Ashwagandha – A Natural Stress-Buster with Energy and Mood Benefits

Ashwagandha is a plant or, more specifically, a root that has been called “Indian Ginseng.”

This medicinal root has been used traditionally throughout the centuries in Indian medicine. Considered to be an adaptogen, it helps to improve the body’s reaction to stress and facilitate learning and memory.

The name of the plant itself means ‘the smell of a horse’ in Sanskrit and it is taken restore and rejuvenate the immune system after an illness along with enhancing sexual potency. Ashwagandha is growing in popularity as a nootropic, anxiety reducer and as a longevity promoter.

The Ashwagandha plant belongs to the same family as the tomato and is a plump shrub that has oval leaves and yellow flowers. Its fruit is red and approximately the size of a radish.

Originally, it was native only to dry regions of India, North Africa, and the Middle East, but it has now been cultivated throughout the United States and even parts of Europe due to its popularity as a supplement.

Ashwagandha’s reported benefits are extensive and it is highly neuroprotective with the possibility of reducing signs of aging on your brain.

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 Effects:

Although the exact mechanisms of action for this supplement are still not fully understood, researchers do speculate that the Ashwagandha herb extract acts as a powerful anti-oxidant agent.

It is known to scavenge free radicals and remove them from all parts of the body including the brain and major organs. This, in turn, helps to reduce the amount of oxidative stress and damage that can occur within the body.

Studies have also shown that the root extract of the Ashwagandha plant also enhances the ability of macrophage immune cells to destroy pathogens.

Additional studies show Ashwagandha to have a number of anti-microbial properties. This includes the ability to counteract or even destroy harmful bacteria like Salmonella, an organism associated with food poisoning.

Most of the pharmacological activity and effects of Ashwagandha have been reported to be derived from two primary ingredients known as withanolides – withaferin A and withanolide D.

Ashwagandha Benefits:

There are a large number of benefits associated with Ashwagandha supplementation and use. As a powerful anti-oxidant it certainly is able to provide enhanced immune system protection. This should help to fight off infections, inflammation, and generally improve your health and promote homeostasis in the body.

Ashwagandha is also known to impart anti-inflammatory and anti-malarial benefits conferred along with the stabilization of blood sugar and lowered cholesterol levels.

Researchers have further noted this supplement for its ability to help calm and relax both the body and mind. It has sleep and relaxation inducing properties similar to the powerful amino acid and neurotransmitter GABA.

Ashwagandha has been shown to ease anxiety and restlessness along with reducing some symptoms of drug withdrawal. It can stabilize moods and encourage adrenal recovery.

There is additional research that has found this herb effective at increasing memory, learning capacity, and improving reaction time.

As a cell protector, Ashwagandha has far reaching benefits. One particular effect is the ability to reduce brain cell degeneration, which may prove to be effective at helping with conditions like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, dementia, and age-related cognitive decline.

Ashwagandha Dosage:

The generally accepted dosage of Ashwagandha is between 500 and 1,000 mg up to twice per day. Of course, it also depends upon the reasons and purpose for supplementation. As an example, people who suffer from insomnia and anxiety should consider mixing a teaspoon of Ashwagandha powder into a cup of warm or hot milk before going to bed.

This supplement also comes in several different forms. The powdered formulations are probably the most effective, but there are also capsules and tinctures available. In fact, there are likely a number of other supplements which contain a certain amount of Ashwagandha. Be sure to find a quality source with a high level of purity to meet your supplementation needs.

Ashwagandha Side Effects:

Although this supplement is generally very well-tolerated and considered safe for use by healthy adults, there are few considerations to keep in mind.

First, this supplement has been shown to cause abortions during certain animal studies. Although this was only when extremely large doses were taken, it is probably best if pregnant women avoid taking this supplement.

There is also some evidence to suggest that the supplement increases the potency of barbiturate drugs.

There are not really any serious side effects which have been noted for Ashwagandha extract (aside from the concerns discussed above).

However, in some people it is possible that the effect will be to cause sleepiness and drowsiness. In this case, try lowering the dose before discontinuing use.

Another possible side effect might be restlessness. Of course, a lot of this is dependent upon the person taking it and a number of other factors like what other supplements you are combining it with.

Ashwagandha Review:

Ashwagandha has the potential for a tremendous range of cognitive benefits which could help in many different areas of life. It has a significant positive effect on health and wellness, particularly as it relates to brain cell health. Studies have found it to be effective for improving memory, learning, and mental focus.

Finally, it offers a lot of anxiety reduction benefits and may have positive implications for individuals who suffer from fatigue, stress or persistent negative thoughts. Ashwagandha is not one of the strongest nootropics out there, but it will complement most nootropic regimens well.

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