Ashwagandha is an ancient medicinal herb that is common in India and the parts of Asia. The medicine is categorized under the adaptogen class of drugs. These are drugs that are responsible for relieving body stress. Apart from managing body stress, Nutra ingredients tell us that Ashwagandha has numerous benefits to the body and more so the brain.
According to Gaia Herbs, the herb is responsible for boosting brain function, reduce blood sugar levels, and also can lower cortisol levels. The medicine can be used by students as a brain booster and also for increasing concentration while they are studying. It can also fight symptoms of anxiety, depression, and any other mental issues.
Ashwagandha is a Medharasayan. Medharasayan is a type of food that improves learning and memory.
Nothing derails your performance at work or in the gym faster than a bad cold or flu. A bad flue is usually accompanied by excessive or chronic stress without adequate rest. This includes resilience, which results in frequent colds and flu, something that thyroid sufferers often fight during fatigue.
Ashwagandha has been shown to increase white blood cell counts, improving your body's "first line of defense" against foreign intruders. A little ancestral herbal support can go a long way to get you through long, stressful working days.
Contents
- Top 5 Best Ashwagandha Supplements
- Is Ashwagandha An Ancient Herb?
- Which Diseases Can Ashwagandha Treat?
- Can Ashwagandha Reduce High Blood Sugar Levels?
- Will Ashwagandha Reduce The Effects of Cancer?
- How Does Ashwagandha Reduce Stress Hormones?
- Does Ashwagandha Slow Down The Process of Aging?
- Ashwagandha and Male Fertility
- Does Ashwagandha Work?
- How Do I Choose The Right Dosage?
- How Safe is Ashwagandha?
- Conclusion
Top 5 Best Ashwagandha Supplements
Brands | Price | Rating | Review |
|---|---|---|---|
NutriRise | $ | ||
NaturaLife Labs | $ | ||
Organic India | $ | ||
Himalaya Herbal | $ | ||
Pure Encapsulation | $$ |
Is Ashwagandha An Ancient Herb?
Yes, it has been used for many years, even before the onset of modern medicine. It is viewed as a natural alternative drug for curing multiple diseases and body conditions. Its functioning is based on Indian medical principals of natural healing.
The drug has been in existence for over 3,000 years. It can be used by athletes, astronauts, students, and anybody that intends to increase energy levels in the body. The name "Ashwagandha," as told by rxlist, is a Sanskrit name that stands for the "smell of the horse." We all know horses are reliable and robust. The name, therefore, came as a result of its smell, healing effects, and its ability to increase energy in the human body. The drug originates from a shrub that produces yellow flowers. The plant is common in parts of India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and North Africa.
The medicinal part of the plant can be found in the roots. The powder form can be used to treat many conditions without undergoing further changes. Ashwagandha contains high concentrations of a chemical substance known as withanolides. For many years, withanolides have been used to fight growth and body tumor. The Ashwagandha plant belongs to a family of drugs known as Solanaceae.
Which Diseases Can Ashwagandha Treat?
The herb supplement treats many diseases. The following is a list of conditions that are treated by Ashwagandha:
- Anxiety
- Bipolar disorder
- Insomnia
- Tuberculosis
- Brain tumor and other types of tumors
- Bronchitis
- Cancer
- Schizophrenia
- Liver infections and diseases
- Arthritis
- Hiccups
- Reduces cholesterol and blood fats
- Menstrual problems
- Depression
- Infertility
- Body and brain conditions
The drug is used along with adaptogen for the body to cope with stress and anxiety. When applied on the skin, it can treat wounds, burns, backache, and partial paralysis. The herb is used by many people to improve their thinking, reduce different types of pains and inflammation. The drug can also help reduce various types of inflammation. It can improve fertility in both men and women.
Can Ashwagandha Reduce High Blood Sugar Levels?
Several studies and research works from experts live Dr. Bubbs have shown that Ashwagandha can reduce blood sugar levels. This is applicable for people who have type one diabetes, commonly known as diabetes mellitus.
