Ashwagandha is a well-known shrub used for medical purposes. In the Indian healthcare system, ashwagandha is used for hundreds of years, mainly as Ayurvedic medicine.
If Ayurveda is new to you, you may be wondering, what is ashwagandha? What does it do to our bodies?
Ashwagandha is an evergreen shrub that mainly originated in India. It can also be found in Africa and the Middle East. It holds certain vitamins and amino acid blends that help to reduce stress in our bodies.
If you are new to this topic and looking for more information about ashwagandha, you are at the right place. By the end of this article, you will get all the information you are looking for.
What Is Ashwagandha Root Extract?
According to NCI ashwagandha root extract normally came in the form of powder which is driven from the root of the ashwagandha shrub.
It contains antineoplastic, antioxidant, immunostimulant, and anti-angiogenic activities. It also contains steroidal lactone withanolides and alkaloids.
Altogether those ingredients may help to cure many physical problems and work as stress relief. For this reason, it is a valuable natural resource for Ayurvedic treatments.
Difference Between Ashwagandha and Ashwagandha Root Extract
Different parts of ashwagandha generally come in powder form. You will find ashwagandha root extract in tablet as well as powder form but with a specific percentage.
The benefit and side effect of ashwagandha is a bit more intense than the other form it came it. So, you need to be extra careful you are willing to consume the extract. Try be get a prescribed dose from a certified ayurvedic expert.
Benefits of Ashwagandha Root Extract
Ashwagandha, as well as ashwagandha root extras, have an important place in ayurvedic treatment.
There are many proven benefits people get from using ashwagandha root extract. Some of them are,
Stress and Anxiety
Ashwagandha is best known for its stress-relieving properties. Studies have shown that it blocks the stress pathway and reduces cortisol levels. It helps to reduce both physical and mental stress.
According to NIH, research was held on 64 people. Those who have ashwagandha with their supplements reported a 69% reduction in stress and anxiety compared to the other 11%.
It has a calming effect that soothes the nerve and makes you tranquil.
Anti-cancer
Ashwagandha slows down the growth of certain cancer cells as well as reduces the chances of regrowth of new cancer sales in several ways.
A study of mice with ovarian tumors, treated with ashwagandha along with anti-cancer drugs resulted in a 70–80% reduction in the growth of the tumor cell.
Though there are not many studies done on humans, it is assumed that it has a similar effect on cancer cells.
Reduce Blood Sugar Level
Ashwagandha controls blood sugar levels in diabetic patients and also in a healthy human body. It improves insulin sensitivity as a result blood sugar does not drop or get high quickly, which can be dangerous in many ways.
Depression
There are no proven studies but signs have shown that ashwagandha reduces severe depression.
As it treats stress, anxiety, and insomnia, it also affects the reduction of depression. Because those issues are all linked together.
A rough study of 64 people where they took 600 mg of high-concentration ashwagandha extract has seen a 79% reduction in severe depression.
Though this study was not particularly done inpatient who has depression, the result is not clear.
But it is clear that ashwagandha calms down the nervous system which soothes the mind and makes you calm.
Boost Testosterone
Ashwagandha increases testosterone levels and sperm count. It balances healthy reproduction and sexual health for those who suffer from infertility.
Ashwagandha improves sperm quality as well as motility.
Consuming ashwagandha on is regular basis can increase antioxidants and reduction of inflammation in the bloodstream, which improves the male fertility system.
Increase Muscle Mass and Strength
Those who are hitting the gym to build muscle mass should consider ashwagandha for better muscle development. Especially here, ashwagandha root extract works better and fast.
Can You Take Ashwagandha Daily?
Yes, you can take ashwagandha daily.
As it is an ayurvedic herb it does not occur any problems if you consume it daily. But do not overdose on it.
Anything overdosing can harm your body in the long run. So, try to stick with the recommended dose.
What Dose You Should Take?
The dose you should take depends on your health condition. It is always safe to consult a professional to customize your doses. This way you can be safe and healthy.
Here are some generalized doses of ashwagandha root extract.
For Anxiety and Stress: 500–600 mg for 6–12 weeks. It will reduce insomnia along with anxiety and stress.
For Reduction of Blood Sugar Level: Highly recommend consulting a professional in this case. Because diabetics and non-diabetics will require different doses of ashwagandha. It will be roughly 250 mg to 3 grams split into 2-3 equal doses throughout the day.
Boosting Testosterone: 5 gm per day increases sperm quality.
To Increase Muscle mass: 500 to 1000 dm per day depending on your end goal. It will increase muscle power, size, and strength simultaneously.
To Lower Inflammation: You can take 250–500 mg of ashwagandha per day to reduce inflammation. 12 ml of ashwagandha root extract can also increase cell immunity.
Memory Boost: 300 mg of ashwagandha root extract two times per day can increase memory and focus significantly. 500-600 gm of ashwagandha daily can increase your brain function.
Side Effects
If you are a healthy person ashwagandha would not show any side effects as it is a natural herb. Overdose of it causes some of the symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea.
Though the side effect of ashwagandha is mild if you experience any. But try to take the recommended portion from your healthcare provider to be on the safe side.
Natural herbs are well known for their less harmful side effects. In most cases, there are no side effects at all.
Who Should Not Take Ashwagandha?
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid taking ashwagandha.
Other than that, ashwagandha extract directly interacts with thyroid rheumatoid arthritis and type 1 diabetes.
So, patients with autoimmune diseases should avoid ashwagandha.
If you have a high blood sugar level or high blood pressure, you should also consult your doctor before taking ashwagandha.
Always follow the instructions that come with it even when you have no health issues.
Why is Ashwagandha So Popular?
It is not deniable that we are living in a stressful world. Intentionally or unintentionally, we are stressing too much than we should.
Stress is the root cause of many other physical and mental problems. We are developing those as well.
On the other hand, many people do not like to take medication for every single problem they face. They look for a more sustainable and natural way to heal the body.
Ashwagandha fills those people’s needs extremely well and this is the main reason it is becoming famous again.
Ayurvedic treatment is not a new thing in this world. It is an ancient method to heal the body with nature. As it causes almost no side effects, many people are giving it a try before the allopathic treatment begins.
It is not an All Problem Solver
Though it may seem that ashwagandha solves a lot of health problems, it is not an all-problem solver.
If you are thinking to live an unhealthy lifestyle and consuming ashwagandha to reduce its effects, trust me it will not happen.
You have to maintain a healthy lifestyle first. I cannot stretch enough how important it is for us.
Having a clean balanced diet, less sugary and junk food on regular basis, exercising at least three times a week, and sleeping 7-9 hours every night, and actions like these will all add up in your favor in the long term.
If your lifestyle is opposite to it taking ashwagandha will not help you much. So, take ashwagandha alongside leaving a healthy life to get the maximum from it.
Final Thoughts
Ashwagandha or ashwagandha root extract no matter which forms you are taking it to fill with natural goodness. It is known as one of the most powerful herbs found in nature.
ashwagandha is really beneficial for adaptogen elements found in it. It makes you calm and relaxed in times of stress. For its rejuvenating properties, it is also referred to as Indian ginseng.
You can find Aswagandha in various forms and strengths on Amazon.
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