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Ashwagandha is an herb with great significance in Ayurvedic (Indian) medicine. It was used, amongst many purposes, to strengthen the immune system after illness and relieve anxiety. Its value lies in its ability to give energy and create calmness at the same time.

Ashwagandha is an adaptogen; it balances and stabilizes various physiological processes, including reducing sensitivity to stress. Some small scientific studies support the health benefits of ashwagandha, suggesting that it has anti-oxidizing, anti-inflammatory, anti-stress, and sleep-inducing properties. It may also act as a tonic to improve overall health and energy.

Reduces Anxiety

Ashwagandha may soothe anxiety and promote relaxation and a sense of calmness. This effect comes from its phytochemicals: withanolides. They act as precursors to the hormones that regulate the stress response in the body. This benefit is helpful for anxiety disorders, which are often associated with high stress levels. Ashwagandha has the potential to treat agoraphobia and stress-related infertility in men.

Studies show that it could be as effective as pharmacological drugs, without the harmful side effects; drowsiness, loss of sexual desire, increased appetite, and insomnia are often experienced by people on antianxiety drugs.

Unveiling the 16 Health Advantages of Ashwagandha
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Relieves Stress

Chronic stress is ever-present in modern society and increases the risk of illness. Ashwagandha's ability to act as a mood stabilizer and improve resistance to stress has been the focus of research. Most studies show significantly better results in subjects given ashwagandha compared to those given a placebo. One study showed that using ashwagandha improved the cell health of chronically-stressed rats. In a large human trial, treatment with ashwagandha significantly reduced cortisol levels in 64 patients over 60 days.

Cortisol, the stress hormone, has a variety of undesirable effects on the human body when produced in excessive amounts. High levels of cortisol negatively impact immune function and blood sugar control and contribute to muscle and bone loss.

Unveiling the 16 Health Advantages of Ashwagandha
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Fights Diabetes

Diabetes affects about nine percent of people in the United States, and pre-diabetes afflicts even more. Ashwagandha contains phenolic compounds, including flavonoids, that help stabilize blood sugar levels. Studies show that the herb can help regulate the production of insulin. In fructose-fed rats, the extract inhibited an increase in glucose, inflammation, and insulin resistance.

Another trial showed ashwagandha could raise levels of glucose-6-phosphatase, a liver enzyme that plays a crucial role in controlling blood sugar levels. In one study, The herb was also as useful as a standard hypoglycemic drug, reducing blood glucose levels by 12%.

Unveiling the 16 Health Advantages of Ashwagandha
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Stimulates the Immune System

The immune system protects us against disease by distinguishing between pathogens and healthy cells. Pathogen-fighting agents produced in bone marrow travel to lymph nodes all over the body and act against these foreign bodies. One of ashwagandha's possible benefits is its ability to modulate and stimulate the immune system. According to some studies, ashwagandha increases the activity of natural killer cells, those that fight viruses.

It is possible, therefore, that ashwagandha may help the immune system fight off infection and prevent overreactions by reigning in inflammation. Studies show ashwagandha reduces CRP (C-reactive protein), a marker of inflammation.

Unveiling the 16 Health Advantages of Ashwagandha
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Anti-Inflammatory

Analgesics offer temporary relief from the pain caused by arthritis, but they can also cause severe side effects such as allergic reactions, stomach pain, high blood pressure, and heartburn. Animal studies suggest ashwagandha could be better at reducing inflammation than hydrocortisone. Human patients with rheumatoid arthritis have found its use can reduce pain and swelling.

The herb's anti-inflammatory properties come from the saponins, alkaloids, and steroidal lactones it contains. These compounds may reduce the severity of pain and improve stiffness and overall function of joints and muscles.

However, people with autoimmune conditions, including arthritis, should not take ashwagandha unless under the care of a physician. More research is needed in this area as most of the studies are small in size and short in duration.

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Controls Bacterial and Fungal Infections

Growing evidence shows that infection-causing bacteria in humans are becoming resistant to antibiotics. Bacterial infections, especially drug-resistant strains, can be particularly dangerous to people with compromised immune systems. Ashwagandha's effects on immune function could help the body resist infection.

However, there is no strong evidence in humans that ashwagandha has anti-bacterial or anti-fungal properties that make it an effective substitute for antibiotics.

Unveiling the 16 Health Advantages of Ashwagandha

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7. Improves Muscle Strength

Fitness-minded individuals might find ashwagandha a valuable addition to the diet. Combining this supplement with ongoing resistance training can increase strength and improve body composition. This means users may experience more muscle growth, in both size and strength, than individuals performing resistance training alone.

In studies, the group taking ashwagandha also lost a significant amount of body fat compared to the exercise-only group.