When introduced in the body system, Ashwagandha stimulates the production of insulin. With increased insulin production, the muscle cells become more sensitive to insulin, thus offsetting the effects of a high blood sugar level. This can also apply to people who are not suffering from diabetes. When administered to people who have schizophrenia, it was found to reduce blood sugar levels as well.
Will Ashwagandha Reduce The Effects of Cancer?
Various studies and experiments on animals and test tubes have led to the conclusion that Ashwagandha is an excellent remedy for fighting the spread of cancer cells. Withaferin, a compound found in Ashwagandha, causes the process of apoptosis the begin taking place in the body.
Consequently, with the onset of apoptosis, cancer cells will start reducing steadily. Moreover, it will reduce the growth of new cancer cells in the body. It is good to note that this is not a one-time treatment method.
The herb should be taken with the strict observation by a qualified medical practitioner. This is because cancer cells are known to recur and will even be more lethal if they recur the second time.
When introduced to the body, Withaferin will stimulate the formation of highly- reactive oxygen species. The oxygen species in the cancer cells will eventually disrupt the functioning of these cancer cells. However, the study of Ashwagandha on its ability to reduce or eliminate cancer cells is mostly linked with animals and not humans.
Its ability to calm the brain and improve the activity of brain cells makes it a top choice for those in college and high school. It is a preferred choice also for lowering blood pressure and improves body immunity.
How Does Ashwagandha Reduce Stress Hormones?
When your body is under any kind of stress, it releases a stress hormone known as cortisol. The adrenal glands release the hormone in response to stress. Cortisol is also released when your body detects low blood sugar levels.
High levels of cortisol in the body will have damaging effects on your body and, more so, the metabolic processes in the body. If cortisol is produced in massive amounts, it may lead to a high blood sugar level in the body. High blood sugar levels may translate to having diabetes mellitus.
Symptoms of this disease include dehydration, sweating at night, and general body weaknesses. If it is detected early, it can be reversed, but if it reaches a point where your pancreas cannot function properly, then it means you may be suffering from diabetes mellitus.
Diabetes is a condition that one has to live with, and the only way to control it is by taking medication and taking the right diet every day. This is how high cortisol levels may be harmful to your body and general well- being.
Apart from causing high blood sugar levels, having high levels of cortisol in the body may lead to a person having a lot of fat in the abdomen. The American Botanical Council scientists state that High levels of fat in any part of the body is harmful and unhealthy. This may lead to lifestyle diseases such as heart diseases and diabetes mellitus. However, this condition can be easily reversed by doing exercises and taking food that contains low levels of cholesterol.
Ashwagandha can as well reduce cortisol levels in the body. After the administration of medicine, the body will instantly reverse the production of cortisol. Avoiding stress will help the medicine work well in the body. The drug will reduce cortisol levels by up to 30 percent.
Ability to reduce stress and anxiety
One of the main functions of Ashwagandha is to reduce stress and anxiety levels in the body. This is achieved by blocking stress pathways located in the brain. By controlling chemical signaling in the nervous system, stress levels are reduced by a great deal.
Studies tell us that the herb can reduce insomnia and anxiety by up to 70 percent. Taking 600 mg of the drug will also reduce depression by up to 70 percent. Clinically, Ashwagandha is reported to be very effective in soothing anxiety and, in fact, improving agoraphobia (anxiety particularly inaccessible or busy places). Most of our interpretation of Ashwagandha is focused on its extensive historical history and animal studies.
Specific case studies using Ashwagandha often find gain in depressed women with adrenal hyperplasia (widening adrenal glands) showing beneficial changes in cortisol, progesterone, and pregnenolone (an important trigger hormone) as well as a significant increase in the hair loss challenging to manage known as alopecia. Individual trials of people with stress-related fertility problems found higher antioxidant levels and much better semen when complemented with Ashwagandha.
Does Ashwagandha Slow Down The Process of Aging?
Anti-aging benefits of Ashwagandha have been shown in a double-blind clinical trial in which 101 healthy men aged 50–59 years obtained a dosage of 3 grams Ashwagandha for one year. The findings of several animal studies demonstrated the' substantial impact' of Ashwagandha on the hematopoietic mechanism (which is involved in the production of blood cells).
There was an improvement in the number of white blood cells in the experiment that involved rats. There is an increased sensitivity on the side of the rat.
