Ashwagandha – It May Help Reduce Stess

In the UK, over 8 million people are experiencing an anxiety disorder at any one time (Mental Health UK) Less than 50% of people with generalised anxiety disorder access treatment (Mental Health Foundation). One in 14 UK adults (7%) feel stressed every single day 

While there’s no way to eliminate all stress, ashwagandha may help! Ashwagandha is classified as an adaptogen, which means it can help your body manage stress. During a 60-day study, 64 participants with a history of chronic stress took two 300 mg capsules of high-concentration full-spectrum ashwagandha root extract or a placebo. Those who took the ashwagandha reduced their stress and insomnia by 69%.

Ashwagandha may also reduce cortisol aka the stress hormone, which is made in the adrenal glands. When cortisol levels are chronically elevated (or elevated for long periods of time), it can lead to storing fat in the abdomen. But studies have shown ashwagandha can reduce cortisol levels, with one study reducing cortisol levels by nearly one third!

Ashwagandha – It May Help Reduce Anxiety

And according to a 2013 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, more than 1 in 6 Americans take a psychiatric drug. (Xanax being the most popular in the anti-anxiety category.) But what if there was a natural way to reduce anxiety that didn’t require a prescription? There is — and it’s ashwagandha!

One 6 week study showed participants who took ashwagandha root extract reduced their anxiety by 88%. What’s more, unlike anti-anxiety medications which have undesirable side effects, ashwagandha has minimal or no adverse reactions.

Ashwagandha – It May Help Improve Thyroid Function

If you have been diagnosed with Hashimoto’s or you have an underactive thyroid, ashwagandha may be a natural remedy.

Ashwagandha has been prescribed in Ayurveda for thyroid dysfunctions and researchers decided to put this to the test by giving participants 600mg of ashwagandha root extract over an 8-week period.

The results, which were published in the “Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine,” showed ashwagandha significantly improved serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroxine (T4) levels. Researchers concluded this adaptogen may be beneficial for those with hypothyroidism. Because research shows ashwagandha increases thyroid function, it may not be suitable for those with a hyperactive thyroid.

Ashwagandha – It Can Improve Sleep

Ashwagandha has been recommended for sound sleep for centuries.

In Latin, the somnifera in Withania somnifera translates to “sleep-inducing” — and for good reason. The leaves of the ashwagandha plant contain the active compound triethylene glycol, which promotes sleep induction.

Ashwagandha – It Can Support Adrenal Function

The adrenals are part of the endocrine system. These two glands, which sit on top of each kidney, are responsible for producing certain hormones. The most common are cortisol and adrenaline, which are released in response to stress.

Adrenal fatigue is a draining of the adrenals, which is a result of your body being under too much stress. Symptoms of adrenal fatigue include low energy, brain fog, and sugar cravings. Because ashwagandha is a natural stress remedy, it makes sense that this superfood would improve adrenal function.

Ashwagandha  – It Can Increase Muscle Mass

There’s two reasons why ashwagandha means “smell of the horse” in Sanskrit: 1) it’s unique smell and 2) it makes you strong like a horse!

Research shows that ashwagandha can increase muscle mass and size — especially in men. Another benefit? The same study showed that it can reduce body fat as well!

Ashwagandha  – It May Improve Sexual Function and Fertility

Maca isn’t the only superfood that can spice up your sex life! In one 2010 study, researchers treated 75 infertile men with ashwagandha. The result? Increased sperm count and motility, as well as an increase in testosterone. Another study showed that ashwagandha not only improved sperm quality, but 14% of the men’s partners became pregnant following 3 months of treatment.