Adding ashwagandha to your diet can increase muscle mass and decrease body fat when paired with a strength training routine. Silke Woweries / Getty Images

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Depression

There is some evidence that ashwagandha may help ease the symptoms of depression. One study found that adults who took ashwagandha experienced a 79% reduction in symptoms of depression, while the group who took a placebo reported a 10% increase in depressive symptoms.

Ashwagandha is well-known for its stress-reducing capabilities, as well as its ability to help ease anxiety, which often occurs alongside depression.

Ashwagandha may provide a drug free alternative for depression symptoms. Josef Lindau / Getty Images

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Cholesterol Control

Ashwagandha has shown potential in its ability to lower both cholesterol and triglycerides. The addition of ashwagandha to the diet has shown to reduce blood fat levels by over 15 percent. These changes occurred with no other modifications made to the diet.

This, combined with ashwagandha's anti-inflammatory capabilities, make it a good natural option for those concerned about heart health but should be approved by a physician, first.

Ashwagandha may be an effective way to lower cholesterol before resorting to medication. andresr / Getty Images

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Memory Improvement

Ashwagandha has a long history of use for boosting memory. It protects against free radicals, including those in the nerve cells, which may be why it appears to have brain-protective benefits.

Ashwagandha's benefits are seen in its potential to improve not only memory, but brain function, reaction time, and focus, as well.

Ashwagandha may make it easier for you to focus on everyday tasks. Oliver Rossi / Getty Images

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May Help Treat Cancer

Animal studies show promising results in the use of ashwagandha for treating cancer, though there are no human studies yet. Some research shows ashwagandha prevents new blood vessels that support cancer cell growth. One study saw a decrease in the weight of tumors in animals with lymphatic cancer. The herb also seems to prevent bone marrow suppression associated with anti-cancer drugs.

Studies show that ashwagandha kills some cancer cells and enhances some immune cells. It may damage the ability of the cancer cells to generate the energy needed to reproduce. It also reduces the level of essential antioxidants in the tumor cells. This could enhance the effectiveness of radiation therapy. However, ashwagandha is not considered a treatment for cancer at this point and will require further research, including human studies, to confirm any potential benefits.

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May Help Prevent Seizures

Seizures are a result of a sudden disturbance in electrical activity in the brain. Ashwagandha has been widely used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat convulsions and seizures. Studies show that the plant may have anti-convulsive properties. In one animal study, a high dose of ashwagandha reduced convulsions. A lower dosage combined with an anti-seizure drug had the same effect.

The herb seems to regulate the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in the brain. It changes the receptors so that the GABA molecules can bind more tightly. At this point, the results are preliminary and have not been replicated in humans.

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May Stimulate Thyroid Hormone Production

Thyroxine is a hormone secreted by the thyroid gland. It is converted to T3 or tri-iodothyronine, its active form. T3 affects almost every physiological process, including heart rate and body temperature. Ashwagandha increases the production of thyroid hormones. In a study on adult mice, the herb increased blood levels of thyroxine and T3. Thyroxine levels also increased over eight weeks of treatment of bipolar patients.

Ashwagandha may help with underactive thyroid conditions such as Hashimoto's disease. However, there is not enough evidence yet to show that ashwagandha is safe and effective for people with thyroid disorders. If you think you have an overactive thyroid, talk to a physician about your treatment options.

Unveiling the 16 Health Advantages of Ashwagandha
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May Treat Erectile Dysfunction

Ashwagandha may enhance libido in men and help with erectile dysfunction. Low production of sperm is a common cause of male infertility, and some studies show the root extract improves sperm count and increases sperm motility.

Behavioral studies in mice show an increase in testosterone with the administration of an ashwagandha extract. This treatment should be discussed with a medical practitioner before use.

Unveiling the 16 Health Advantages of Ashwagandha

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May Ease Fever

The antioxidant and analgesic properties of ashwagandha give it the ability to reduce inflammation. Although there's no proof that ashwagandha prevents or treats viral infections, a study showed it activates natural killer cells, a type of immune cell that fights viruses.

Despite its many potential benefits, some people should not use ashwagandha. Pregnant women should avoid the herb. It can also interact with medications for diabetes, hypertension, anxiety, insomnia, and depression. Consumption in large amounts can cause nausea, an upset stomach, and diarrhea.

Ashwagandha can help lower fever when you are ill. Peter Dazeley / Getty Images

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Who Should Not Try Ashwagandha?

Despite its many potential benefits, some people should not use ashwagandha. Pregnant women should avoid the herb. It can also interact with medications for diabetes, hypertension, anxiety, insomnia, and depression. Consumption in large amounts can cause nausea, an upset stomach, and diarrhea.

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This site offers information designed for educational purposes only. You should not rely on any information on this site as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or as a substitute for, professional counseling care, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional.