What you need to know about Ashwagandha

What you need to know about Ashwagandha

If Ashwagandha doesn’t ring a bell to you, here are facts that you need to know about this promising herb.

What is Ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha is a plant that is native to India. It is used as a medicinal herb for hundreds of years and is commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine. Ashwagandha is starting to be recognized in the United States as more people purchase it as a supplement. It’s a perennial shrub with yellow flowers, while the leaves and roots are the parts used in herbal medicine. It is available in extracts and powdered form and has various parts that have beneficial properties.


What are the benefits of taking Ashwagandha?

If you’re considering ashwagandha as part of your daily health regimen, here is a list of its benefits:

  1. Effect on blood sugar

Based on several human studies, it is proven that the herb lowers blood sugar level in both healthy and diabetic people. 

2. Effect on cortisol.

It is true that cortisol is released when a person is experiencing stress, however, there are some people who have chronically elevated cortisol levels. Fortunately, ashwagandha can reduce cortisol and this effect has been backed up by studies.

3. Effect on stress and anxiety.

Since ashwagandha reduces cortisol the stress hormone, It may reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety.

4.Effect on depression.

There are a few studies that suggest ashwagandha may alleviate depression since it has the ability to reduce stress and anxiety.

5. Effect on testosterone and fertility.

Ashwagandha may contribute to the testosterone level and fertility in men. There are studies that ashwagandha may increase sperm count and motility but these studies are not yet conclusive, hence, further research are recommended. 

Bottomline

Ashwagandha is generally safe for most people, but advice from a doctor is a wise idea especially in pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, as well as persons with medical conditions. 


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