Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a powerful herb with various benefits for the human body. It has been used by ayurvedic healers for thousands of years and has also been the subject of many modern day studies. Ashwagandha, with several different names, is basically a herb that has medicinal properties.
The name Ashwagandha is derived from the Sanskrit "Ashva", which means the horse, and "Ghandha", which means smell. In India, it is also known as "Indian ginseng". This plant is commonly found in the North India region.
Ashwagandha Herb. Picture credits: Neha.Vindhya, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
This blog discusses some of the various health benefits of Ashwagandha.
Section: Prevents Stress
Section: Helps in reducing danger of cancer
Section: Improves the concentration level
Section: Boosts immunity
Section: Takeaway
PREVENTS STRESS
Ashwagandha is known for its anti-stress and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps in reducing stress and tension by bringing down the level of cortisol hormone.
Ashwagandha also has antioxidants that help in alleviating oxidative stress. It helps in relieving stress and anxiety related disorders like insomnia, chronic fatigue syndrome, etc.
The herb also has brain boosting properties. It improves the memory and cognitive function due to its impact on neurotransmitters like acetylcholine and dopamine.
It is also beneficial for people with Alzheimer's disease and epilepsy.
LOWERS INFLAMMATION AND HELPS WITH ARTHRITIS
Ashwagandha has been used for centuries to treat a variety of conditions including inflammation and arthritis.
Ashwagandha contains anti-inflammatory compounds that can help reduce inflammation in people with chronic inflammatory diseases. If you struggle with chronic inflammation or if you just want to include an anti-inflammatory herb in your diet, consider adding Ashwagandha to your daily routine.
Arthritis is an inflammatory condition that causes joint pain and stiffness. There are over 100 different types of arthritis, but osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type in adults. Since Ashwagandha has anti-inflammatory properties, it may be able to reduce the symptoms associated with arthritis. One study showed that supplementing with ashwagandha extract helped reduce swelling and protect against cartilage damage in rats with osteoarthritis.
HELPS IN REDUCING THE DANGER OF CANCER
Some research suggests that ashwagandha may be useful in treating cancer. For example, it shows promise as an anti-inflammatory agent. Inflammation plays a role in many cancers and can inhibit chemotherapy. Ashwagandha has also been shown to have antioxidant effects; studies show it may help protect cells from free radical damage.
Lab studies suggest that ashwagandha helps fight the growth of several types of cancer cells, including breast cancer and leukemia cells. In one study on mice with melanoma, treatment with ashwagandha extract stopped tumor growth and increased life span.
While there’s no evidence yet that ashwagandha fights cancer in humans, research suggests it may have protective effects. Studies show it may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects — two factors that are linked to increased cancer risk. It has also been shown to slow the growth of several types of cancer cells in lab studies.
IMPROVES THE CONCENTERATION LEVEL
Ashwagandha is a herb that can help you to boost up your concentration power. It increases the neurite (neuronal process) length, decreases the number of degenerating neurons and regenerates new brain cells. It improves the synaptic density and also stabilizes it. It also stimulates the release of acetylcholine, which is a neurotransmitter that helps in memory enhancement and learning capacity improvement. It also makes you able to focus on a particular point for a longer time period by increasing the activity of the prefrontal cortex of your brain.
Ashwagandha improves focus, attention, and concentration in a safe manner. It also enhances the ability to learn new things by improving the overall mental functions naturally.
REDUCES BLOOD SUGAR LEVEL AND IS HELPFUL IN DIABETES MANAGEMENT
The presence of alkaloids and steroidal lactones in Ashwagandha makes it a natural anti-diabetic medicine.
Ashwagandha is a well-known medicinal herb that helps in the lowering of blood sugar levels. Ashwagandha is very helpful in diabetes management because it acts on insulin secretion and glucose utilization in the system and maintains a healthy blood sugar level.
Insulin is an important hormone secreted by pancreatic beta cells which control glucose metabolism and maintain a healthy blood sugar level. Ashwagandha increases insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells which helps to lower the blood sugar level in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
BOOSTS IMMUNITY
Immunity is the ability of an organism to resist a particular infection or toxin by the action of specific antibodies or sensitized white blood cells.
Ashwagandha has been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine. It helps to boost resilience and helps support the body against environmental and dietary stressors. Ashwagandha supports immune function, balancing both overactive and underactive immune responses, including normalizing cytokine production, supporting T cell activity and macrophage function.
Ashwagandha is powerful in gently balancing the immune system, supporting both overactive and underactive immune responses.
INCREASES THE STAMINA AND ENERGY LEVEL IN THE BODY
Ashwagandha is an adaptogen and can help body adapt to stress and fight oxidative stress in the body. It helps increase energy levels in the cells and boosts stamina. Ashwagandha can also help increase muscle mass, reduce fat mass and boost strength.
Ashwagandha contains a group of compounds called withanolides which are known to increase stamina by increasing energy production in the cells. The compounds help improve oxygen utilization in the body which helps increase energy levels. This leads to improved stamina during workouts or exercise and helps you achieve your desired fitness goals faster.
Ashwagandha is a proven testosterone booster which can be very beneficial for men who want to gain strength and muscle mass. Testosterone is a male hormone that is responsible for muscle growth, strength gains and fat burning in men’s bodies.
TAKEAWAY
"After looking at the health benefits of ashwagandha, it is important to note that the dosage is of great significance. This herb is a powerful and effective adaptogen, but adjusting the dosage to your personal needs and goals will help you get the most out of this amazing herb. It is important to start with a small dose and then slowly increase daily dosage over time until you find what works best for you."
WITH THE GOODNESS OF ASHWAGANDHA ALONG WITH OTHER 37 ESSENTIAL NUTRIENTS
Always consult your Doctor/Dietician before taking any supplements.
Disclaimer: The information included at this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.
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