Can Ashwagandha be taken as a daily supplement?
Ashwagandha, or as it’s known, the Indian ginseng, is often taken as a herbal supplement to treat anxiety, boost energy, and help insomnia. Historically used in Ayurveda, there are many different benefits associated with ashwagandha that we have yet to fully explore.
There are many potential benefits in taking ashwagandha as a dietary supplement. But is it safe to take ashwagandha supplements daily? The short answer is yes, although you should always consult with your doctor if you take medications for any serious conditions.
The term ashwagandha can be translated to mean “like a horse,” which is a nod to its natural horse-like smell. Taking ashwagandha capsules in the form of herbal supplements can be a way to avoid its smell.
So, what are the benefits of ashwagandha?
There have been numerous scientific studies that have studied the connection between taking ashwagandha and various health benefits. Ashwagandha can potentially help with managing stress and anxiety. As well as stress, it could potentially help with serious illnesses like arthritis, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and cancer.
Ashwagandha is related to lower stress and anxiety
One of the most recognized benefits of ashwagandha is its potential to help manage stress and anxiety According to studies, ashwagandha can be as useful in reducing cortisol, the stress hormone. A 2019 study found that patients with insomnia reported improved sleep quality after taking ashwagandha supplements.
Ashwagandha may help Arthritis
Studies have shown that ashwagandha can help with inflammation, one of the key problems associated with arthritis. Historically, ayurvedic doctors have used ashwagandha to treat arthritis. Ashwagandha supplements have been used to reduce swelling in people with rheumatoid arthritis.
Ashwagandha could help with testosterone production
Taking ashwagandha has been linked to increased testosterone levels according to studies. According to researchers, participants who took ashwagandha supplements reported increased muscle mass and overall strength.
Ashwagandha could help with brain function
Animal studies have shown the potential benefits of taking ashwagandha to combat Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s. One of the causes of Alzheimer’s and degenerative brain diseases like Huntington’s and Parkinson’s is when nerve cells in the brain lose function over time and die. Studies have shown that there is a link between ashwagandha and the role it plays in combating beta-amyloid, a protein that is associated with Alzheimer’s.
Ashwagandha may help with heart health
Ashwagandha has been observed to be related to lowered bad cholesterol. It could also reduce blood pressure which is a major cause of heart problems. According to studies, there are many potential benefits in taking ashwagandha for heart health.
Ashwagandha could potentially help reduce the risk of cancer
Scientists have found that cancer cell growth in animals given ashwagandha was observed to be reduced. While the studies have not proceeded to human trials, there is huge potential in ashwagandha dietary supplements.
The various benefits of taking herbal supplements have been well documented. Among the best herbal supplements is Ashwagandha. It is one of the most well-known natural medicines in the world. It’s commonly used in Ayurveda, the ancient Indian holistic health and wellness systems. While ashwagandha dietary supplements can be great, consult with your doctor if you have any serious conditions before taking any.
References
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0944711300800306?via%3Dihub
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6979308/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25857501/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26609282/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15711595/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26230090/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23125505/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6750292/