WHAT IS IT? 

Ashwagandha is a shrub native to Asia and Africa. It has numerous names, including "Indian ginseng" and "winter cherry." Ashwagandha has yellow flowers. Extracts or powder made from the plant's root or leaves is used to cure a number of conditions, including anxiety and infertility.

Ashwagandha contains compounds that may help in brain relaxation, edema reduction, blood pressure reduction, and immune system modulation.

Because ashwagandha is traditionally used as an adaptogen, it is utilized to treat a variety of stress-related disorders. Adaptogens are thought to be effective for the body's resistance to physical and mental stress.

WHY SHOULD IT BE OF INTEREST?

Here are the most important benefits you can get from ashwagandha:

1. Ashwagandha can reduce stress. 
2. It has been shown to alleviate the symptoms of various mental health problems.
3. Ashwagandha may lower blood sugar levels via affecting insulin release and the ability of cells to absorb glucose from the bloodstream.
4. It can help men raise their fertility and testosterone levels.
5. Ashwagandha may help in the reduction of inflammatory biomarkers in the body.
6. Ashwagandha may be an excellent natural sleep aid, particularly for persons who suffer from insomnia.
7. In certain individuals, ashwagandha may increase memory, reaction time, and task performance.
8. Ashwagandha may help athletes and healthy persons enhance physical performance.

HOW TO TAKE IT?

It can be taken in doses ranging from 250 mg to 5000 mg. Ashwagandha appears to be useful at reducing stress and anxiety symptoms. The majority of the benefits are associated with daily doses of 500–600 mg administered for at least one month. Five grams of ashwagandha per day may increase male fertility in as little as three months.

Most individuals take ashwagandha in the form of a capsule or powder, which they can take at any time of day. To support appropriate sleep habits, you may want to include them in your evening routine. Alternatively, you may find that taking it in the morning is more convenient for your lifestyle.

While ashwagandha is generally considered safe, it should not be taken by those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or hyperthyroid. Because this herb may interact with a number of medications, it is best to consult your doctor before using it.

References:

1. Examine. (n.d.). “Ashwagandha”. Retrieved from Examine.com: https://examine.com/supplements/ashwagandha/

2. Louren. (n.d.). “7 Science-Backed Health Benefits Of Ashwagandha’. Retrieved from Forbes.com: 

https://www.forbes.com/health/body/ashwagandha-benefits/

3. Marilena. (n.d.). “An Overview On Ashwagandha: A Rasayana (Rejuvenator) Of Ayurveda”. Retrieved from Nih.gov: 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3252722/