An Indian shrub used in medicine for thousands of years, Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb with many excellent benefits, from helping with stress to lowering blood sugar to aiding weight loss.
All About Ashwagandha
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| All About Ashwagandha |
What is Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha is a shrub native to India, the Middle East and North Africa. The roots, leaves and berries have been used in medicine for thousands of years. Its name translates to "horse smell" because of the smell of its roots.
What Are the Benefits of Ashwagandha?
- Reducing stress hormones and can help overcome anxiety
- Can help depression
- Help lose weight
- Helps build muscle
- Able to lower blood sugar
- May help an underactive thyroid
- Improve sleep
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| Benefits of Ashwagandha |
Eliminates Stress Hormones and May Help Overcome Anxiety
Studies have shown Ashwagandha to help lower cortisol, which is released by the body when you are under stress. This can greatly impact anxiety levels, especially if cortisol is released frequently. Elevated cortisol can also lead to weight gain, fatigue, skin problems, high blood pressure, and stretch marks. By reducing cortisol levels, Ashwagandha not only helps with the problem but can also help your body and brain deal with stress more efficiently.
May Help Overcome Depression
Although not many studies have been conducted so far, one shows that people who take ashwagandha experience a marked reduction in depression. There is also evidence that it can help with symptoms of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Helps Lose Weight
As previously mentioned, high cortisol in the body can lead to weight gain. Since Ashwagandha lowers those levels, weight loss may be a side effect of consuming the herb. One study showed significant weight loss in adults with chronic stress and reduced food cravings.
Helps Build Muscle
Several studies have shown that individuals who use ashwagandha experience increased muscle mass. This may be related to Ashwagandha's cortisol-lowering abilities.
May Lower Blood Sugar
Various studies have shown that Ashwagandha has increased insulin sensitivity, which keeps blood sugar from getting too high. Studies were conducted with diabetic patients and those without, and both saw reductions in blood sugar levels.
Can Help an Underactive Thyroid
Ashwagandha appears to stimulate the endocrine system, which is the body's system responsible for making hormones. In addition to cortisol, the endocrine system is also responsible for creating hormones that stimulate the thyroid, which is the butterfly-shaped gland in your neck.
Side effects include weight gain, dry skin, and fatigue when levels get too low. While several human studies have been conducted, one showed that thyroid levels were significantly elevated in individuals with hypothyroidism, also known as an underactive thyroid.
Improve Sleep
Since Ashwagandha helps with stress, it may also help with insomnia and promote restful sleep. Studies in humans are limited, but Ashwagandha has been shown to help improve animal sleep quantity and quality.
Other Health-Related Ashwagandha Benefits
- Can kill cancer cells
- Increases testosterone and helps sperm mobility
- Can improve brain function, including in Alzheimer's patients
- Lowers cholesterol
- Helps inflammation
How Do I Take Ashwagandha & What Should I Expect?
Although it has a bitter taste, Ashwagandha is available in pill and powder form. One method of consuming Ashwagandha that masks its taste is moonshine milk before bed (our recipe is simply delicious). Some people add it to honey to counteract its natural flavor, which can then be eaten plain or added to a hot cup of tea. If none of that sounds appealing to you, there's a capsule version.
Ashwagandha is usually free from side effects in most people when taken in small to moderate doses.
Before Taking Ashwagandha
Speak with your doctor before starting any supplement or vitamin pack to ensure it's a healthy choice. In particular, if any of the following applies to you:
Pregnant or breastfeeding. Pregnant women should not take Ashwagandha because of the possibility of early delivery.
Have an autoimmune disease: Talk to your doctor before taking Ashwagandha if you have been diagnosed with lupus, type 1 diabetes, or another autoimmune disorder.
Have blood pressure or insulin problems: As mentioned, Ashwagandha can lower blood pressure or blood sugar, so it's important to talk to your healthcare provider before taking it.
On thyroid medication: Ashwagandha may increase thyroid hormone levels in some individuals.