Ashwagandha is an ancient herb that has been used for centuries in India. The name “ashwagandha” comes from the Sanskrit word meaning “smelling like a horse,” which refers to the strong smell of the roots of the plant. Ashwagandha is a member of the nightshade family and is related to tomatoes, potatoes, and aubergines. The herb is a perennial that grows in dry regions and is found throughout India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Nepal.
The roots and leaves of ashwagandha are used in traditional Indian medicine. Ashwagandha has been shown to have many health benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety, improving brain function, and boosting immunity. Here, we are introducing 5 proven ashwagandha benefits to you.
1. Boosts immunity
Ashwagandha is an ancient medicinal herb with a wide variety of health benefits. One of the most well-known benefits of ashwagandha is its ability to boost immunity. Ashwagandha has been shown to increase the production of white blood cells, which are responsible for fighting off infection. In one study, participants who took ashwagandha had a 28% increase in white blood cells after just 60 days.
In addition to increasing white blood cell production, ashwagandha can also help improve the function of existing white blood cells. In a study on people with chronic fatigue syndrome, those who took ashwagandha had improved natural killer cell activity, which is essential for fighting off viruses and bacteria.
2. Reduces stress and anxiety
There are a number of herbs that have been shown to be effective in reducing stress and anxiety. One of these is ashwagandha, which is an herbal remedy that has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries.
Ashwagandha has been shown to be effective in reducing stress and anxiety in a number of studies. In one study, participants who took ashwagandha had a significant reduction in their levels of cortisol, the stress hormone.
Another study found that ashwagandha was effective in reducing anxiety and improving sleep quality. Participants who took ashwagandha reported feeling less anxious and having better sleep quality than those who did not take the herb.
If you are looking for an herbal remedy to help reduce stress and anxiety, ashwagandha may be worth considering.
3. Improves brain function
Ashwagandha is an Indian herb that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. Modern science is now beginning to understand how this ancient herb can improve brain function.
One study showed that Ashwagandha improved memory and cognitive function in healthy adults. The study found that the herb increased performance on tests of verbal learning and working memory. Ashwagandha also helped to improve reaction time and accuracy.
Another study looked at the effect of Ashwagandha on people with mild cognitive impairment. This study found that Ashwagandha improved memory, attention, and task performance. The herb also helped to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms.
These studies suggest that Ashwagandha can be a helpful supplement for improving brain function.
4. Helps to reverse insulin resistance
Ashwagandha is an important herb in Ayurvedic medicine. Its roots and leaves are used to make teas and powders that help reverse insulin resistance.
Insulin resistance is a condition in which the body does not respond properly to insulin, resulting in high blood sugar levels. This can lead to type 2 diabetes. Ashwagandha has been shown to help reverse insulin resistance and improve blood sugar control.
In one study, 60 participants with type 2 diabetes were given either ashwagandha or a placebo for eight weeks. The group taking ashwagandha had significantly lower blood sugar levels than the placebo group.
Another study showed that ashwagandha improved insulin sensitivity by up to 46% in people with type 2 diabetes. It also helped reduce fasting blood sugar levels by up to 27%.
5. Lowers inflammation
A systematic review of the literature on ashwagandha shows that it can help lower inflammation. The main active ingredient in ashwagandha, Withaferin A, is a potent anti-inflammatory agent. In one study, Withaferin A was shown to reduce inflammation by up to 50%.
Ashwagandha has also been shown to be effective in reducing inflammation in people with arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. In one study, 66% of people with arthritis who took ashwagandha for 8 weeks had a significant reduction in their symptoms.
If you suffer from inflammation, ashwagandha may be a helpful natural remedy for you. Be sure to talk to your doctor before taking any supplements, and always follow the recommended dosage.
Conclusion
When it comes to medicinal herbs, few have as long and storied a history as ashwagandha. Also known as “Indian ginseng,” this small but mighty root has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine to treat a wide variety of ailments.
Recent scientific research has begun to uncover some of the mechanisms behind ashwagandha’s many purported benefits. while more research is needed, there is promising evidence that ashwagandha may be effective in treating anxiety, stress, and depression; reducing inflammation; boosting brain function, and even slowing the aging process.
So if you’re looking for an all-natural way to improve your health and well-being, give ashwagandha a try. You just might be surprised at how this humble root can change your life for the better.