The roots of Ashwagandha, an Indian herb historically used for vitality and longevity in the East, contains several withanolides with various pharmacological activities. Some of these withanolides have been studied along with their synthetic analogues in over 200 documented medical studies that have studied the benefits of the Ashwagandha herb. KSM 66 is the most clinically studied Ashwagandha with the highest concentration of all major root only extracts available on the market today.
Here are 7 Proven Health benefits which illustrates just why Ashwagandha is considered to be one of the most powerful herbs in Ayurveda medicine.
Reduces Stress and Anxiety
Clinical Human studies have shown that it is a natural, safe treatment for preventing and reducing stress and anxiety. Ashwagandha has been prescribed for centuries for its amazing ability to ease anxiety, calm panic attacks and reduce depression.
Ashwagandha is known to reduce the stress hormone cortisol. This herb also often known as winter cherry also includes alkaloids known as withanolides, sitoinidosides and saponins which are believed to create a state of relaxation and calmness.
One clinical trial suggested that Ashwagandha root extract improves an individual’s resistance towards stress and anxiety and thereby improving their quality of life.
Boost Muscle, Strength and Recovery
Ashwagandha has been clinically proven to help support muscle growth, recovery and increasing muscle mass.
One clinical study demonstrated that Ashwagandha supplementation is associated with significant increases in muscle mass and strength and suggests that Ashwagandha supplementation supports athletics and their training.
Ashwagandha is also known as a natural supplement for boosting testosterone. Clinical studies have looked specifically at this effect, finding that Ashwagandha may have real benefits for men affected by testosterone deficiency. There’s some real evidence that it can boost testosterone, with several studies showing a significant increase for men who used Ashwagandha supplements.
One clinical study found there was a 167% increase in sperm count and 57% increase in sperm motility in a 90 day pilot.
Boosts Energy Levels for Athletics
Ashwagandha root extract is also valued for its ability to increase vitality, energy and cardio endurance. Ashwagandha increase energy by enhancing your body’s resilience to physical and mental stress. Ashwagandha shows significant improvements in several measures of stress and anxiety, and lower levels of cortisol, a hormone that increases in response to stress.
In addition to improving mental fatigue and stress, research also suggests Ashwagandha can alleviate fatigue associated with exercise or just a busy life.
In a clinical study the results suggested that Ashwagandha root extract enhances the cardiorespiratory endurance and improves QOL in healthy athletic adults.
Boosts Sexual Function/ Libido in Men and Women
Another benefit of Ashwagandha is the ability to improve women's libido and boost the fertility system. Research has shown that both women and men experience a boost in their libido, lubrication and achieve orgasm while taking Ashwagandha. On study showed that there was an increase in overall sexual satisfaction.
Improve Sleep Quality
Clinical studies have found that Ashwagandha may help people fall asleep faster, spend more time asleep, and experience better sleep quality.
There are many reasons why Ashwagandha may be responsible for promoting good sleep. Researchers have proposed that the triethylene glycol15 naturally present in the herb help aid sleepiness. Other researchers propose that Ashwagandha has GABA receptors16 help manage our sleep cycle.
In one clinical study, patients with insomnia were given a dose of 300 mg Ashwagandha extract twice daily. The results showed significant shorter time falling asleep, improvement in sleep efficiency, and a significant improvement in sleep quality.
Lowering Blood Pressure
This Ayurvedic ginseng can also support lowering a high blood pressure, its ability to reduce anxiety and stress, and to promote deep, restorative sleep is mainly responsible for this. In one study adults experiencing long-term (chronic) stress, Ashwagandha lowered levels of cortisol hormone over 60 days, with a higher dose (250 mg Ashwagandha twice a day) reducing circulating cortisol levels by 30.5% compared with a 14.5% reduction at a lower dose (125 mg Ashwagandha per day) and a 4.4% increase in those on placebo. At the same time, blood pressure improved by 1.6/5.6 mmHg in those on the low dose, and by 3.3/6.4 mmHg in those on the higher dose, while blood pressure readings in those on placebo increased.
How to take and what is the recommended dosage.
It can reduce anxiety and stress, help fight depression, boost fertility and testosterone in men, and even boost brain function.
Supplementing with Ashwagandha may be an easy and effective way to improve your health and quality of life. We recommend a dosage of 400mg-700mg a day.
Ashwagandha supplements, however, shouldn’t replace any medical treatments recommended by your doctor. It is always important to talk to your health care practitioner prior to using Ashwagandha, especially if you are someone taking other medications or supplements.
