What is Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) has been a staple in herbal medicine for centuries to relieve stress and improve energy.
Ashwagandha has been shown to help with:
- Stress,
- Depression,
- Inflammation, and more!
Ashwagandha is a medicinal herb that has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine, which is traditional Indian medicine. The name "ashwagandha" is derived from Sanskrit, meaning "smell of the horse," which refers to both the scent of its root and its potential to increase strength.
The plant itself is a small shrub with yellow flowers, and it's native to India, the Middle East, and parts of Africa. The roots and, sometimes, the berries of the plant are used to make herbal remedies.
Ashwagandha is classified as an adaptogen, which means it helps the body manage stress. It’s also known for its potential benefits in reducing anxiety, improving sleep, boosting cognitive function, and enhancing overall well-being. Some studies suggest it might also help with conditions like arthritis, improve muscle mass and strength, and support reproductive health.
Check out the benefits of Ashwagandha below!
1) Ashwagandha May Reduce Inflammation
Ashwagandha contains Withaferin A, a potent compound known for its anti-inflammatory properties. This compound targets inflammation directly, making it a valuable natural remedy for various inflammatory conditions. Research has shown that ashwagandha can "suppress the inflammatory disease state in several in vitro and preclinical in vivo models of diabetes, obesity, neurodegenerative disorders, cystic fibrosis, and osteoarthritis." This indicates that ashwagandha not only helps manage inflammation but also addresses underlying conditions that can be exacerbated by chronic inflammation.
Additionally, a separate study conducted in 2008 highlighted ashwagandha's ability to reduce C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. CRP is a marker that rises in response to inflammation, providing a clear indication of the body's inflammatory state. By lowering CRP levels, ashwagandha demonstrates its effectiveness in managing and reducing inflammation, further supporting its role as a natural anti-inflammatory agent.
2) An Anxiety and Stress Reliever
A fantastic stress and anxiety reliever, ashwagandha is classified as an adaptogen, a substance which reduces overall stress.
Participants in a 2019, 8 week study found that taking ashwagandha had significantly reduced levels of stress, and stated their sleep quality had improved!
While these are great findings, more research is needed on ashwagandha and it's stress benefits.
3) Blood Sugar And Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha cannot cure diabetes, but it can help regulate glucose levels! A 2020 study review of ashwagandha notes that an administered dose of ashwagandha can help lower blood sugar levels. As mentioned earlier, ashwagandha contains Withaferin A, a compound that not only targets inflammation, but can also stimulate your cells to take in glucose from your blood stream!
Research on blood sugar and ashwagandha are limited, and more is needed.
4) Ashwagandha Can Help With Brain Functions
Brain fog and fatigue are a real, and rather unfortunate thing! Thankfully, research shows ashwagandha could aid in brain function, including memory.
Again, this is thanks to Withaferin A, a compound that's been pretty prevalent in this article so far!
We actually include ashwagandha in our Organic Brain Health Tea, which is blended with other ingredients to improve cognitive function and mood!
5) Catch Zzzzz's With Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha has been shown to improve sleep! A review of 69 different studies on ashwagandha and sleep found that ashwagandha is a safe herb, and effective for insomnia, stress, and anxiety.
A specific study found that participants taking ashwagandha as a supplement every day for 12 weeks had significant improvement in quality of sleep compared to placebo treatments!
