Ashwagandha is a whole-body health superstar, potentially supporting everything from already-healthy blood sugar levels, to hormone balance, to a positive mood.
Some of its benefits include supporting:
Better Sleep
Better Mood
Hormone Balance & Improved Sexual Performance
Healthy body weight
Nervous & Immune system function
The History Ashwagandha comes from a small, short, stubby plant with orange berries that are reminiscent of tomatoes. This ancient ayurvedic herb is native to Asia, specifically India and Sri Lanka. It also thrives in the warmer, drier climates of Africa. Most recently, health practitioners have classified the powerful pro
perties of ashwaganda as an adaptogen, which means it helps the body adapt to stressors. In order to be classified as an adaptogen, an herb must meet specific criteria: it must be non-toxic, support a healthy stress response in the body, and benefit overall health. Benefits on Cortisol Levels We've known for centuries that ashwagandha and a calmer mood are linked. What is cortisol? It's the hormone your adrenal gland secretes whe
n your body has a "fight or flight" response to immediate or perceived threats of danger. Cortisol isn't unhealthy—we all have varying amounts throughout the day. Cortisol levels usually peak a little after you wake up, and fluctuate throughout the day in response to stressors. When it is time to hit the hay again, your levels drop, and the cycle continues day in and day out. Everyday stressors can cause cortisol spikes—which is also normal. From a tough commute to a spat with a family member, our already-cortisol levels are at the mercy of these daily ups and downs, and influence how our nervous system f
unctions with the rest of our body. The problem occurs when too much cortisol is produced; even when you've arrived safely at your destination or resolved your conflict with your partner, your levels may remain elevated…leaving you and your nervous system out of sorts. Here's where ashwagandha comes in—this herb has been shown to promote healthy levels of cortisol— And this is key; managing stressors and cortis
ol provides support to your overall nervous system's health—and that of your immune system. Testosterone Levels Ashwagandha also helps keep hormones in balance. Men's testosterone levels decrease over time—this is a normal part of the aging process. Studies indicate t
hat testosterone drops in men each year, beginning around the age of 30. Having a low testosterone level can speed up the signs of aging and impact sexual stamina and performance. Ashwagandha may help keep those testosterone levels youthful. Incorporating this adaptogenic herb into your wellness routine may also help support your overall sexual and reproductive health and fertility. Brain Health This highly researched herb has been shown to help promote antioxidant activity that protects nerve cells—including those in the brain—from oxidative stress. Ashwagandha usage has been shown to promote overall memory, task performance and attention.
How to Take It There are multiple forms of ashwagandha root available for consumption. You can ingest ashwagandha through essential oils, root extract, powder, or a capsule. The power and benefits come from the source, but first need to pass through the intestinal walls and be absorbed by the bloodstream for you to reap all the benefits that ashwagandha has to offer. That's why you should seek out a high-quality form of this botanical.
Most Importantly: How to Get Ashwaganda Here are our top recommended ways to get good quality products 1.) Arrington Oils - Mito2Max® Supplements 2.) InnerCalm Adoptogenic De-Stress Powder 3.) Whole Foods Market - Ashwaganda 60 count - (Not sponsored)
Talk to your Holistic Medical Provider If you're pregnant, don't use ashwagandha without an OK from your midwife or obstetrician.
To stay on the safe side, stick to the dosage on the bottle, and if you do believe you've experienced any adverse reactions, stop using it.
References
Abbas, Ali Mahdi, et al. "Withania somnifera Improves Semen Quality in Stress-Related Male Fertility" Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. September 2009, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19789214/
Chandrasekhar, K et al. " A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults." Indian J Psychol Med. July 2012, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23439798/
Andrew Davis, Health & Wellness Writer. “Health Benefits of Ashwagandha.” Life Extension, Life Extension, 1 Jan. 1970, https://www.lifeextension.com/wellness/herbs-spices/ashwagandha-benefits.
Choudhary, Dnyanraj et al. "Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal) Root Extract in Improving Memory and Cognitive Functions." J Diet Suppl., November 2017, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28471731/
Gorelick, Jonathan. "Hypoglycemic activity of withanolides and elicitated Withania somnifera." Phytoche
mistry, August 2015, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25796090/
Tabackman, Lia. "5 science-backed benefits of ashwagandha and how to take it." Insider, June 2021, https://www.insider.com/ashwagandha-benefits
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