Benefits of Ashwagandha

What you need to know about Ashwagandha 

Ayurveda, the science of life, is a holistic system that utilizes natural remedies to promote well-being. Withania Somnifera, also known as Ashwagandha, is an Ayurvedic herb that has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to foster wellness. It’s also known as Indian ginseng due to its similarity to the popular Asian herb. The root of the Ashwagandha plant is often consumed in tea form or dried and ground into a powder. A full range of benefits can be experienced when you consume this herb on a regular basis. Learn more about the health benefits of Ashwagandha and how it can help you feel better from head to toe!

Withania Somnifera, also known as Ashwagandha or winter cherry, is a Solanaceae (nightshade) family annual evergreen shrub. It grows in India, the Middle East, and portions of Africa. Several additional species in the Withania genus have morphologically similar appearances. Although it is used as a medicinal plant in Ayurveda and is offered as a dietary supplement in many countries, there is inadequate scientific proof that it is safe or helpful in the treatment of any condition. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, Ashwagandha contains a wide range of chemicals that have been shown to improve overall wellness. These chemicals include alkaloids, saponins, and steroids. Research has also shown that Ashwagandha can help manage the immune system and reduce anxiety. The evidence suggests that this herb is well worth adding to your routine. It could not only improve your physical health but also promote emotional wellness. Ashwagandha is an important herb in Ayurvedic medicine. This is one of the world's oldest medical systems and one of India's healthcare systems. In Ayurvedic medicine, Ashwagandha is considered a Rasayana. This means that it helps maintain youth, both mentally and physically. There is some evidence to suggest that the herb can have neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects.

Health Benefits of Ashwagandha

Neurodegenerative Diseases

One of the best health benefits of Ashwagandha is that it can help ward off neurodegenerative diseases. In a study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, an experiment found that Ashwagandha had significant anti-depressive and anxiolytic effects on a variety of subjects. This benefit was especially noticeable for those who were at the beginning stages of a neurodegenerative disease or dementia.  

Ashwagandha contains components, like Withanolides and alkaloids, which are believed to have antioxidant properties and promote brain health. This herb also helps protect neurons from oxidative stress, which can lead to depression and anxiety. It’s no wonder why this herb is considered one of the best natural remedies for people suffering from neurodegenerative disease.

Another reason why Ashwagandha is so beneficial to your well-being is that it promotes cardiovascular health. It does this by lowering blood pressure as well as reducing cholesterol levels and regulating blood sugar levels. This is because it contains high concentrations of amino acids, antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, carotenoids, phytonutrients, and other compounds which have a positive effect on your heart’s health. This herb also promotes healthy digestion because it stimulates the production of gastric juices and bile within your digestive tract. For those who are interested in healthy weight management, this herb will curb your appetite because it reduces cravings for sugars and carbohydrates.  

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis patients can benefit from Ashwagandha root extract. If you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, Ashwagandha may reduce inflammation and make your joints feel better. Studies show that the extract of the herb has an anti-inflammatory effect on the body. It’s also been shown to increase how quickly synovial fluid is produced in the body, which decreases pain in inflamed joints.  

Alzheimer's Disease

One of the benefits of Ashwagandha is its ability to reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease. One study suggests that Ashwagandha may be beneficial for those who are looking to prevent cognitive decline. This study found that it can help slow age-related mental degeneration, and possibly reverse some of the damage already done.   Receiving a diagnosis for any type of dementia is devastating. It can take away independence, rob you of your memory, and change your life forever. However, in some cases, there may be a treatment available for patients with Alzheimer's disease. In this article, we'll discuss one natural remedy that may ease symptoms: Ashwagandha.  

Ashwagandha Can Lower Blood Pressure

If you suffer from high blood pressure, Ashwagandha can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. It’s also been shown to decrease your chances of developing heart disease. Ashwagandha is a natural way to lower your blood pressure without the use of pharmaceuticals.  

Blood Sugar

If you have diabetes or are at risk of developing it, consuming this herb may help regulate blood sugar levels. When you consume it regularly, Ashwagandha can also increase insulin sensitivity and improve liver function. This can help prevent or delay type 2 diabetes as well as diabetic nerve pain and vision loss.  

Cancer

While there is no scientific evidence that shows the herb will cure cancer, Ashwagandha has been found to protect against cancer in studies. In one study, researchers discovered that it prevents tumor growth by inhibiting cancer cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis (cell death). However, more research needs to be done before Ashwagandha should be used as a treatment for cancer.

Ashwagandha Promotes Heart Health 

The Ashwagandha plant has been traditionally used in Ayurveda to promote heart health. One way it can do this is by lowering cholesterol levels, which is a risk factor that contributes to heart disease. In a study done on 50 patients with coronary artery disease, scientists found that taking Ashwagandha extract for eight weeks was able to lower total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels. This herb can also help people who are struggling with high blood pressure because it may be able to lower blood pressure up to 14 points systolic and 11 points diastolic. While not all studies show these effects, some do. Therefore, it’s important to discuss the pros and cons of Ashwagandha with your medical professional before deciding if it’s a viable treatment option for you.

Physical Benefits of Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha contains a variety of powerful antioxidants and nutrients that can cleanse the body of toxins. These properties make the herb a natural choice for those looking to detoxify the body after a period of overeating or alcohol consumption. Ashwagandha has anti-inflammatory properties, which may be helpful for people with chronic arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and other autoimmune disorders. A study found that Ashwagandha can improve your quality of sleep by reducing anxiety and promoting deep REM sleep. As an adaptogen, Ashwagandha can help balance your physical and emotional well-being in addition to your immune health. It is often used as an alternative treatment for everything from insomnia to cancer because it can increase your energy levels while making you feel more relaxed at the same time.