Ashwagandha Archives - Amazing Health Benefits

It’s a lovely day to talk about the health benefits of ashwagandha. Ashwagandha is a shrub that’s popularly used in traditional Indian medicine. It’s also known as Withania Somnifera, Indian Ginseng, Poison Gooseberry, and Winter Cherry. This is my list of the different health benefits of ashwagandha that I’ve come across online. 1. Ashwagandha Has Antibacterial Properties In Ayurveda, ashwagandha is used to treat bacterial infections. This study (In vitro Evaluation of Antibacterial Activities of Crude Extracts of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) to Bacterial Pathogens) may have proven its use. According to the study mentioned above, the herb is effective in the gastrointestinal, respiratory tract, and urinogenital infections. 2. May Have Anti-inflammatory Qualities It’s been known that ashwagandha helps relieve inflammations. It’s able to reduce inflammation markers. Here’s a study (Protective effects of Withania somnifera root on inflammatory markers and insulin resistance in fructose-fed rats) that was conducted on rats that may back up what’s mentioned above. Some researchers also state that these anti-inflammatory qualities from ashwagandha may have come from its alkaloids, saponins, and steroidal lactones. This herb can be very helpful to people suffering from arthritis conditions. 3. Ashwagandha Helps Keep Your Hair Healthy Poor health of your hair caused by hormonal imbalance may be corrected by consuming ashwagandha. This herb can also strengthen the roots of your hair to prevent hair loss and premature graying. 4. May Help Reduce Blood Sugar Levels Different studies suggest that ashwagandha can help reduce blood sugar levels. According to “Hypoglycemic activity of withanolides and elicitated Withania somnifera,” this herb helps increase insulin secretion and improve insulin sensitivity. In this other study (Hypoglycemic, diuretic and hypocholesterolemic effect of winter cherry (Withania somnifera, Dunal) root), ashwagandha was helpful to both healthy people and people with diabetes in reducing blood sugar levels. 5. Ashwagandha May Reduce Cholesterol Levels Ashwagandha may lower your cholesterol and triglycerides. An animal study (Hypocholesteremic and antioxidant effects of Withania somnifera (Dunal) in hypercholesteremic rats ) shows that it can decrease cholesterol by as much as 53% and triglyceride by as much as 45%. However, it may not be as effective with humans but researchers still observed positive results from consuming ashwagandha. According to this study, Withania somnifera Dunal (Ashwagandha):A Promising Remedy for Cardiovascular Diseases, ashwagandha has hypolipidemic properties that can reduce blood cholesterol levels. 6. May Help Reduce Anxiety And Stress Studies conducted both on humans and animals have shown ashwagandha to reduce anxiety and stress. In a study (Direct evidence for GABAergic activity of Withania somnifera on mammalian ionotropic GABAA and GABAρ receptors) conducted with rats, researchers observed that ashwagandha was able to block the stress pathway in the brains of the rats. Other studies like this, “A double-blind, placebo-controlled evaluation of the anxiolytic efficacy ff an ethanolic extract of withania somnifera,” showed how effective this herb in treating anxiety disorder and panic disorder. It may also help reduce symptoms of depression and it can also induce better sleep. 7. Ashwagandha May Improve Brain Functions Ashwagandha may help improve your brain functions. This includes enhancing your memory. Researchers believe that this may be caused by antioxidant activity that protects nerve cells from oxidative damage. In Ayurvedic medicine, ashwagandha is used to boost memory. 8. May Boost Sexual Health Some ashwagandha supplements are sold for its ability to improve sexual health. Studies like “Withania somnifera Improves Semen Quality in Stress-Related Male Fertility,” tells you that this herb improves semen quality. There are also other studies that say ashwagandha positively affects reproductive health and testosterone levels. If you’re looking for more natural ways to improve your sexual health, you should check my article on the health benefits of maca. 9. Ashwagandha May Help Boost Your Immune System In a study conducted with mice, ashwagandha has been seen to improve the mice’s immune system It’s also said that this herb helps with increasing your platelet count, red blood cells, and white blood cells. In effect, this improves your body’s immune system. You can read more about this in Studies on the immunomodulatory effects of Ashwagandha. 10. May Improve Muscle Mass And Strength Ashwagandha is also used to improve your muscles’ strength and performance. It’s also known to help with muscle recovery. For more details about this, you can read this published study (Examining the effect of Withania somnifera supplementation on muscle strength and recovery: a randomized controlled trial). 11. Ashwagandha May Help Increase Blood Production Ashwagandha is believed to have hematopoietic properties. This means that it stimulates the production of new blood. In this study (Scientific Basis for the Therapeutic Use ofWithania somnifera (Ashwagandha):A Review), rats that were induced with ashwagandha showed increased red blood cell and white blood cell counts. However, more research should still be conducted to verify if it’s significant enough positively affect humans. Still, it’s something to look at in the future as it can help prevent diseases like anemia. Conclusion I’m unfamiliar with ashwagandha and only see this marketed as supplements. I didn’t know that there are many health benefits of ashwagandha. I may need to check out the supplements just because of its anti-inflammatory qualities. This is my favorite on the list above. Which one of the health benefits of ashwagandha is best for you? Before you or anyone forgets, please make sure to discuss it first with your doctor or medical practitioner if it’s safe for you to consume ashwagandha. And, don’t forget to share this article if you find value in it or know someone who needs this information. Thank you!