What to Know About Ashwagandha: Benefits, Doage

Recently, particularly on social media, ashwagandha has gained considerable popularity. It has become best known for its ability to relieve stress and anxiety. Ashwagandha can be found in parts of India, the Middle East and Africa, also known as Indian Ginseng. One of its key properties are adaptogen, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidants.

Ashwagandha has been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic practices, such as Hindu. It is a type of ginseng, but it is its own type of ginseng. Other herbs are also recognized as ginseng, including Panax Ginseng (Korean Ginseng), Siberian Ginseng, and Tongkat Ali (Malaysian Ginseng). However, most do not possess the same active ingredients, and each offers their own unique benefits. More specifically ashwagandha is a calm and chillax kind of herb whereas Korean and Siberian ginseng is a 'get up and go' kind of herb.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

• Adaptogen Effects A natural occurring substance in ashwagandha that helps the body cope with stress and anxiety. Cortisol is a hormone that is released when dealing with stress; ashwagandha may be able to help reduce cortisol levels.

• Improves Male Fertility Ashwagandha has been shown to increase sperm count and quality. It also may potentially enhance testosterone levels.

• Energy Booster Improves athletic performance promoting strength and endurance, reduces muscle soreness and muscle spasms.

• Improve Sleep Due to its calming effects, ashwagandha may promote drowsiness and decrease insomnia.

• Boosts Cognitive Function Studies have shown participants to have an increase in memory and social skills.

• Lowers Blood Pressure With its ability to lower cortisol levels, ashwagandha may lower the body's mental and physical stress

• Skin Health Ashwagandha, when used as a skin tonic like a salve or herbal oil and applied topically, may potentially enhance collagen production, providing skin tightening and anti-aging benefits. It may also help in clearing acne, removing dead skin cells, and promoting the regeneration of new cells.

Who Should Avoid

• Avoid if you have an autoimmune disorder, thyroid disorders, high blood pressure, certain cancers, diabetes, gut issues, convulsions, or under any medications of the sort.

• Avoid if you are pregnant and/or breastfeeding.

• Avoid if you have any liver issues.

• Avoid if you have Polycystic Ovary Symptoms (PCOS)

Dosage (For adults)

Ashwagandha can be taken for periods of 4 to 12 weeks with intervals in between. There is a lack of studies demonstrating the effects of long-term consumption of ashwagandha.

• Capsules Take 1200mg daily or 1- 3 capsules daily

• Tincture Add 20 drops to your beverage 3-4 times daily.

Side Effects

Possible side effects may include stomach issues such as diarrhea, nausea, and/or drowsiness.