Ashwagandha has rapidly become an immensely effective natural supplement that many people use to enhance their well-being.
It is perhaps one of the most commonly used plants in traditional medicine due to its wide range of uses.
But you may wonder, what is ashwagandha used for in ayurvedic medicine?
As amazing as it may sound, ashwagandha is truly a natural, versatile herb, and reading this article, you will learn everything you need to know about it and why its regular intake may help reduce stress.
What Is Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha is an excellent shrub that has been the center of attention of cures from different old remedies, including Ayurveda, for the past 3,000 years.
Scientifically, it is known to be Withania somnifera, an evergreen shrub, but it is also commonly referred to as Indian ginseng or winter cherry.
Although it does much more than help the body cope with stress, this herb is often used as an adaptogen in ayurvedic medicine, with evidence that ashwagandha can improve mental clarity.
Herbs such as ashwagandha accomplish this using the body’s built-in stress response system, thus making it easier to overcome physical and mental difficulties and supporting the efficacy of ashwagandha in reducing stress and anxiety.
The root form of ashwagandha is often used in supplements and takes the form of tinctures, powders, and capsules, showcasing the versatility of this ayurvedic herb.
Used widely in both types of medicine, ashwagandha can achieve a wide range of benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety.
Ashwagandha Is Used for What?
For many health conditions, ashwagandha is known for its therapeutic benefits, as well as its capacity to promote well-being.
It is most popular for relieving stress, enhancing physical capability, and overall health.
Let’s discuss a few of the most popular forms of ashwagandha.
Stress and Anxiety Relief
Stress relief is one of the fundamental uses of ashwagandha, a popular theme in the current hectic world.
It has been shown that ashwagandha reduces cortisol levels, a hormone related to stress.
Although it helps the body cope with stress, this herb is commonly considered to be an adaptogen.
Because of this, it is a natural remedy for people with anxiety disorders or chronic stress, as supported by a systematic review and meta-analysis (1).
Improving Sleep Quality
The African continent is also known for the discovery of life, which was dealt with in evolution by Charles Darwin, and the impact of the introduction of modern medicine.
It calms the nervous system and therefore helps the body and mind to relax and enjoy deep and restful sleep through the night, further emphasizing the benefits of ashwagandha (2).
Given that ashwagandha reduces stress, it creates a conducive situation for a sound sleep, especially for those with stress-related sleeping problems.
This makes it a great solution for people looking to improve their sleep patterns naturally.
Boosting Immunity
Among the other common reasons why people resort to ashwagandha is the fact that it can strengthen the immune system.
Research has it that ashwagandha stimulates an increase in the activity of immune cells, hence helping the body in dealing with illnesses more effectively (3).
Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties will assist in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, which are potential immune disruptors.
Ashwagandha is an appropriate solution for anyone trying to increase their immune system safely and using unadulterated natural substances.
The Impacts of Ashwagandha on Physical Health
Other than causing positive effects on the mental state, ashwagandha has certain benefits for the overall physical health and, therefore, constitutes a great option for general well-being, particularly in reducing stress and anxiety.
Now let’s see how ashwagandha can affect physical fitness/performance.
Enhancing Physical Performance through the Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha.
Ashwagandha is popularly consumed by athletes and fitness enthusiasts to increase their physical performance.
Research studies have revealed that the health benefits of ashwagandha can increase an individual's stamina, muscle strength, and endurance, highlighting its efficacy.
A clinical trial reported that individuals who consumed ashwagandha achieved muscle mass and strength upon completion of their eight-week strength training program, suggesting that ashwagandha can enhance physical performance (4).
This makes ashwagandha a useful supplement for anyone to try in order to improve their physical performance, for athletes, or just as part of one’s regular fitness regimen, as supported by evidence that ashwagandha enhances muscle strength.
Supporting Hormonal Balance
Ashwagandha also augments the hormone balance in men and women.
In men, ashwagandha has been proven to increase testosterone levels, leading to better male reproductive health and physical performance (5).
In women, ashwagandha can balance the thyroid gland, which is important for hormonal balance within the female body.
This makes ashwagandha especially good for those having thyroid disorders like hypothyroidism.
Its capacity to control hormones may result in improved vitality, mood, and general health, highlighting the benefits of ashwagandha.
Who Should Avoid Ashwagandha?
Although there are many benefits from ashwagandha, not everyone can use it.
People should refrain from taking ashwagandha or should seek the help of a healthcare professional before using it.
