Ashwagandha has been widely used in alternative medicine (known as Ayurveda) for 3,000 years to relieve stress, increase energy levels, and improve concentration. It is also more commonly known as Indian ginseng or Indian winter cherry.
In modern times, the Ashwagandha root is commonly taken in liquid or capsule form, but it is also available as a powder and is packaged in a dehydrated form for making extracts and teas.
The chemical properties of Ashwagandha are the focus of several clinical studies — as researchers work to gain a better understanding of its healing properties.
Here are some of the numerous benefits ashwagandha has to offer and how it can improve particularly the health of women:
Ashwagandha is a Great Alternative to Caffeine and Other Stimulants
In fact, it does not have the same side effects as stimulant drugs such as sudden energy spurt or overexcited state. And it also does not lead to dependency or addiction.
Remarkably, clinical studies indicate that this could be attributed to increased blood cell production and enhanced circulation that is associated with taking ashwaganda.
Get a Better Night’s Sleep From This Natural Sleep Aid
Just as its latin name, (Withania) somnifera, which translates to ‘sleep-inducing,’ suggests — you can count on Ashwagandha for a restful night’s sleep. Although ashwagandha has energy–boosting effects, a night-time dose will provide you with much-needed rest and relaxation.
Boost your Memory and Concentration Without Stimulants
A recent article indicates that Ashwagandha holds promise for treating cognitive disorders such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
It should be noted that when Ashwagandha was given in small doses to preschoolers over a period of 60 days, it was found to improve the youngsters’ ability to concentrate and assimilate facts.
The cognitive benefits are likely to be shared by people of all ages. For adults, Ashwagandha could be the key to better memory.
Manage Diabetes by Regulating your Blood Sugar, Naturally
Several studies have concluded that Ashwagandha can be used to effectively reduce blood sugar levels in both healthy people and those with diabetes. What’s more, in a study of six individuals with type 2 diabetes, taking Ashwagandha supplements over a period of 30 days resulted in lower fasting blood sugar levels.
Notably, the efficacy was noted as being similar to oral diabetes medication. If you suffer from diabetes, ask your doctor if Ashwagandha can be safely added to your treatment plan.
Naturally Boost your Sex Life by Improving Circulation
Ashwagandha might be the secret to a better sex life for women. According to the Kama Sutra, which is an ancient text on human sexuality, Ashwagandha is referenced as a potent sexual stimulant.
It works by increasing blood flow which, in turn, reduces stress. For women taking Ashwagandha, an increase in sexual desire and satisfaction is reported.
Support your Reproductive Health by Restoring your Body’s Hormone Balance
Ashwagandha has proven benefits for menopausal women. It is known to regulate the endocrine system, such as the adrenals and the thyroid, which helps to keep androgens in check.
Further, evidence suggests that it can be helpful in managing hot flashes, as well as the anxiety and mood changes that are often associated with menopause.
Banish your Anxiety With This Natural Stress Reliever
Ashwagandha is clinically proven to reduce anxiety, without causing drowsiness. According to the Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, participants who were given a 300 mg dose of ashwagandha over a 60-day period showed a significant reduction in cortisol levels in comparison to their levels at the beginning of the study.
As a result, the experiments support the use of Ashwagandha as a mood stabilizer in clinical cases of anxiety and depression. Consult with your doctor to find out if Ashwagandha is right for you.
Uplift your Mood Without Experiencing the Negative Side Effects of Anti-depressants
Ashwagandha is useful in treating depression, as it provides a more balanced effect on one’s mood, than the standard pharmaceutical treatment. Unlike drugs used to treat depression, Ashwagandha does not deplete a person’s energy.
Thus it eliminates the need for additional drugs to balance out changes in a person’s energy levels. This balance also lessens mood swings that are experienced by individuals who suffer from bipolar disorder.
Reduce inflammation in the body by taking a natural anti-inflammatory supplement
Researchers at The Los Angeles College of Chiropractors note the anti–inflammatory properties of Ashwagandha which are derived from the alkaloids, saponins, and steroidal lactones found within the plant. Consider ashwagandha as an effective treatment for arthritis.
Improve Cardiovascular Health by Lowering your Cholesterol with This Natural Alternative
Lowering your cholesterol level can help promote a healthy heart. As concluded in a study at the University of Arizona, Ashwagandha has cholesterol–lowering properties. Additionally, it is even thought to strengthen the cardiovascular muscles.
Improve your Overall Health by Increasing Your Intake of Antioxidants
Antioxidants are thought to play a key role in preventing diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and arthritis. The ashwagandha plant happens to be rich in antioxidants, which is an added bonus if you are already planning on using ashwagandha supplements for its other healing benefits.
Not surprisingly, Ashwagandha is being studied for its anti–tumor properties and could have an important role in the future of oncology.
Support your Immune System Function by Encouraging Red Blood Cell Production
During one study, mice were given various drugs to induce myelosuppression. Remarkably, Ashwagandha prevented myelosuppression in mice treated with all three immunosuppressive drugs tested. It was also found to result in a significant increase in hemoglobin concentration, red blood cell count, white blood cell count, and platelet count, in contrast with the untreated (control) mice.
These promising results offer hope for the future of integrative medicine, particularly in treating anemia in humans.
Enhance Sports Performance by Supporting Muscular Health
Ashwagandha is a popular supplement in the bodybuilding realm due to its ability to improve muscular strength, particularly in the lower limbs.
In addition, this supplement has been found to have a positive effect on neuro-muscular coordination. Ashwagandha could offer the extra boost you need to achieve your fitness goals.
Improve the Health of your Baby by Enhancing Lactation Milk Quality
Ashwagandha may be beneficial for breastfeeding moms as it is believed to promote lactation. Just as it is thought to increase the amount of milk produced it may even enhance the quality of milk, which may improve the overall health of your baby.
Final Thoughts
With its history deeply rooted in the traditional medicine practices of India, the benefits of ashwagandha have been rediscovered by mainstream medicine. Current studies show promise in its ability to calm the brain, reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, and alter the immune system — just to name a few.
This is especially useful for treating health conditions that affect women such as diabetes, hormonal imbalances, anxiety, depression, and high blood pressure.
While there has not been any conclusive evidence, to suggest that ashwagandha may cause negative side effects, it is always recommended to consult with your physician before adding ashwagandha to your diet or discontinuing your prescribed medications.
If you are looking for an effective, natural alternative to some of your prescribed medications it may be worth considering ashwagandha supplements.
Acknowledgements: IdeaHacks
