Are Herbal Supplements Safe To Use?
Posted:You may have heard about the benefits of Ashwagandha over anxiety. Anxiety is one of the most common mental health conditions affecting people throughout their life. Some people consider it something normal. However, anxiety disorders may go severe if left untreated. Anxiety disorders include panic disorder with or without agoraphobia, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), specific phobias, separation anxiety disorder, and social anxiety disorder (SAD). Psychological therapies are often recommended in order to treat anxiety, including medication and cognitive behavior therapy. However, studies have shown that an improved lifestyle, dietary changes, and helpful supplements may ease anxiety and other psychological issues.
Supplements containing Ashwagandha are the most feasible options in order to get rid of anxiety. Adaptogens are supposed to relieve physical and mental stress, and this is how Ashwagandha relieves anxiety. Adaptogens help cope the stress. Hence, Ashwagandha seems to be controlling stress meditators, including stress-activated c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase (JNK-1), heat shock proteins (Hsp70), and cortisol. It has been researched that Ashwagandha is utilized to decrease hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity. It is a body system that regulates stress response and is reduced by Ashwagandha (Mohanty, et al, 2021). However, the fun fact is that Ashwagandha is not just helpful in reducing anxiety but holds more advantages.
Here are some other benefits including
- Reduce blood sugar levels
- It is evident that people with diabetes may find comfort in using Ashwagandha as it helps lowering insulin, oxidative stress markers, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and blood lipids. Research has shown that a compound known as withaferin A (WA), is present within Ashwagandha. It contains powerful antidiabetic activity. It may stimulate the cells in order to take in glucose from the bloodstream.
- Improve sleep
- If you are one of those who experience insomnia every night, you need to take Ashwagandha in order to promote healthy and restful sleep. Your anxiety levels are reduced while taking Ashwagandha. People with insomnia feel more focused and alert after waking up (Plan, et al, 2021).
- Promotes Endurance
- According to research published in the International Quarterly Journal of Research in Ayurveda, those who took ashwagandha twice a day for 12 weeks had an increase in V02 compared to baseline. Ashwagandha aids in lowering blood pressure, allowing the heart to pump blood more efficiently.
- Reduce Inflammation
- Reduce symptoms of mental health condition
- Research has shown that Ashwagandha positively responds to the symptoms of mental health conditions, including depression and schizophrenia. People who take Ashwagandha have more eased symptoms of schizophrenia who avoid taking it. It is because it holds an antidepressant effect that directly influences mental health and promotes healthy behavior. People may experience improved cognitive function while taking it. It is evident that Ashwagandha can be used to have an antidepressant effect. However, if you are already taking another antidepressant medication, try to avoid Ashwagandha. Severe depression may require proper treatment and won't be treated with Ashwagandha.
