Ashwagandha is a plant originated in India, named Withania somnifera or Indian Ginseng . It has long been used as a medicine by Ayurveda, traditional Indian medicine, with the aim of increasing vitality and longevity, being considered a “health tonic”.
Ashwagandha is a small shrub with yellow flowers and red fruit, native to India, North Africa and the Middle East. The extract is typically taken from the plant’s berries or roots.
properties
It has antioxidant , anti-inflammatory, revitalizing, aphrodisiac, neuroprotective, anti-stress, anti-tumor function, improves physical performance, raises sleep quality and strengthens the immune system .
Benefits of Ashwagandha
- Good for the brain : The exotic herb is a promising alternative treatment for a variety of degenerative mental illnesses. Its use has demonstrated a great capacity to promote the growth of nerve cells and to protect brain cells from the harmful effects of the environment.
- Stimulates the thyroid : Stimulates thyroid activity, increasing hormone levels and thus, being a possible adjunct option to the treatment of disorders of thyroid function. In addition, it works by decreasing lipid peroxidation due to its antioxidant action, which decreases the damage of free radicals on cells.
- Improves physical performance : The consumption of ashwagandha provides greater resistance in performing physical exercises , being considered to have an adaptogenic effect. It also acts by reducing fatigue by increasing resistance to the stress produced by physical effort.
- Strengthens the immune system : The immune system can be stimulated with the consumption of the plant, since it can promote an increase in the number of the main immune cells, responsible for protecting the organism, essential to prevent the appearance of diseases.
- Has antioxidant action: The main property of ashwagandha is its antioxidant action, which contributes to the reduction of damage caused by free radicals, helping to prevent premature aging , in addition to its anti-stress action. When the brain is exposed to situations of intense stress, degeneration of the cells of the nervous system can occur, causing cognitive problems. The use of the Indian plant can help to decrease the degeneration of these cells, preventing the appearance of possible neurological problems.
- Improves anxiety : Helps to calm the mind. In principle, ashwagandha does not act as a sedative, but reduces the level of anxiety , improving vitality, so that the body gains more strength and disposition, being useful in restoring its physiological mechanisms; this includes the mechanisms responsible for sleep.
- Improves blood sugar level : Blood sugar level can compromise your night’s sleep. The body is programmed to burn fat while sleeping and break the fast for breakfast. However, if your blood sugar level is unstable and fat burning is compromised, getting a good night’s sleep is impossible. Ashwagandha, according to a series of studies, supports the blood sugar level and regulates the level of fat.
- Combats toxic effects on the brain: In our daily lives we are always in contact with toxins. Upon reaching the brain facilitated, the soluble toxins act by congesting the lymphatics. These vessels are responsible for lymphatic drainage of toxins from the brain while we sleep. Brain lymphatic drainage, when done poorly, offers us poor quality sleep. Glycobutanol, a bioactive component found in ashwagandha, induces an antioxidant effect on the brain and liver, triggering a natural protective action against damage that would affect the brain, without neglecting the main organ responsible for blood purification, the liver.
How to consume Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha is available in capsule and powder versions (to be added in preparations). It is also possible to obtain a tea from the boil of its root. Ashwagandha can be taken in the morning, to provide greater mental clarity or at night to decrease anxiety and have a better quality night’s sleep . The most recommended dose is 300 to 500mg of ashwagandha per day.