A contrast of the anxiety-reducing and therapeutic acts of Ashwagandha with those of benzodiazepine lorazepam was produced in mice. Mice treated with both agents showed a reduction in the concentration of clinical anxiety in the brain.
Ashwagandha displayed an antidepressant effect. The findings of similar studies confirm the use of Ashwagandha as an anti-stress adaptogen.
In a rat chronic stress model, the stress-reducing activity of Ashwagandha extracts was compared with that of Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng). All agents reduced the number and frequency of chronic stress-induced ulcers, reversed chronic stress-induced male sexual inhibition.
Ashwagandha and Male Fertility
Supplements of the medicine are known to have a positive effect on the production of testosterone in male bodies. After its usage, there is an overall improvement in the reproductive system of men. This can be proven with an increased sperm count and motility. This includes an increase in the quality of sperms.
Apart from an improved sperm count, there is an improvement in muscle strength after usage of the medicine. This includes an increased size of muscles in both male and female gender.
The drug can burn fat in the body, and the excess fat is converted into energy. However, this should be accompanied by regular exercise to achieve maximum results.
By using Ashwagandha, you can quickly lose weight naturally without using expensive weight loss methods. Ashwagandha increases the production of natural killer cells. Consequently, there will be an increased activity of these killer cells. Thus, the body will be able to fight pathogens and other disease-causing microorganisms. This will make the organization secure and will, therefore, remain healthy.
Patients that have used the herb have reduced chances of getting heart diseases by up to 50 percent. This is due to its action on blood fats and stored fats in the body. There are improved memory and overall brain performance as a result of using Ashwagandha. Nerve cells are also protected from any damage and harmful free radicals.
Does Ashwagandha Work?
Yes, at least for me, it played a big part in reducing my anxiety. It helped me to become a normal human being. Ashwagandha has been tested for its advantage in reducing inflammation, supporting Parkinson's disease, and other neurological disorders. It has been used as an aid in cancer care to promote higher white blood cell count.
While this plant medicine contains many plant compounds that help balance the physiology of the body, the most well-researched phytochemicals of Ashwagandha are its alkaloids and lactones (known as anolides) that are thought to act as hormonal precursors.
In holistic medical care, Ashwagandha is seen as adaptogenic, which means that it helps to increase the effect when the activity is low but blocks excess stimulation when the activity is too high.
In human studies, diabetic and hypercholesterolemia subjects were treated with Ashwagandha powder extract for 30 days. Significant increases in sodium and urine volume and decreases serum cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, and low-density lipoproteins have been observed.
Typical doses of Ashwagandha in humans are as follows: 3–6 grams of dried root per day, 300–500 mg of standardized extract containing 1.5 percent anolides, and 6–12 mL of 1:2 fluid extract per day. This herb is generally considered safe when taken at prescribed doses. Large doses have been shown to cause gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea, and vomiting. Anecdotal reports suggest that Ashwagandha can enhance effective brain coordination.
How Do I Choose The Right Dosage?
When choosing any of Ashwagandha products, you can either opt for the powder or its extract form. The powder contains at least 0.3 percent of withanolides, while the extract form has 1.5 percent of withanolides. This implies that the extract form is more potent than the powder form.
Patients that are on Ashwagandha should make sure they take the right dosage of the herb. Those that opt for the root powder are supposed to take one to six grams of the herb every day. That translates t0 1,000 mg to 6,000 mg.
If you are on the extract, you should only take 500mg to 1,500 mg of the herb. That will translate to 0.5grams to 1.5 grams. The extract dosage is smaller than powder due to its high potency levels.
The drug should be accompanied by a meal whenever you take it. When you take 300 to 500 mg of the powder extract in one dose, you should make sure you have taken a meal. You should only take the right dosage each time.
It's found in the form of powder or capsules. If you are looking forward to a sweet taste from the medicine, then it might disappoint you. Just like any other herb, the medication has a bitter taste. To reduce the bitter taste, you can add it to your morning or evening tea. I used the drug once, and the prescription stated that I should swallow it in the morning and evening.
Is it Right To Take The Extract Daily?
