Recently there has been a lot of talk about the health benefits of ashwagandha. Most health food stores are promoting it, people are talking about it, and new products are popping up on the market containing it. But what is it and what does it do?
What is ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha, also known as Indian ginseng or winter cherry, is an evergreen shrub with yellow flowers. It’s a herb used in traditional ayurvedic medicine which originates from India.
The name ‘ashwagandha’ is a Sanskrit word which translates to ‘smell of the horse’. This is because the shrub’s roots are thought to smell like a horse, but that’s not all. The herb’s given name also comes from the belief that consuming it will give the person strength equal to that of a horse.
What are the benefits of taking ashwagandha?
There are many health benefits to this plant. Here are just some of things it can do:
- Reduce inflammation in the body.
- Relieve physical and mental stress.
- Help with anxiety.
- Help improve sleep.
- Help with athletic performance and increase muscle strength.
- Help reduce blood sugar levels.
- Improve male fertility and boost testosterone levels in the body.
- Help improve memory.
- May help or relieve symptoms of depression.
What forms are ashwagandha available in?
Ashwagandha is available as a tea, liquid extract, capsules, pills, in powder form, and as the dried herb itself.
It’s typically recommended on the packaging that you should take the herbal supplement in the morning, but read the specific directions on yours before consuming it! It can take anything from a few days to see small effects to a few weeks to see big changes.
Bonus tip – When consuming the ashwagandha, add a pinch of ground black pepper into the mix or purchase the herb supplement with the pepper included. Although it’s not necessary, black pepper can help the body’s digestive system absorb the ashwagandha and increase its effectiveness.
Can i take ashwagandha?
Pregnant and breastfeeding people should not take ashwagandha. People with high blood pressure, diabetes and thyroid conditions should also avoid ashwagandha. Please read the directions on the package and consult your doctor if you’re unsure.
What are the possible side effects?
Possible side effects of ashwagandha are nausea, stomach ache, and diarrhoea.
Overall, ashwagandha is a great herb for stress that can bring you some much needed relief when you need it whilst providing your body with multiple other benefits.
DISCLAIMER
Before you start any new diet, health programme, exercise routine, and ingest or topically use any oil, vitamin, mineral, product or compound, it is very important to consult your doctor, therapist or do a patch test to make sure you do not have any adverse reactions.
We do not offer any form of medical or psychological advice. The information in our wellbeing articles are offered for educational purposes only. Our wellbeing articles are not intended to diagnose, treat or prevent any disease. Thank you.
