha. Men who received ashwagandha experienced significant reductions in body fat percentage and post-workout muscle damage, as well as improvements in muscle strength and size in their arms & chests.

10. Boosts Concentration and Memory

Ashwagandha may aid in enhancing mental capacity, memory, and the capacity for effective motor responses. In a small study, it was evaluated that ashwagandha significantly improve the concentration and memory of the participants in that study. It was concluded that ashwagandha help boosts focus and concentration as its bioactive compound has boosting effects on the nervous system.

11. May Help Maintain Heart Health

Ashwagandha can raise VO2 max levels, which measure the maximum amount of oxygen your body can absorb during physical activity, according to some studies. These levels are used to assess cardiorespiratory endurance or the efficiency with which the heart and lungs supply oxygen to the muscles during exercise. Therefore, higher VO2 max levels can be a sign of a heart that is in good health and functions effectively in those conditions.

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How Can I Use Ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha is present in different forms: pills, capsules, extract, powder, and herbal supplements. Always verify the origin of your herbs at all times and choose a good quality supplement that contains a good amount of ashwagandha extract just like Nurilax.

Because potent herbal extracts have potential health benefits for the body to give a calming, soothing, and relaxing effect by reducing stress and anxiety.

Can I Take Ashwagandha with Other Medicines?

If you decide to include ashwagandha in your health regimen, it’s a good idea to let your healthcare professional know about it. if you’re on medicines due to medical issues, first consult with a doctor before using the Ashwagandha supplement.

Furthermore, there are some precautions for pregnant, lactating mothers, and those people who are suffering from severe mental health disorders, always talk to your physician before taking any supplement including the ashwagandha supplement.

What are the Side Effects of Ashwagandha?

When ashwagandha is taken as per directions, it is safe to consume. There haven’t been any reported cases of fatal or seriously harmful side effects of ashwagandha so far. However, some people may experience nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea after taking large doses of ashwagandha. Each person experiences the effects of herbal extracts differently. Before ingesting ashwagandha or its supplements, consult a healthcare professional.

Conclusion:

Ashwagandha extract is a potential herbal extract that has adaptogenic properties and helps reduce stress and anxiety. if anyone of you is suffering from work, exams, or any other stress, prefer consuming a herbal supplement that contains a good amount of ashwagandha extract to manage your everyday stress.

References:

• https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/ashwagandha
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10824659/
• https://www.aku.edu/news/Pages/News_Details.aspx?nid=NEWS-002262
• https://www.webmd.com/balance/stress-management/what-is-stress
• https://www.webmd.com/balance/guide/causes-of-stress
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6091842/