Ashwagandha Reviews and Experiences for Mood Enhancement

In this Ashwagandha review, we’ll take an in-depth look at the history, chemistry, and modern applications of this somewhat obscure herbal supplement.

While it has been used traditionally to ease the symptoms of a long list of physical ailments, modern discussions of Ashwagandha revolve around its use as a brain-enhancing supplement.

Research shows significant neuro-protective qualities from the roots of this plant, alongside improved memory and focus. The herb also has several mechanisms which combat clinical depression and anxiety. It has been shown to alleviate stress and improve sleep patterns.

Users report that they feel less fatigue when taking Ashwagandha and that they are better able to concentrate and perform challenging mental tasks. Here is a review of how Ashwagandha can work to improve your mental abilities.

Ashwagandha

Adaptogen

Stress

Mood

Sleep

How It Works:

• Reduces stress and anxiety
• Improves concentration, fatigue & sleep
• Protects against oxidative stress

Dosage:

Between 300 - 1000 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Safe

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Ashwagandha Review: Introducing Indian Ginseng

Informally dubbed “Indian Ginseng”, Ashwagandha, or Withania somnifera, looks like a short, stocky flowering bush, loaded with small red fruits.

But beneath the dirt, the root systems hold the key to Ashwagandha’s medicinal power. When harvested, the thick, spindly roots look somewhat similar to ginger or ginseng roots.

The plant grows naturally in India, North Africa, and the Middle East. Ancient Indian cultures have used the root as a key element of Ayurveda medicine to restore balance to weakened systems.

The name, which literally translates from Sanskrit to “horse smell,” not only refers to the odor of the root, but also to suggest that anyone who consumes it will become as strong as a horse. It was also used to boost sexual potency and soothe troubled minds.

What Is An Adaptogen?

Ashwagandha root is in a class of compounds known as adaptogens. In Ayurveda medicine, this group is known to block all of the effects of stress before they happen. This applies to both physical and cognitive effects.

Adaptogens are intended to be supplemented before a stressful event happens, for maximum efficacy. For this reason, adaptogens like the Ashwagandha herb are frequently taken as part of a daily regimen, added to stacks of other nootropics, and dosed directly prior to known stress triggers such as exams of large social gatherings.

Part of this anti-stress power may come from Ashwagandha’s documented ability to reduce cortisol, the hormone which is secreted in times of stress. An excess of cortisol can wreak havoc on the body, resulting in conditions ranging from sleeplessness to heart arrhythmia. Ashwagandha could be a potent tool for preventing these responses.

Ashwagandha’s Antioxidant and Anti-Microbial Effects

Ashwagandha extract is a powerful antioxidant. This means it acts as a scavenger among the cells of the body, looking for harmful free radicals and destroying them. This action protects the health and longevity of cells and leads to longer optimum brain and organ function and in the long term, an extended life span and potent anti-aging benefits.

Ashwagandha also protects the body by acting as an anti-microbial. Common bacterial threats such as staph or food-borne illness can be destroyed by Ashwagandha. Active ingredients in the withanolide family are responsible for this action. Ashwagandha also performs a helper effect for boosting efficacy of microphage immune cells.

Ashwagandha Review of Benefits

The broad list of mental and physical benefits of this super herb can hardly fit in a single Ashwagandha review. It is known to protect against the signs of aging in the structures of the brain preserving cellular health and improving signaling capacity.

Cell decay, one of the main causes of degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, is prevented. Thinking is clear and strong while access to memory is improved.

It is a natural MAO inhibitor, which helps to ease the symptoms of depression. Ashwagandha cuts inflammation in tissues, eradicating one of the body’s main causes of organ failure and dysfunction.

In the body, Ashwagandha has been reported to symptoms of arthritis, tuberculosis, fibromyalgia, asthma, Parkinson’s, diabetes, liver problems, and many skin conditions. It is even said to cure hiccups. Ashwagandha helps wounds heal.

Overall, it is a powerful immunity booster, killing infections. It can lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, and balance blood sugar levels. Finally, Ashwagandha can improve fertility and sexual health in men, increasing sperm counts.

Some of Ashwagandha’s most exciting benefits are cognitive, relating to stress. It has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety symptoms, much like GABA supplements do, creating feelings of relaxation, peacefulness, and calm. This makes it an ideal treatment for conditions like ADHD.

Dosage Info – How Is Ashwagandha Root Taken?

Ashwagandha has a broad range of effective doses. The median dose is 1500 mg, divided over three servings in one day.

However, this powerful root is also effective at far smaller doses. At 500 mg per serving (perhaps taken three times per day), Ashwagandha still has significant anti-stress effects.

Many user Ashwagandha reviews indicate that a dose as small as 50 – 100 mg is enough to provide a light, quick mood boost when feelings of anxiety or depression come on.

In general, it is best to take the root with meals or in warm beverages. Commercially, the root is typically available in powdered form to make this easier. Some vendors stock Ashwagandha as a concentrated liquid tincture for maximum convenience.

Does Ashwagandha have Side Effects?

Ashwagandha is largely free of side effects and has been used safely for centuries. However, there are a few side effects to note. One of Ashwagandha’s main benefits can also be considered a side effect – sleepiness. Ashwagandha has a very relaxing effect and is a natural sedative.

For this reason, nearly every Ashwagandha review advises to never mix it with other prescription sedative medications such as Valium or Ativan. Until you are sure how Ashwagandha will affect you, do not take it while driving, or at any time of day when drowsiness could get in the way of your normal activities.

Ashwagandha can aggravate existing thyroid conditions. It can also inadvertently amplify the effects of auto-immune diseases like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.

People with stomach ulcers should avoid the root as it may upset the gastrointestinal tract. It can also lower blood pressure, which could be an issue for people who are currently taking medication for blood pressure issues.

Finally, pregnant women are cautioned to avoid Ashwagandha completely, as it caused severe pregnancy problems in animal tests.

Overall, user Ashwagandha reviews, historical usage, and scientific analysis all agree. This broadly beneficial root is an excellent natural therapy for countless mind and body imbalances, safe for regular use. You can buy this supplement online or find it in many local health stores that specialize in natural remedies.

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