With the advancement in science and technology Ashwagandha is attracting more people due to its amazing health characteristics. You must be thinking at the moment that what actually ashwagandha is? It is a nontoxic herb that is also known as Indian ginseng or winter cherry. In medical terms ashwagandha is called Withania Somnifera. Due to its enormous health benefits it has been the foundation of ayurvedic medicine for a longer period of time. In this most important article we are going to talk about 10 astonishing health benefits of using ashwagandha that you might not know. So without any delay let’s start this article.
10 Amazing Ashwagandha Benefits You Never Knew
Reduces Stress and Anxiety
As we know that stress is now one of the major issues when we talk about overall health. Thanks to Ashwagandha who has amazing characteristics to reduce stress and anxiety. Due to its nontoxic features it helps to regulate the stress hormone which is called cortisol. Medical studies have shown that Ashwagandha is very helpful in order to reduce the chances of those diseases which are related to anxiety and stress. It helps to perform adrenal function in an effective way. By doing this the ability of the body to fight against stress increases to a greater extent.
Boosts Cognitive Function
Due to its unbelievable neuroprotective qualities Ashwagandha is considered best in order to improve cognitive functions such as attention, memory and speed of information processing. Besides that, it also enhances antioxidant activities. This herb protects brain cells from oxidative stress and free radicals. The research shows that it is also helpful in the production of acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is actually a neurotransmitter which is very important for memory and learning. These mentioned characteristics make Ashwagandha an amazing herb for improving cognitive health also.
Enhances Athletic Performance
Ashwagandha is really a game changer for those who are willing to improve their physical performance. With the massive studies in medical science it shows that Ashwagandha supplements are really helpful in improving strength, durability and recovery in athletes. Due to its variety of different characteristics it has the ability to reduce body fat and increase muscle mass. Besides that, it also enhances cardiorespiratory durability as well. Ashwagandha can increase the overall performance of the athletes by boosting their energy levels. By using Ashwagandha the muscle damage during exercise can also be decreased to a greater extent.
Boosts Immune System
As we have discussed so many times in our previous article, a strong immune system is the key to your good health. Due to the wrong immunomodulatory features, Ashwagandha is actually a best partner for your immune health. Now try to understand what Ashwagandha actually does to make the immune system strong? It provides support to natural killer cells that are very important for a strong defense system of a body in order to provide strong barriers to fatal diseases such as cancer and infections. Ashwagandha maintains a balanced immune system that prevents infections and autoimmune diseases.
Promotes Heart Health
Cardiovascular health is one of the major topics when we talk about health issues. Ashwagandha never disappoint you in case of cardiovascular health. This magical nontoxic herb has special characteristics that help to decrease cholesterol and triglyceride levels. By doing this chances of heart disease are reduced to a valuable extent. As we have mentioned earlier that ashwagandha has antioxidants features, that’s why it also protects your heart from inflammation and oxidative stress.
Balances Hormones
Ashwagandha has an additional characteristic of balancing hormones. That’s why this herb is very useful especially for women. It helps women’s health in different ways by regulating master cycles, improving fertility and reducing symptoms of menopause. Ashwagandha helps in the production of optimal hormones making the endocrine system strong and balanced. It also contributes towards the betterment of the imbalance of hormones and reproductive health.
Enhances Mood and Mental Health
Ashwagandha is not only helpful in reducing stress and anxiety but also plays its part in improving mental health and enhances overall mood. Medical research has shown that this magical herb is also helpful in reducing symptoms of depression and enhancing emotional health. Due to the adaptogenic nontoxic characteristics it is useful to keep neurotransmitters and hormones in a balanced way making mood stabilized. Research shows that people who use ashwagandha regularly can improve their mental capacity to a greater extent.
Supports Thyroid Function
In order to perform metabolic functions in a smooth way, thyroid health is really very important and thanks to Ashwagandha that plays its active part in maintaining thyroid health. Medical science has shown that it speeds up production of thyroid hormone specially T3 and T4 which are very important for metabolism. Ashwagandha is really a blessing for those people who have hypothyroidism. It is because it can help normalize the functioning of the thyroid and improve energy level and is useful for overall metabolic health.
Anti Inflammatory Properties
We have comprehensively talked in our previous articles about inflammation. Inflammation is actually a root cause of many of the diseases and look at the Ashwagandha that have anti inflammatory properties. The major benefit in this case is to reduce inflammation from your body. How it performs is the question at the moment. Ashwagandha stops or resists the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes and cytokines. That’s why this amazing herb is considered as one of the best options for treating dangerous diseases such as asthma, arthritis and other inflammatory diseases.
Improve Sleep Quality
Healthy and enough sleep is very important for your good health and Ashwagandha is your best partner. Due to its special sedative qualities it helps to give relaxation. It is also useful in managing insomnia. Insomnia is actually a condition where persons feel difficulty in sleeping. We have discussed earlier that Ashwagandha helps to reduce stress and anxiety, that’s why it improves your sleep quality. With the regular use of this herb you can get a refreshed feeling and sleep well.
How to Use Ashwagandha in Your Routine?
In order to grab all the benefits of Ashwagandha it is crucial to use it in your daily routine. Now there is a simple question at the moment that how we can make Ashwagandha a part of our diet. There is no need to panic because this astonishing herb is available in different forms, such as capsule, powder and tinctures. In this part of the article we are going to talk about how you can use it and which form is better. Let’s have a look.
Capsules
Capsules are actually the most common and easiest way to use Ashwagandha. It is very important to take prescribed doses on a regular basis. For complete recommendation it is important to read out the label of a product or just consult your healthcare provider.
Powder
Ashwagandha is also available in powder form and is very easy to use. Just sprinkle it on the food. You can also use it in teas and smoothies. You can start using Ashwagandha with small quantities and can increase gradually as required.
Tinctures
You have another option which is the liquid form known as tinctures. Liquid extracts of Ashwagandha are very easy to use. You can mix it in water or juices. Again make sure to use the recommended ones. You can read out the instructions on the label of the product before using.
Precaution and Side Effects
There is no doubt about it that Ashwagandha is full of benefits but in rare or some of the cases it can create side effects also. So it is better to avoid using Ashwagandha in the following cases.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
During pregnancy and breastfeeding it is better to avoid using Ashwagandha. It is because of the lack of sufficient health data at that time so avoid making sure that you don’t have any issues whatsoever.
Autoimmune Conditions
As we have talked about earlier that Ashwagandha has special characteristics of speeding up the immune system, those people who have autoimmune disorders should consult a doctor before using this herb.
Medication Interactions
It is better to consult with your physician before using Ashwagandha. Due to its characteristics to interact with certain medicines such as thyroid medicines, sedatives and immunosuppressant, it is crucial to get professional guidance from your doctor.
Conclusion
Ashwagandha is an amazing antitoxic herb containing a lot of health benefits including physical and mental. It is really helpful in order to reduce symptoms of different health diseases and improve their functioning including stress and anxiety, cognitive functions and immune health. You can make Ashwagandha a part of your daily routine and can enjoy a healthier and balanced life. You just only keep in mind that it is very important to consult with your doctor before taking any kind of supplements or medicine.