Health Benefits of Adaptogenic Herb Ashwaganda

Ashwagandha, an adaptogenic herb, has grown hugely in popularity over last few years. It has been known to provide some very effective health benefits. 

So, what is this powerful herb and how can it help us? 

1. May help reduce stress and anxiety

Ashwagandha is best known for its ability to reduce stress. It is an adaptogen herb, a substance that helps the body and mind cope with stress.

In a small study with 58 participants, those who took 250 or 600 mg of ashwagandha extract for 8 weeks had significantly reduced stress and levels of the stress hormone cortisol compared with those who took a placebo.

What’s more, the participants who took the ashwagandha supplements experienced significant improvements in sleep quality compared with the placebo group. (1)

2. May reduce inflammation

Ashwagandha contains compounds, including WA, that may help reduce inflammation in the body. (2). 

In one study from 2008, adults experiencing stress took ashwagandha extract for 60 days. As a result, they had significant reductions in C-reactive protein, an inflammatory marker, compared with those who consumed a placebo. (3). 

Ashwagandha may help reduce inflammation in the body. However, more research is needed.

2. May improve brain function & memory

Taking ashwagandha may improve brain cognition as well as improve memory. 

A review that included five clinical studies showed there was early evidence that ashwagandha could improve cognitive functioning in certain people, including older adults with mild cognitive impairment and people suffering with mental health issues. (4)

3. May improve sleep 

Many people take ashwagandha to ensure they get a more restful sleep, and some evidence suggests it may help with sleep issues.

For example, a study in 50 adults ages 65–80 found that taking 600 mg of ashwagandha root per day for 12 weeks significantly improved sleep quality and mental alertness upon waking compared with a placebo treatment (5).

Additionally, one review of five high quality studies found that ashwagandha had a small but significant positive effect on overall sleep quality. 

Many people found they woke from their slumber more alert and felt like their quality of sleep had significantly improved. (6)

We highly recommend the capsule form by Viridian Nutrition - Organic Ashwagandha Extract. 

Viridian’s Organic Ashwagandha Extract is grown in India and is a unique high-potency, full-spectrum extract of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera).
It is especially valued as a nerve tonic, to reduce stress, and as a memory enhancer.

Ashwagandha is traditionally known to help balance the body and
mind and enhance vitality, so perhaps not surprisingly it has very broad health effects. 

We also recommend One Nutrition Ashwagandha which contains the added benefits of magnesium and zinc.

What other supplements have a similar effect to help with stress and anxiety symptoms? 

Enhanced Rhodiola Complex is a high-potency, synergistic blend of the best studied adaptogens; Siberian ginseng, Ashwagandha, Licorice, Shisandra and Rhodiola. Several clinical studies have shown these ingredients can improve symptoms of chronic fatigue, adrenal fatigue, anxiety & depression, burnout and improve adaptation and performance under stress. 

Viridian L-Theanine & Lemon Balm is another great supplement known to help induce more sleep. It also is known to work quickly, within a single dose. This supplement may also improve focus and memory. Just one capsule morning and night! Our customers love this one.  

Is Ashwagandha safe? 

Most people can take ashwagandha, although it is always best to discuss it with your healthcare provider first. 

Ashwagandha can augment thyroid function by increasing the conversion of the less potent thyroid hormone. Other conditions which require caution when it comes to using ashwagandha include if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have an autoimmune disease. (7) Taking ashwagandha may not completely take away your stress, but it may help reduce the symptoms so one feels more at ease. 

If you have any questions regarding this blog or about any of our products, feel free to contact our team at Discount Health Store who will be happy to assist you with any questions you may have! 

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