The Herbal Lane: What Chronic Diseases Can Ashwagandha Help Prevent?

Thanks to technology and development in science, ancient medicinal herbs have improved in the public’s consumption. Medicinal herbs have proven their effectiveness through the years of research and clinical trials. And now, an all-improved supplement is introduced to the people to improve their health and living.

What is Ashwagandha? Where is it from?

It is an ancient medicinal plant with yellow-coloured flowers commonly found in India and North Africa. Ashwagandha’s botanical name is Withania somnifera or more commonly called Indian ginseng and winter cherry. For 3,000 years, it has proven its effectiveness in relieving stress, anxiety and preventing various chronic diseases. Organic ashwagandha supplements are now being sold in the markets to further give people a more natural health alternative. The chronic diseases and common health problems that ashwagandha addresses are:

It can help regulate blood sugar levels and cholesterol.

For people who have diabetes, this supplement is good. Researchers have conducted a mini-study to support this claim. Six people who have type 2 diabetes that has been consistently taking Ashwagandha for 30 days maintained normal blood sugar. Ashwagandha also helps reduce inflammation. In that case, people who have heart diseases can help regulate cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Prevent cancer cells’ growth

A component in Ashwagandha called withaferin is bioactive that kills tumour cells. The supplement’s said component produces reactive oxygen species (ROS) inside the cancer cells, disrupting the cancer cell’s function. Additionally, it also causes cancer cells to be less resistant to apoptosis. This claim is supported by several animal and test-tube studies.

Reduces stress, anxiety and depression

The stress hormone called cortisol can increase rapidly without people even realising it. High cortisol levels can cause anxiety, stress, depression and other mental illnesses. And there was a study done by researchers among a severely stressed set of individuals, and their cortisol levels were said to decrease by almost 30{b3b47b4ce3613a8ae866741a21452b80454d4cde38f39b62399bbbfc1a1a9f3e}. Since Ashwagandha is known for the longest time as the medicinal herb for relieving stress, anxiety and depression are among them.

Increases fertility and testosterone levels

A study consists of 75 men who have shown signs of infertility were cured with Ashwagandha and were able to increase their sperm count and motility rates. Aside from this, antioxidant levels were increased as well.

Strength and muscle mass improvement

By helping reduce fat in your body, muscle gain and strength become easy for people taking this supplement. In research done, the subjects manifested muscle strength and size and a significant difference in body fat reduction compared to those in the placebo group.

Improves memory: Since it increases antioxidants in the body, it can protect the nerves against radicals. With several test tube and animal tests, it is concluded that Ashwagandha improves brain function, reflex and concentration.

Is it safe to take Ashwagandha daily?

The standard organic ashwagandha dosage commonly prescribed is 450 to 500mg taken once or twice a day. While pregnant and breastfeeding, women are not allowed to take it may jeopardise their baby’s health. And people who have thyroid-related diseases should ask their doctor first. Because for some people, it may increase their thyroid hormones.

Organic supplements are ancient medicinal practices that have been effective for years. And through research, studies and further improvement, it is now sold in a much convenient manner.