Most physical and mental health is caused by stress and anxiety. They are the basis of several mild to harsh health issues and sometimes even long-term conditions. While medicines have evolved to tackle anxiety and stress, Ashwagandha, an important herb in Ayurvedic medicine is known for reducing stress and anxiety. A traditional form of alternative medicine, this ayurvedic herb has been used to increase energy levels, relieve stress, and improve concentration for thousands of years based on the principles of natural healing. Available in powder, liquid drops, capsules, and gummies, Ashwagandha benefits in keeping you physically and mentally.
Let us check out the benefits of Ashwagandha aka Indian ginseng and why it known for its stress-relieving effects
Ashwagandha By its Herbal Action Can Reduce Elevated Levels of Cortisol, the Stress Hormone
Ashwagandha is classified as adaptogens, a type of plant that responds well to stress, fatigue, anxiety, and overall wellbeing of the body (Source). When taken in a normal or prescribed dose, the herbal action increases/decreases chemical reaction within the body and brings it back to a balanced state (Homeostasis).
So, for instance, when you are stressed and your stress hormone cortisol and other mediators such as heat shock proteins (Hsp70) and c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase (JNK-1) shoot up, this ayurvedic herb used in traditional medicine for thousands of years reduces their activity significantly. (Source)
Ashwagandha Benefits in Insomnia: It Can Calm your Restless Mind and Help you Sleep
With powerful antioxidants and anti-stress and anti-inflammatory properties, Ashwagandha has a positive effect on the cardio, pulmonary, endocrine, and central nervous system, which in turn provides therapeutic benefits and reduces common symptoms of anxiety such as sweating, rapid heart beating, and nervousness.
When you are stressed or anxious about something, you get restless & thoughts race through your mind. This can disrupt your sleep cycle and neurotransmitter production. All this further increases your anxiety and impacts sleep. Ashwagandha can help you sleep better by relieving stress.
Interestingly, according to a study, the root extract of Ashwagandha is a natural compound that comes with sleep-inducing potential, and it can improve sleep quality and even sleep onset latency in patients with insomnia. (Source)
Stress can Suppress your Immune System, But Ashwagandha Boosts Immunity
Did you know stress hormone cortisol can actually lower the lymphocytes in your body and thereby decrease your body’s effectiveness to fight off external invaders? Yea, that’s how your immunity goes down and your body gets prone to several illnesses and conditions. However, Ashwagandha by improving the cell-mediated immunity recovers the body’s defense system against diseases. Yes, it not just fights against infections but having antioxidant properties also plays a vital role in protecting against cellular damage that is caused by free radicals. (Source)
Ashwagandha can Help you Fight Depression and may reduce symptoms of a few Mental Health Conditions
A finding from a study showed how Ashwagandha benefits in improving stress and overall symptoms in people having schizophrenia. (Source). Another study from 2013 suggests how the Indian ayurvedic herb can improve cognitive impairment in people diagnosed with bipolar disorder. (Source). A few pieces of evidence suggest how the herb can cure mental health symptoms such as depression.
Indian Ginseng aka Ashwagandha Reduces Stress and Improves Male Fertility
Several studies have shown how ashwagandha could increase sperm count, sperm volume, and sperm motility in men with low sperm count (Source). Besides, it also increased sperm motility and concentration in men with normal sperm count. Now, this is important for men’s health, especially for those men who are stressed and who are having trouble with testosterone production.
This is how ashwagandha benefits in relieving stress, and anxiety and thereby reducing the symptoms of several physical and mental health conditions. However, going by the standards, one should not consume more than 600mg in a day and it should be divided into 2 different times of the day.
Also Read: Shilajit for Men’s Health: 7 Benefits of Shilajit in Men
Moreover, it is quite necessary that you consume this ayurvedic herb only after consulting your ayurvedic doctor because it might not be suitable for certain folks with certain conditions.