Pregnant women should avoid ashwagandha because it may complicate the pregnancy.
Therefore, people who suffer from autoimmune diseases such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis should also take care with ashwagandha, which can activate the immune system and exacerbate those conditions.
Further, those who have thyroid problems should be careful, as ashwagandha interacts with thyroid medication, and it is important to consider the safety of ashwagandha root extract in such cases.
If you are under treatment for stress, anxiety, depression, and high blood pressure, it’s very important to first visit your physician before taking ashwagandha root.
The Best Way in Which Ashwagandha Should Be Taken for Maximum Results
To obtain the most benefits from ashwagandha, it is important to consider the efficacy and safety of ashwagandha root extract.
There are various forms of ashwagandha, including liquid extraction, powders, and capsules.
And though powders and extracts are more versatile, since they can be incorporated into meals or drinks, capsules are often the most convenient form.
As far as dosage is concerned, the largest number of studies recommend taking a daily 300-600 mg of a high-quality ashwagandha extract.
The suggested doses of ashwagandha will vary depending on health objectives.
Ashwagandha facilitates relaxation and should be administered at night to relieve stress and improve sleep.
If you are using ashwagandha to increase your physical performance, then taking it before a workout may give you the best results.
In order to see notable results, take ashwagandha daily for at least a couple of weeks. After all, consistency is vital in any ayurvedic medicine regimen.
Final thoughts
Ashwagandha is a versatile plant that can relieve stress and improve sleep, improve performance at sports, and strengthen the immune system.
Whether you are interested in managing stress, any kind of physical activity, or even general quality of life, the health benefits of ashwagandha may be what you need to incorporate into your daily regimen.
It is important to opt for a quality product when trying to have the best result.
Daily Nutra’s premium Ashwagandha supplements are subjected to the test of potency to ensure that one gets genuine quality supplements, which are a great addition to anyone’s wellness regimen.
If you are ready to take your health into your own hands and feel more energized, you should consider adding ashwagandha to your daily list of supplements.
🌞 Wake Up Refreshed! Ashwagandha will help you relax, even fall asleep easier, and wake up feeling your best! 🌞
FAQs on Ashwagandha Uses
Is ashwagandha used for treating something?
Ashwagandha is commonly used to enhance physical performance and immunity, as well as to remedy stress, anxiety, and sleeplessness.
How does the ashwagandha affect you if you take it daily?
Daily intake of ashwagandha can decrease stress, boost mood, increase physical endurance, and promote overall well-being, showcasing the effect of Withania somnifera.
Is ashwagandha useful when dealing with sleep problems?
Indeed, ashwagandha encourages relaxation and has been shown to improve sleep quality, particularly for those who suffer from insomnia.
What is the positive effect of ashwagandha on hormones?
Ashwagandha maintains the normal level of the thyroid hormone and increases the levels of testosterone, improving the reproductive and general physical health.
Who should avoid taking ashwagandha, considering the potential adverse effects it may have on certain individuals?
Pregnant women, autoimmune patients, and those on thyroid and anxiety medications should first get a doctor’s advice before taking ashwagandha.
Related Studies
1. Title: Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) on stress and anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis
This meta-analysis of five studies indicates a significant overall reduction in stress levels following ashwagandha supplementation, with a pooled effect size of −4.72.
DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychores.2024.110169
2. Title: The impact of ashwagandha on sleep quality, anxiety reduction, and stress lowering: Comparative analysis of available studies
This review consolidates findings from multiple studies, highlighting ashwagandha's effectiveness in enhancing sleep quality and reducing anxiety and stress levels.
DOI Link: 10.12775/JEHS.2024.52.015
3. Title: Ashwagandha and Immune Support: Exploring Its Effects on Immune System Function and Defense
This article discusses ashwagandha's role in enhancing immune function through its immunomodulatory properties, adaptogenic effects, and synergistic potential with other natural compounds.
DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.3892/ijmm.2018.3608
4. Title: Effects of Ashwagandha Root Extract (Withania somnifera) on Muscle Strength and Recovery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
This meta-analysis evaluates clinical trials assessing the effect of ashwagandha supplementation on physical performance, considering variables like muscle strength, VO₂max, muscle fatigue, tiredness, and physical recovery.
DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-015-0104-9
5. Title: Ashwagandha and Hormonal Balance: A Natural Solution for Women
This article explores how ashwagandha may support hormonal balance in women, including its potential effects on testosterone levels.
DOI Link: 10.3892/ijmm.2018.3608
