Ashwagandha, also known as Indian ginseng or winter cherry, is a powerful herb that has been used for centuries in Indian, Chinese, and Arabic traditional medicines to improve physical and mental health. Its extensive health benefits have been validated by many modern researchers, and it is now becoming a new favourite among health-conscious communities as a natural remedy to heal the body and cure various illnesses.
Studies attempting to explore the beneficial health impact of Ashwagandha have reported that the wondrous herb possesses a wide range of pharmacological qualities, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antistress, anticancer, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, and many more.
In this blog, we will discuss some of the top reasons why you should consider adding this legendary Ayurvedic herb to your diet.
Potential Health Benefits of Ashwagandha
Reduces Stress and Anxiety
The ancient herbal rejuvenator is perhaps best known for its ability to reduce cortisol levels in the body, which is the hormone responsible for stress. By reducing cortisol levels, ashwagandha can help to mitigate feelings of stress and anxiety, improve mood, and promote feelings of calm. Additionally, many people take ashwagandha to promote restful sleep, and some evidence suggests it may significantly improve sleep quality and mental alertness upon waking.
Boosts Immune System
Regular supplementation of the herb extract has been found to be effective to protect the body against harmful free radicals that can damage cells and contribute to the development of chronic diseases. This is because Ashwagandha is rich in antioxidants, and also contains compounds that can help to stimulate the immune system, improving the body’s ability to fight off infections and diseases.
Enhances Brain Function
Innumerable studies have assessed the efficiency of ashwagandha in improving brain function and established its efficacy in improving neurological well-being. Preclinical studies have shown that ashwagandha is an effective herb to improve brain function in a number of ways.
It can help to reduce inflammation, which is thought to contribute to cognitive decline and the development of Alzheimer’s disease. It can also improve memory and cognitive function in people with mild cognitive impairment, and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, which can affect cognitive function.
Improves Physical Performance
Regular consumption of ashwagandha is believed to improve physical performance, and recent research has supported these claims. It has been shown to increase muscle strength and endurance, reduce exercise-induced muscle damage, and improve recovery time after physical activity.
Lowers Cholesterol and Blood Sugar Levels
High cholesterol and blood sugar levels are significant risk factors for heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic health conditions. Ashwagandha has been documented in research to treat various clinical conditions such as high cholesterol and blood sugar levels. making it a potentially useful natural remedy for managing these conditions.
Supports Thyroid Function
The thyroid gland plays a critical role in regulating metabolism, energy levels, and overall health. Different studies have reported the great beneficial impact of ashwagandha extract on improving thyroid function in people with hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones.
By supporting thyroid function, ashwagandha may improve energy levels, reduce fatigue, and support overall health. However, it is recommended to check with a healthcare professional before taking the herb.
May Reduce Inflammation and Pain
Inflammation is a natural biological response of the immune system to injury or infection. However, it is a well-known fact that chronic inflammation can contribute to the development of many chronic diseases, including arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Ashwagandha contains compounds that have been shown to reduce inflammation and pain in several studies, making it a potential natural remedy for managing these conditions. However, more research on ashwagandha’s potential effects on inflammation is required.
The bottom line
Ashwagandha is a powerful herb that is used alone or in combination with other herbs to improve physical and mental health. All the above observations indicate the usefulness of ashwagandha and validate Ayurvedic observations. It is a safe supplement for most people. Having said that, if you are interested in trying ashwagandha, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider first to determine if it is right for you and to ensure that it does not interfere with any prescription medications you are taking.
