Supports adrenal glands to reduce stress and anxiety
Ashwagandha has been shown to support the adrenals via normalising cortisol levels. This reduces the negative effects of high (or low levels) of this hormone. This is highly significant as ongoing stress can be detrimental to our health. Adrenal function is closely linked to thyroid function, therefore as Ashwagandha supports the adrenal glands, it has an indirect effect on improving thyroid function as well. Initial studies demonstrate ashwagandha’s ability to positively impact thyroid function by stimulating thyroid hormone activity.
Cortisol is a stress hormone released from the adrenals that has evolutionarily helped the body mobilise a "fight or flight" response to perceived imminent danger, freeing up resources for a vigorous fight against an intruder or flight from danger. Cortisol naturally follows a daily rhythm, rising in the morning to help mobilise the body's forces for the daily needs and lowering in the evening to allow the body to sleep and perform restorative processes. Between constant deadlines, financial pressures, and a steady stream of negative news, the chronic stress of modern human culture regularly activates the cortisol stress response, impacting the nervous system function.
Ashwagandha has been shown to promote healthy cortisol levels and the healthy inflammatory processes stimulated in response to stress. Because stress is at the heart of many health conditions, helping the body adapt better benefits every bodily system, including the healthy function of the immune, cardiovascular and nervous systems, as well as the brain, muscles, and joints. Healthy, normal cortisol output also supports the adrenal glands, which naturally allows the body to focus on reproductive health.
Nervous system supporter
The nervous system impacts every breath, feeling, decision, and experience in our lives and is vital for overall health and well-being. Ashwagandha has been shown to support the nervous system's structure and function, and it is also considered a neurosupportive and nootropic herb. Nootropic herbs are those that promote healthy cognitive function. Ashwagandha supports healthy nervous system function by providing antioxidant support and naturally supporting the pathways in the brain for Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that's responsible for sustaining calmness and maintaining muscle tone. Ashwagandha also supports a calm and stable mood because it helps regulate natural cortisol rhythm, so it has traditionally been used as a supplement for people coping with adrenal fatigue.
Increases energy, stamina and endurance
Ashwagandha has been shown to significantly impact athletic performance by improving heart and lung capacity while increasing energy levels. Not only is this useful for the purposes of exercise, it is also helpful for people who struggle with their energy levels or those with fatigue-related conditions. Ashwagandha has also been shown to support normal lean body weight and fat-to-muscle ratios.
A testosterone booster
Testosterone is mainly a male hormone, although it is also present in women at lower levels and is responsible for the same important health benefits. Testosterone levels typically reduce with age, but they can also be affected by life circumstances, such as chronic stress, at any age. Common signs of low testosterone include reduced sex drive, fatigue, erectile dysfunction, increased body fat, loss of muscle and bone mass, and mood changes. Ashwagandha has gained a solid reputation for boosting testosterone. Studies have shown that supplementation with ashwagandha in men led to a significant increase in testosterone levels, improved sperm quality, and higher antioxidant levels.
Immune boosting and anti-inflammatory
Ashwagandha has also demonstrated excellent immune-boosting effects on our immune system. It has been shown to encourage anti-inflammatory and disease-fighting immune cells that help to ward off illness. As Ashwagandha has potent anti-inflammatory properties it is very useful in painful conditions such as arthritis. As the herb is rich in iron it also contributes to red blood cell count.
Stabilises blood sugar
Ashwagandha has been shown to stabilise blood sugar levels, reducing blood sugar when it's too high or increasing it if too low. This is an example of the herb’s adaptogenic effect. Considering the evidence of the impact on blood sugar levels in diseases such as depression and dementia, this herb can have a profound impact on health.
Supports Heart Health
Heart health is one of the most-asked-about wellness concerns of the 21st century and many people are looking for natural ways to support their heart. Ashwagandha offers antioxidant support to the heart, which could potentially help protect it against free radicals in the blood. Besides, Ashwagandha provides anti-inflammatory benefits that make it easier for the heart to work efficiently. Ashwagandha also supports healthy cholesterol and triglyceride levels — two major factors in stroke, heart attack, and other cardiovascular problems.
Combats neurodegenerative diseases
The active ingredients in Ashwagandha, called withanamides, have shown protective effects against B-amyloid-induced plaques in Alzheimer’s Disease. This is thought to be due to the natural antioxidants found in ashwagandha that scavenge free radicals to prevent cell damage. Studies also show promising results of ashwagandha’s protective effects against Parkinson’s Disease.
BOTANICAL NAME: Withania somnifera
OTHER NAME(S): Ajagandha, Amangura, Amukkirag, Asan, Asana, Asgand, Asgandh, Asgandha, Ashagandha, Ashvagandha, Ashwaganda, Ashwanga, Asoda, Asundha, Asvagandha, Aswagandha, Avarada, Ayurvedic Ginseng, Cerise d'Hiver, Clustered Wintercherry, Ghoda Asoda, Ginseng Ayurvédique, Ginseng Indien, Hayahvaya, Indian Ginseng, Kanaje Hindi, Kuthmithi, Orovale, Peyette, Physalis somnifera, Samm Al Ferakh, Samm Al Rerakh, Sogade-Beru, Strychnos, Turangi-Ghanda, Vajigandha, Winter Cherry, Withania, Withania somnifera.
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