Ashwagandha is a Sanskrit word meaning “smell of the horse,” that refers to both the herb’s scent and its likely ability to boost strength.

The small shrub with yellow flowers is native to India and Southeast Asia. People use the powder or other extracts from the plant’s leaves or roots to treat various health conditions, like fertility issues, stress, and anxiety.

Ashwagandha has holistic benefits for your mind and body. Consuming the herbs offer better sleep and athletic performance. Some studies suggest the herb has helped people to treat conditions like anxiety and infertility, but more research is yet to come.

As one of the most important herbs in Ayurveda, Ashwagandha could be used as a traditional form of alternative medicine based on Indian doctrines of natural healing.

For thousands of years, people have been using ashwagandha to relieve stress, improve concentration, and increase energy levels.

9 potential Benefits of Ashwagandha

1. It may reduce anxiety and stress

Various case studies have found that Ashwagandha may be beneficial for reducing anxiety and stress symptoms. However, many tests need to be conducted to form an appropriate consensus regarding its dosage to deal with stress and stress-related disorders.

2. It may boost athletic performance

Ashwagandha can improve the physical performance of athletes and healthy adults by increasing their strength.

3. It may reduce signs of some mental health conditions

There is limited research available regarding ashwagandha that helps reduce the symptoms of mood swings and depression which may eventually benefit people with mental health conditions. However, more research should be performed.

4. It may help increase fertility and boost testosterone levels in men

Ashwagandha may help increase testosterone levels by increasing the potential benefits for male fertility.

5. It may reduce blood sugar levels

There is evidence that suggests that ashwagandha may reduce blood sugar levels which can affect insulin secretion and the cells’ ability to take away glucose from the bloodstream.

6. It may reduce inflammation

Ashwagandha may have anti-inflammatory properties.

7. It may improve brain function, including memory

Ashwagandha can help in

->executive functioning

->attention

->reaction time

->immediate and general memory

->performance on cognitive tasks

->information-processing speed

Ashwagandha supplements can deal with Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and Schizophrenia.  However, more research is needed.

8. It may cure Arthritis

Ashwagandha prevents pain signals from transiting along the central nervous system. 

A study conducted in 2015 reveals that around 125 people with joint pain have found the herb to have the ability as a treatment choice for rheumatoid arthritis.

9. May help improve sleep

Studies claim that ashwagandha may be a beneficial natural remedy to improve the sleep cycle and pattern of people suffering from insomnia.

10. It may take care of Heart Health

Ashwagandha may boost heart health by

->lowering high blood pressure

->lowering high cholesterol

->easing chest pain

->deterring heart disease

11. It may treat Cancer

A few promising studies describe that ashwagandha could be able to stop cell growth in specific cancers. This includes curtailing lung tumours in animal studies.

Holistic Ayurveda

At Holistic Ayurveda, we prepare

->ashwagandha capsules

->ashwagandha powders

->ashwagandha liquid extract

The dosage of ashwagandha and the way of using it depends on the ailment they are striving to treat. There is no standard dosage based on recent clinical trials.

Different studies talk about different dosages. Some Ayurveda experts claim that taking 250–600 mg per day is sufficient to reduce stress. Others feel higher dosages are required.

Capsule dosages contain between 250 and 1,500 mg of ashwagandha. It comes in the form of powder, capsule, and liquid extract. The price is affordable for all.

In some cases, taking high doses may cause terrible side effects. It is nice to speak with a healthcare professional about dosage and safety before taking any new herbal supplements like this one.

Safety And Side Effects

Ashwagandha is safe for most people when used for up to 3 months, but it may have an adverse impact when taken for long. Side effects include

->pregnancy loss

->breastfeeding

->hormone-sensitive prostate cancer

->Liver issues

->autoimmune or thyroid disorder

->drowsiness

->diarrhoea

->vomiting

Although ashwagandha is safe for most people, it’s not safe for everyone. It’s important to check with a healthcare professional before taking ashwagandha to ensure it’s safe for you and that you use a safe dose.

The Bottom Line

Ashwagandha is a medicinal herb used from the bygone era with various possible health benefits.

Study findings reveal that it may help reduce stress and anxiety, induce restful sleep, and even enhance cognitive functioning in specific populations.

Ashwagandha is likely to be safe for most people when taken in the short term. However, it’s not useful for everyone, so it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional before adding the herb to your daily routine.