Among the list of adaptogens, Ashwagandha is known as a healthy herb. Since thousands of years, it has been considered as a rasayana that helps the body to resist stress in an effective way. So, as go through the information compiled below, you can know more about the health benefits and the side effects.
Health benefits of Ashwagandha
Owing to its nutritional value and the constituents, Ashwagandha offers plenty of health benefits. An individual can always maintain his health due to the antioxidant, antibacterial and anticonvulsant properties.
So, let’s take a closer look at how the herb can be useful.
Control Cholesterol Level
Due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, Ashwagandha helps in reducing the risks of cardiovascular problems. The extract is capable to strengthen the heart and control bad cholesterol level at the same time. The difference could be observed because the herb is recognized for hypolipidemic attributes.
Serves as an Aphrodisiac
While the herb enhances the libido in men, it can also aid in treating erectile dysfunction and improving sexuality. However, the dose of Ashwagandha should be taken only after speaking with the doctor.
A study reveals that the herb aids in improving the quality of the semen as well as the sperm. A person would no longer have to be depressed due to low sperm count in comparison to the individuals who consume placebo.
Treats Anxiety
As per the findings of a well known university, Ashwagandha helps to stabilize the mood and the mental state of the mind. The herb can also be consumed for reducing anxiety and refresh the state which is otherwise disturbed due to depression.
Combats Insomnia
Due to the presence of triethylene glycol, the herb helps to induce sleep even after a hectic day. Moreover, as the quality of sleep is improved, the person wouldn’t feel restless and wouldn’t have to take medicines for insomnia.
Helps for Treating Diabetes
Ayurveda has always considered Ashwagandha as a herb for combating diabetes. Once the individual takes the root and leaf extract regularly, the body would be able to maintain sugar and cholesterol at an optimum level.
Fights Cancer
Among numerous health benefits, Ashwagandha has the capability of treating cancer. In fact, the anti-tumor activity can reduce the probabilities of cancer only when the extract is taken regularly.
Good for the Immune System
Regular consumption of Ashwagandha leads to boost the immune system significantly. It’s also interesting to know that the herb prevents the effect of toxins which is otherwise induced due to immunodepressive drugs.
Treats Anemia
Due to the hematopoietic properties, Ashwagandha aids in increasing the WBC and RBC count substantially. This makes the herb suitable for producing fresh blood and treating numerous ailments including anemia.
Enhances Muscular Strength
If you are concerned about adding to muscular strength, then Indian ginseng should be among your choices. The herb strengthens the lower limb muscles in addition to improving neuromuscular coordination.
Relieves from Rheumatological Problems
Recognized for its anti-inflammatory properties, Ashwagandha can help individuals to get rid of rheumatological problems. As the anti-inflammatory activity moves on, the hydrocortisone has the ability to reduce swelling around joints.
Good for the Eyes
With a number of natural antioxidants, Ashwagandha can always be helpful for treating disorders associated with the eyes. While the herb prevents the formation of cataracts, the individual would no longer have to deal with anything that can lead to blindness.
Helps for Weight Gain
When Ashwagandha adds on to muscular strength, it can be one of the substances to gain weight. However, there’s no evidence for supporting the fact. Hence, it’s always a good idea to speak with the doctor and then try Ashwagandha.
Enhances brain power & memory
As the herb calms the mind, it certainly has a positive impact on the overall functioning of the brain. The ability of remembering things is always maintained and the person doesn’t have to worry about dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
Good for the Kidneys
The nephroprotective effect of Ashwagandha can help in reducing the effect of toxins and the chances of kidney damage. The effect can also be thought of when antioxidants in the herb work towards maintaining the overall health.
Boosts Energy
If constant fatigue is preventing you to focus on work, then you should try Ashwagandha. While the brain function is enhanced, the herb keeps the person energetic and increases the endurance level when he is performing exercises.
Decreases the Cortisol Level
If you have been working under stress, then high cortisol level can affect the skin. But, once you take Ashwagandha, the level is kept under control and the synthesis of structural proteins is thereby promoted.