The drug can be found in the form of powder extract from the root or in the form of an extract. This problem is difficult to answer because there is still a lack of long-term evidence from clinical trials. Thanks to its possible drug-like effects on neurotransmission, it is impossible to rule out unwanted side-effects or a long-term lack of potency.
How Safe is Ashwagandha?
The drug is safe for usage by most people. It can be used by kids above the age of five. There are no known advance side effects that arise after using Ashwagandha. Users who take the drug for a short period do not get any side effects. Those who use the drug for many months may get mild side effects like headache, stomach discomforts, and sleepiness.
Pregnant mothers and breastfeeding women should not use the drug. This is because it can have some effects on the health of the unborn baby or a breastfeeding baby.
Those with immunity-related diseases and conditions should avoid using the drug. If they must take it, it should be done under the authorization and supervision of healthcare providers. Katey Davidson gives examples of these conditions. They include arthritis, lupus, rheumatoid, thyroiditis, and diabetes mellitus.
A sluggish thyroid is generally embedded in tension, so Ashwagandha may be encouraging if you have low thyroid symptoms. Discover the advantages of this versatile herb and how it can spontaneously relieve anxiety, inflammation, and more.
The common symptom of thyroid dysfunction is brain fog, which feels like you're a bit spacious, disconnected, or not quite yourself. Brain fog is one of the most common complaints that thyroid sufferers have, and although it is not debilitating, it makes all your work and home tasks more difficult.
Sadly, several people are getting an extra boost in caffeine to drive through brain fog. Ashwagandha has been shown to help better cognitive function and memory in those with chronic illness (as well as post-head injuries)
People that are suffering from blood sugar and blood pressure should take a dosage that has been adjusted. The drug can be made in the form of powder or as an extract. However, it is the extract that has the best effect on a patient. Always follow instructions before taking medicine.
You can get the extract from many supplement manufacturers and retailers. This includes vitamin shops and health food stores. If you cannot access a supplement manufacturer, you can locate an online vendor and make an order.
Is Ashwagandha toxic?
No toxicity has been confirmed with this herbal medication. One case report reported a patient with several health problems, including low thyroid, insomnia, fibromyalgia, high blood pressure, and morbid obesity.
After starting Ashwagandha, she experienced hirsutism (increased hair growth) and increased levels of the hormone DHEA sulfate and lowered testosterone. Although it is not known whether the herb was an issue, it was fixed once the herb was stopped and no other reports have identified any such impact to date.
In most human beings, excess tension triggers this metabolic dysfunction. When someone has excessive pain, thyroid-stimulating hormones will fasten up the metabolism that causes inflammation. However, it is not advised for patients with hyperthyroidism to drink Ashwagandha as it can do more harm than good for the body.
Conclusion
Ashwagandha or commonly referred to as Indian ginseng, is a popular Ayurveda plant that is frequently used for medicinal purposes. The extracts of this ancient herb are mostly known to be an adaptogen; that is, a therapeutic herb that helps our body tackles stress.
People religiously use this traditional herb to relieve themselves of various health problems such as weakness, sleep disorders, menstrual problems, neurological disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, and recently thyroid disorders. It is prescribed as a daily tonic and is used to strengthen the body's core strength. It also has healing and anti-inflammatory properties and is, therefore, associated with healing depression and anxiety issues.
Ashwagandha is a traditional herb that has many benefits to the body. Its healing effects are not limited to a particular part of the body. It can heal multiple diseases and conditions such as stress, anxiety, depression, infertility, poor brain functionality, and lowering blood sugar levels.
Whenever you think of controlling these conditions, you should not look any further. Purchase the drug at a local medicine store, or you can purchase online from a credible online vendor.
Our Top Rated Nootropic
Mind Lab Pro
Mind Lab Pro® is the world's first Universal Nootropic™ – formulated to promote a healthy, peak-performing mindstate known as 100% Brainpower™
Free e-Book: 101 Nootropic
Discover the 7 important facts about nootropics for a complete beginner.
Elizabeth Winfrey is a professional health journalist with more than 4 years of writing experience in the industry. She is passionate about biohacking and loves to share her experience on this blog.