Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is best known for the following properties and benefits:

Ashwagandha reduces stress, anxiety, and depression: Stress has become a common problem nowadays. It’s also a symptom of many medical conditions. Practitioners of Ayurvedic medicine have been using ashwagandha for thousands of years to alleviate stress and anxiety. Findings of multiple clinical trials have convinced scientists that there might be some truth to the claim.

Researchers believe that ashwagandha reduces stress and anxiety by influencing the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA. In addition, the herbal nootropic is known to tackle stress by lowering the stress hormone cortisol. In an animal study, scientists found that the herb targeted the stress pathway to reduce the activity of the stress hormone.

In animal studies, the herb ashwagandha has proved itself equal to other anti-depressants. Before putting the rats through severe physical and social tests the animals were given imipramine, lorazepam, or ashwagandha. The researchers found the herbal nootropic is as effective as the two anti-depressants.

Ashwagandha fights adrenal fatigue: The herbal nootropic’s action against adrenal fatigue benefits the overall health. Adrenal fatigue has a lot to do with stress and the stress hormone cortisol. When you’re under too much stress and pressure, the endocrine gland adrenal reacts by releasing cortisol. Sometimes, the increased release of the stress hormone could overtax the adrenal gland leading to adrenal fatigue. This condition affects sleep, weight, muscle development, libido, fertility and a number of other functions. Adrenal fatigue is also known to affect the delicate balance of hormones in the body. Ashwagandha is believed to regulate adrenal function, prevent the excess release of cortisol and the overtaxing of the endocrine gland.

Ashwagandha as a cognitive enhancer: For long the mood-related benefits of ashwagandha have overshadowed its cognitive enhancing properties. Ashwagandha is considered one of the best herbal brain boosters due to its impact on the brain cells and neurotransmitters. The herb is widely used to enhance memory, improve learning, and prevent age-related cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s.

The Ayurvedic herb supports brain cell development and regeneration by promoting the growth of axons and dendrites. In addition, the herb also helps in the development and repair of synapses. The nootropic indirectly boosts acetylcholine levels by inhibiting the breakdown of the neurotransmitter by the enzyme acetylcholinesterase.

Ashwagandha for muscle building and recovery: Several studies have established the muscle building benefits of ashwagandha. The documented results show that ashwagandha helps increase muscle mass, workout stamina, muscle strength, and endurance. The positive results don’t end there; the herb was equally effective in increasing testosterone levels, reducing body fat, and minimizing workout-related muscle damage.

Ashwagandha improves sexual health: Even in traditional medicine ashwagandha is often prescribed to improve sexual performance. Evidence to back this claim is emerging from various studies carried out around the world. Researchers have seen positive results with the use of ashwagandha in increasing spermatogenic activity and testosterone levels.

Other Health Benefits of Ashwagandha: Here are other health benefits of the Ayurvedic herb supported by science: helps fight cancer, boosts immunity, regulates blood sugar levels, reduces the markers of inflammation, improves thyroid function, and decreases bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides.

Dosage: The standard dosage as recommended by API is about 3-6 g per day. The best dosage may depend on the purpose for which the herb is used. To reduce stress and improve relaxation the recommended dosage is 250-500 mg; taking a daily dose of 100-200 mg is believed to deliver antioxidant benefits; to improve sexual performance and fertility a daily dosage of 250-500 mg is recommended.

Side Effects: The adaptogenic effect of ashwagandha could be a bane if you exceed the recommended dosage. The herb is known to impact the hormones; hence, taking too much of the substance could affect hormone balance. Similarly, those with thyroid problem must take ashwagandha only after consulting an endocrinologist. The most common side effects of ashwagandha are slow pulse rate, drowsiness, stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhea.