9 Proven Health Benefits of Ashwagandha
Found in the Ayurvedic medicine system of India, ashwagandha has been used as a means to promote overall health and vitality for thousands of years. Today, it's gaining attention here in the U.S. as an adaptogen — a substance that helps your body adapt to stress and maintain balance by stimulating the immune system [1]. Its benefits include supporting healthy sleep patterns, calming mental processes, fostering healthy reproductive function in both males and females*, promoting thyroid health and strengthening muscles [2].
Ashwagandha is a nontoxic herb gaining attention in the U.S. for its ability to modulate stress and anxiety. The herb is an important part of centuries-old Ayurveda, the traditional system of medicine in India, and is used to treat a range of conditions, such as rheumatism and insomnia[1].
Supports a healthy immune system
Ashwagandha is a powerful adaptogen that can help support your immune system. It's believed to work by balancing the body's stress response, which helps to maintain a healthy immune system. Ashwagandha has been shown to support healthy levels of cortisol and other stress hormones, which in turn promote a healthy inflammatory response in the body.
Ashwagandha also contains antioxidants that help fight free radicals—unstable molecules that are made from environmental toxins and can cause damage to cells throughout your body. In addition, ashwagandha acts as an anti-inflammatory agent, reducing swelling and inflammation caused by injury or sickness.
Calms mental processes
Ashwagandha is a calming herb that can help you relax and sleep. This is good because stress, anxiety and insomnia are all common problems. Ashwagandha helps you think more clearly, focus better and relax by calming your mind.
Fosters healthy sleep patterns
A study published in the journal Sleep Medicine found that participants who took ashwagandha regularly for four weeks showed significant improvements in their ability to fall asleep, stay asleep and wake up feeling refreshed. They also reported that they felt more rested upon waking up.
Ashwagandha has also been used in traditional Chinese medicine as a natural remedy for insomnia. The herb’s anti-anxiety properties make it ideal for those who struggle with sleep due to anxiety or stress.
In addition to helping you sleep better at night, ashwagandha can help you get more out of your day by boosting your energy levels throughout the day.
Benefits a healthy reproductive system in both males and females*
Ashwagandha is traditionally used to treat infertility and male sexual disorders. It is considered to be a natural aphrodisiac, as it can help improve sexual desire and fertility in both men and women.
It also helps boost sperm count and motility, which results in increased chances of conception when taken with other fertility treatments such as IVF (in vitro fertilization).
Supports sustained energy levels, strength, and vitality, including with physical activity
Iron
Ashwagandha is a good source of iron, which is important for maintaining energy levels. It also contains vitamin B12 and calcium. These nutrients help carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body, promoting healthy circulation and preventing fatigue.
Adaptogen
As an adaptogen, ashwagandha helps the body adapt to stress and increase energy levels.
Supports a healthy back and joints
Ashwagandha is a powerful adaptogen, which means it helps your body adapt to stress.
As a potent anti-inflammatory herb, ashwagandha can reduce pain and inflammation in muscles and joints. It also supports a healthy back and joints by improving circulation and nourishing the nervous system.
Supports healthy muscles
Ashwagandha is a good source of protein. Protein contributes to the growth and maintenance of muscle tissue. It also helps to build muscle mass, improve muscle strength and endurance, improve muscle recovery time, and improve muscle tissue repair.
Promotes thyroid health
Ashwagandha is known to support thyroid health. It can help to balance thyroid hormones, which are important in regulating metabolism, weight loss and muscle growth.
Ashwagandha may also be able to reduce the symptoms of hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone levels) such as fatigue or depression.
It may also be able to reduce the symptoms of hyperthyroidism (high thyroid hormone levels) such as anxiety and irritability.
Promotes healthy functioning of the adrenals*
The adrenal glands are responsible for producing hormones that help to regulate the body's response to stress. The adrenal glands are located above the kidneys, and are part of the endocrine system.
The term "adrenals" is often used interchangeably with "hypothalamus," and this is where it gets confusing. The hypothalamus and pineal gland (which we'll talk more about later) form a portion of your brain called the limbic system, which controls emotional responses like fear or anger. The hypothalamus also regulates temperature regulation in mammals; when you're cold, it sends signals to your muscles so that they contract tightly to conserve heat; when you're hot, it sends signals telling them to relax so that sweat can evaporate from their surface area. These actions help keep our body temperature within a narrow range around 98 degrees Fahrenheit (37 degrees Celsius).
Conclusion
As the popularity of ashwagandha continues to grow, more research is being done on this herb. Studies have shown that it can help with the effects of stress and anxiety, support a healthy reproductive system in both males and females* , promote thyroid health* , and more. We hope you’ve found these benefits useful as well!