Treats Keratosis
In Ayurveda, Ashwagandha is considered as the best herb for treating keratosis. The tone of the skin could always be improved after the individual starts consuming a solution prepared from water and 3 grams of Ashwagandha.
Improves Circulation at the Scalp
Ashwagandha has the ability to enhance blood circulation around the scalp. This helps in nourishing the hair follicles and making the hair stronger and thicker.
Prevents Discoloration of Hair
Since the herb enhances the production of melanin, it aids in restoring the natural color of the hair. In fact, as the production increases, the person doesn’t have to bother much about premature graying of hair.
Side effects of Ashwagandha
Being the most essential herb in Ayurveda, it is unlikely that Ashwagandha can affect the body. But, the truth is that the herb does have side effects. So, to know more, you should scroll ahead and check out what’s compiled below.
Causes Allergies
Though there’s no evidence, Ashwagandha can be the root cause for allergies. Taking more than the recommended dosage can lead to skin rashes, chest pain, breathing problems, inflammation and an itching sensation. Those who are allergic to nightshades should also keep themselves away from taking Ashwagandha.
Causes Bleeding
According to sources, Ashwagandha may cause bleeding at a later instance. Therefore, if the person is suffering from a bleeding disorder, then it’s safe not to take the herb. Besides, the herb should be avoided by individuals who are going to undergo a surgery.
Might Lower Blood Sugar Drastically
Since Ashwagandha can reduce the blood sugar level, people with diabetes shouldn’t take the herb. Moreover, even though there’s no information, the herb can affect the blood pressure considerably. As the level of stress hormones decreases, the blood pressure drops down from the normal level.
May Aggravate Pitta
According to Ayurveda, Ashwagandha increases the Pitta dosha and tends to pacify Vata and Kapha dosha. An imbalance in the doshas would be observed when the metabolism slows down, the person has to bear with indigestion, and when toxins get accumulated.
Can lead to gastrointestinal issues
Since the extract of Ashwagandha is known to cause an irritating sensation, it can lead to stomach ulcers. Constipation is yet another side effect along with problems like an upset stomach and diarrhea. So, speak with the doctor to know how much Ashwagandha dose you should take.
May induce sleep
A high dose of the herb can calm the mind down and lead to drowsiness. Thus, it’s better to take the herb with medicines like alprazolam, zolpidem or lorazepam. Besides, Ashwagandha shouldn’t be taken with sedatives because it can cause you to doze off in no time.
Can lead to dryness
Excess Ashwagandha can deprive the mouth from saliva and lead to dryness. Though sufficient research doesn’t support the side effect, it’s advisable to contact the doctor and check if the condition arises.
Leads to Erectile Dysfunction
Improving sexual health in men could be one of the benefits of consuming Ashwagandha. But, the sexual performance may decrease as the Ashwagandha root extract leads to erectile dysfunction. The individual may not be able to seek pleasure while he is with his mate.
Can damage the liver
Even though the herb is capable to protect the liver, it may cause liver damage to a certain extent. So, if you are suffering from a liver ailment, then you can check out how you can take Ashwagandha. You should also follow a treatment plan and know when it’s the best time to take the herb.
Harmful during pregnancy
Ashwagandha can impact pregnancy and affect the fetus as it develops inside the womb. In fact, the woman may go for an abortion if she has been taking the herb for a long time. To be on the safer side, the herb should be avoided when the woman has just given birth to a baby.
Lead to thyroid hormonal imbalance
As the herb is known to increase the level of thyroid hormone, it can support hyperthyroidism. This leads to goiter which is nothing but an enlarged thyroid gland. Apart from high metabolic activity, the person might perspire a lot, be intolerant to heat and may have to deal with diarrhea.
Aggravates auto-immune diseases
While Ashwagandha extract boosts the immune system, it should be completely avoided by individuals who are suffering from multiple sclerosis, lupus, rheumatoid and arthritis. This has to be taken care of because Ashwagandha can interfere with the effectiveness of the immune system response.
Finally, Ashwagandha is suitable for curing every kind of ailment you can think about. Hence, if you haven’t missed taking a dose of the herb daily, then you would stay healthy year after year.