Ashwagandha is a centuries-old medicinal herb that has a wide range of health benefits. This ancient herb has long been revered in Ayurveda and other forms of traditional medicine. It's quickly regaining popularity as scientific studies confirm the plant's numerous healing properties. It can reduce anxiety and stress, aid in the treatment of depression, boost male fertility and testosterone, as well as brain function.
The root and leaves of Ashwagandha provide the majority of its benefits. Teas are the most common use for the leaves. The root can be consumed in a variety of ways, but nowadays it is most commonly consumed in powder form and as a nutrition supplement.
Here are the top 5 benefits of Ashwagandha.
1. Strengthens the Immune System
Our immune system is influenced by a variety of factors. Stress, inflammation, and a lack of sleep weaken our immunity making us more vulnerable to infections. Ashwagandha can strengthen your immune system by reducing stress and providing inflammation relief. This medical plant was also discovered to boost the activity of innate immune cells, that help our body fight against infection.
2. Brings Stress Relief
Concentrated Ashwagandha compounds generate anxiety-relieving effects that are as effective as many widely used anti-depressants, but without the side effects. According to research, Ashwagandha has a tremendous effect on cortisol levels in the body. Cortisol is a stress hormone that negatively affects all the cells in your body, causing premature aging and chronic diseases.
It has been proven to be substantially beneficial for individuals with severe stress, anxiety, and even depression by lowering cortisol levels.
3. Improves Male Fertility
Stress negatively affects male fertility. Men who are under a lot of stress have reduced testosterone production levels. It is uncertain if it directly impacts the reproductive system or if it is potent enough to reduce stress levels that cause the change, but there is a substantial correlation between ashwagandha and improved testosterone and sperm quality. Recent studies of thousands of men from the age of 18 to 50 have shown that after 3 months of treatment, over 10 per cent of these men’s partners had gotten pregnant.
4. Reduces Inflammation
The inflammatory process is one of the most common causes of disease in today's world. Ashwagandha is one of the finest treatments for this condition, which is caused by a variety of factors. It has been shown to decrease C-reactive protein, an inflammatory marker, by over 36%.
5. Improves Brain Function and Memory
In Ayurveda, Ashwagandha has traditionally been claimed to increase memory, and clinical trials have confirmed that the plant helps improve cognitive abilities. The plant has been shown to boost acetylcholine levels in the brain, which are linked to memory.
More intriguingly, several test-tube studies have found it to decrease difficulties in concentration caused by injury and illness.