Ashwagandha is an herb that has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. The name ashwagandha comes from the Sanskrit words ” ashva,” meaning horse, and ” gandha,” meaning smell. The herb is so named because of its strong horse-like scent. Ashwagandha is native to India and North Africa, and it has been used traditionally to treat a variety of conditions, including anxiety, insomnia, and pain. The active compounds in ashwagandha are thought to be responsible for their therapeutic effects.
What are the health benefits of Ashwagandha?
Many people have the question that “what are the health benefits of ashwagandha?”.
Following are the 10 health benefits of ashwagandha:
1. Helps to reduce stress and anxiety
If you’re looking for a natural way to reduce stress and anxiety, ashwagandha may be worth considering. This herb has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries, and recent research has shown that it can indeed help to ease stress and anxiety. One study found that ashwagandha was especially effective in reducing stress among people who were going through a major life change.
2. Improve cognitive function
For centuries, ashwagandha has been used in traditional Indian medicine to help improve cognitive function and memory. And now, modern science is beginning to back up these claims. Studies have shown that ashwagandha can help to improve memory and reaction time, as well as reduce stress levels. One study even found that ashwagandha was more effective than a placebo in improving both working memory and task performance.
3. Improve sleep quality
If you’re looking for a natural way to improve your sleep quality, ashwagandha may be worth trying. Ashwagandha is an herb that has been used in traditional Indian medicine for centuries. In one study, ashwagandha was shown to reduce the time it took for people to fall asleep and improved their sleep quality overall. And in another study of people with chronic stress, ashwagandha was shown to significantly improve sleep quality compared to a placebo. If you’re struggling with insomnia, ashwagandha may be worth a try. Just make sure to talk to your doctor first to make sure it’s safe for you.
4. Boost the immune system
Ashwagandha is thought to have a wide range of health benefits, including boosting the immune system. ashwagandha is rich in antioxidants and phytochemicals, which are thought to help fight off infections and disease. Additionally, ashwagandha has been shown to increase the production of white blood cells, which are key to fighting off illness.
5. Helps to decrease inflammation
The active ingredients in ashwagandha, known as withanolides, have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects. In a study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, rats were given ashwagandha extract for 10 days and then induced with inflammation. The rats that were given ashwagandha had significantly lower levels of inflammation than the control group. Other studies have shown similar results, indicating that ashwagandha may be effective at reducing inflammation. Given its long history of use and its proven anti-inflammatory effects, ashwagandha is an excellent herb to take for those looking to decrease inflammation.
6. Lower blood sugar levels
Recent studies have shown that ashwagandha may help to lower blood sugar levels. One study showed that ashwagandha was able to significantly reduce fasting blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Another study found that ashwagandha was able to decrease both fasting and post-meal blood sugar levels in people with prediabetes. It is thought that ashwagandha works by stimulating insulin secretion and improving insulin sensitivity. If you are interested in trying ashwagandha to lower your blood sugar levels, talk to your healthcare provider first.
7. Lower cholesterol levels
A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that ashwagandha extract was able to significantly reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol and raise HDL (good) cholesterol in rats. Another study, this one published in the Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, found that ashwagandha was able to lower total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol in human subjects. Ashwagandha may help to lower cholesterol by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which are involved in the development of atherosclerosis.
8. Helps to fight depression
According to traditional Indian medicine, ashwagandha is a powerful herb that has a wide range of health benefits. One of these benefits is its ability to fight depression. In a recent study, patients with major depressive disorder were given ashwagandha or a placebo for eight weeks. The results showed that those who took ashwagandha had significantly lower levels of depression than those who took the placebo. This suggests that ashwagandha may be an effective treatment for depression.
9. Improve joint health
This is one of the best health benefits of ashwagandha. The main active ingredient in ashwagandha is withanolide, a plant-based steroid that has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Studies have shown that ashwagandha can help to reduce pain and stiffness in the joints, as well as improve range of motion and flexibility. Additionally, ashwagandha has been shown to boost collagen production, which can help to reinforce the joints and reduce the risk of further damage. When used in conjunction with other joint-supportive herbs such as turmeric and ginger, ashwagandha can be an effective strategy for maintaining healthy joints.
10. Helps to protect brain cells from damage
In a recent study, ashwagandha was found to significantly reduce the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the brain. ROS are damaging molecules that can lead to cell death. The withanolides in ashwagandha help to scavenge these ROS, preventing them from causing damage to brain cells. In addition, ashwagandha has also been shown to increase levels of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which helps to promote neuron growth and protect against neurodegenerative diseases. These properties make ashwagandha an effective neuroprotective agent that could help to prevent cognitive decline and dementia.
Health benefits of ashwagandha powder with milk
It’s no secret that milk is packed with nutrients that are essential for our health. But did you know that adding ashwagandha powder to milk can enhance its health benefits?
Milk provides a rich source of protein, calcium, and other nutrients that are important for our health. Adding ashwagandha powder to milk can help to boost its nutrient content and make it even more beneficial for our health. Ashwagandha powder is a good source of iron, which is essential for healthy blood cells and proper oxygenation of the body. It also contains antioxidants that can help to protect the body against free radical damage.
Health benefits of ashwagandha tea
There are many health benefits associated with drinking ashwagandha tea. For one, it can help to reduce stress and anxiety levels. Ashwagandha is a natural adaptogen, which means it helps the body adapt to stress. Drinking ashwagandha tea can help to lower cortisol levels and improve your overall sense of well-being.
Health benefits of ashwagandha for hair growth
Ashwagandha is rich in antioxidants and essential nutrients, which may help to promote hair growth and prevent hair loss. In addition, ashwagandha is thought to improve blood circulation to the scalp, which may also encourage hair growth.
