Ashwagandha is a Sanskrit word for “Smell of horses”, also known as winter cherry or Indian ginseng, which is a small shrub with red berries and green flowers. It has been used in Indian Ayurveda for a very long time for medical purposes. From its roots to leaves the whole plant has been used and is known as the oldest medicine for health-related diseases.
Ashwagandha is an apoptogenic herb that has been used in traditional Indian medicine for centuries. It is known to be an excellent stress reliever and has many other benefits as well. Recently, there has been a lot of research on ashwagandha and its effects on various aspects of health. The results have been very positive, indicating that ashwagandha can help improve thyroid function, brain function, libido, and more.
Below are 5 proven benefits of Ashwagandha that have been for very long.
The 5 Proven Benefits Of Ashwagandha
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Stress And Anxiety
Ashwagandha is the oldest medicine used for stress and anxiety. Studies with experiments have shown that people who took ashwagandha are having improvements in their sleep schedule and quality along with a reduction in the level of symptoms of stress and anxiety.
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Boost Testosterone Level
As stress can have an impact on the quality and count of the sperm it directly affects the reproductive system of men. It was found that men who take Ashwagandha reduce the level of stress with an improvement in the production of testosterone, improved sperm count, and quality.
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Improves Heart Health
The benefits of Ashwagandha have been well documented for centuries, with the primary use being in Ayurveda medicine to improve heart health. Modern research is finally starting to catch up and is now verifying many of the traditional claims. A study published in 2016 looked at the effects of Ashwagandha on cardiomyocytes (heart cells) and found that it not only improved cell function but also prevented cellular damage.
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Improves Mental Health
Ashwagandha has been shown to have positive effects on mental health. Some of the benefits include reducing anxiety, improving cognitive function, and protecting the brain from stress. Ashwagandha also appears to have antidepressant effects. In some cases, it was also claimed that it helped in improving memory and function.
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Boost Immunity
In today’s time, people have problems with their sleep due to many reasons which worn down their immunity, Ashwagandha possesses powerful immune-boosting properties. One study showed that supplementation with ashwagandha resulted in a significant increase in white blood cell count and levels of other important markers of immunity, such as interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha.
How To Take Ashwagandha?
The intake of Ashwagandha depends on for what reason you are taking it, accordingly the amount changes. You can start it by intaking Ashwagandha tea or taking it in your food. You can get it in the form of powder, capsule, or liquid form. Capsules of Ashwagandha mostly comprised 250 mg to 1500 mg of it. Taking extreme amounts can also show a negative effect on your body so it is prescribed for safety reasons to consult a doctor before deciding the amount for the intake.
Ashwagandha has been used for centuries in traditional Indian medicine, and more and more people are beginning to realize the many advantages of using it. If you’re looking for an all-natural way to improve your health, ashwagandha may be the answer for you.