The Ashwagandha plant may not be very familiar in our ears. However, this herbal which is more common in India and some countries in Southeast Asia has a variety of health benefits that are a pity to miss, you know. Come on, see what are the Ashwagandha benefits in this article!
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is also known as Indian ginseng. This plant has a small shape and yellow flowers. The roots and leaves are the parts that are often extracted into medicines.
Ashwagandha is known to be an adaptogen, which is a natural substance that helps the body adapt to stress hormones. Thanks to the nutrients in it, the Ashwagandha plant is widely used to help treat various health conditions, especially mental health.
A Row of Ashwagandha Benefits
Ashwagandha is usually found in the form of packaged supplements, making it more practical to consume. This plant extract can also be found in powder form that can be mixed into foods, such as yogurt or oatmeal.
Now, Here are the various Ashwagandha benefits that you need to know:
1. Relieves stress and anxiety
The Ashwagandha benefits in relieving stress and anxiety have been supported by many studies. This plant is known to reduce cortisol hormone levels, which the body produces when stressed and stimulates the brain to release more serotonin, which helps create feelings of happiness.
2. Reducing the symptoms of mental disorders
Apart from relieving stress and anxiety, Ashwagandha is also known to reduce symptoms of mental disorders. Research says this herbal plant from India has effects similar to antidepressants so that it can help control symptoms of depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder.
Even so, the use of Ashwaganda cannot replace other therapies and treatments given by doctors, yes.
3. Improve brain function
The compounds in Ashwagandha have antioxidant properties. The effect is to improve the work and function of the brain in processing information, remembering, and making decisions. This benefit is especially good for people with cognitive disorders, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, or dyslexia.
In addition, in another study mentioned, regularly taking Ashwagandha can also help improve cognitive function in people with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
4. Improve sleep quality
Ashwagandha can help improve sleep quality, especially for people with insomnia or other sleep problems related to stress and anxiety.
The reason is, consuming this herbal plant is known to have a calming effect, so it is believed to be able to make sleep longer and soundly.
5. Increase male fertility
Ashwagandha is believed to be a solution for men who have fertility problems. The active compounds in this plant are believed to increase spe**rm quality, including number, movement, and shape. In addition, Ashwagandha also plays a role in increasing levels of the tes**tosterone hormone in a man’s body.
5. Lowers blood sugar levels
The active compound called withaferin A in Ashwagandha is believed to help the body’s cells to process glucose properly. Thanks to these benefits, Ashwagandha can be a natural treatment option for diabetics.
In addition to the benefits mentioned above, Ashwagandha is also believed to help lower blood pressure, increase energy, strengthen the immune system, and kill cancer cells.
However, you still need to be careful when consuming or drinking this herbal medicine. Consumption of Ashwagandha in excessive amounts can trigger digestive disorders, such as nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, to diarrhea. Some cases also report the presence of heart trouble after taking too much of this medicine.
Ashwagandha supplements and herbal plants should also not be taken together with Antihyperglycemic drugs, sedatives, immunosuppressant drugs, and high blood pressure medication.
Therefore, if you want to use Ashwagandha as a treatment, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have an autoimmune disease, you should consult with a doctor first to ensure its safety.
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