Ashwagandha - A comprehensive look at this ancient herb
Ashwagandha is a powerful herb that originated in the Indian subcontinent. It has been used for Ayurvedic medicines since centuries. This wonder herb, which is known for many health benefits and has grown in popularity around the world, is becoming more popular. Ashwagandha, also known as Indian ginseng, winter cherry or Withania somnifera scientifically, is well-known for its rejuvenating properties.
Ashwagandha and its media attention
Ashwagandha, also known as adaptogens, helps to adapt the body by modulating physiological functions. Ashwagandha is a plant whose root and berries are used in medicine. It's often taken as a powder, mixed with water or honey. Ashwagandha, a plant that is native to India and Southeast Asia, has received a lot of media attention in recent years due to an increasing interest for natural remedies.
Various health-focused news outlets, as well as social media influencers who are interested in ashwagandha have praised its potential benefits. Forbes, for example, published an article about adaptogens like ashwagandha that highlighted their importance in managing stress, and improving overall well-being. On his health blog, Dr. Josh Axe, a renowned health and wellbeing expert, regularly posts content on ashwagandha. He discusses its benefits, history and uses.
Ashwagandha: Benefits and Uses
Ashwagandha has a wide range of benefits for health. According to clinical studies , it has the ability to reduce stress and anxiety, enhance memory, cognitive function and thyroid function, as well as boost immunity and improve reproductive health.
In a study in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, participants taking ashwagandha extract showed a reduction of stress scores when compared with the placebo group. A study in the Journal of Dietary Supplements found that subjects taking ashwagandha root extract had improved cognitive and memory function.
The following are some of the key benefits:
- Stress and anxiety can be reduced.
- Memory and cognition is improved
- Enhance thyroid function
- Immune booster
- Promoting reproductive health
Experts' Opinions about Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is highly regarded by health professionals and scientists due to the many benefits it has been proven to have. Michael Murray, a leading expert on natural medicine and ashwagandha, cite ashwagandha's effectiveness as an adaptogen. It can increase resilience to mental and physical stress.
Axe also acknowledges ashwagandha’s potential in the treatment of cancer, citing research that shows its ability to inhibit new cancer cell growth. He emphasizes, however, that further research is required before ashwagandha can be regarded as a viable treatment or alternative for cancer.
Ashwagandha: How to Get Started
Consult a health professional before incorporating Ashwagandha in your daily routine. The healthcare professional can give you advice on how to use ashwagandha based on individual needs, and also monitor any possible drug interactions.
The recommended dosage is usually between 450mg and 500mg once or twice a day. Ashwagandha can be purchased online or in many health food shops, in powdered form. To ensure the highest potency, look for "ashwagandha extract" on products.
Take the following steps:
- Speak to a health professional.
- Take the dosage recommended.
- Buy from reliable sources.
- You may need to adjust your dosage depending on the response of your body.
Ashwagandha Side Effects
Ashwagandha can be harmful to some people. It may cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea when it is taken in high doses. Ashwagandha may interact with some medications for diabetes, thyroid problems, high blood-pressure, autoimmune disease, or even those prescribed to treat hypertension, diabetes and other conditions.
Ashwagandha is not recommended for pregnant or nursing women due to the limited amount of research that has been done on its safety. Consult your healthcare provider prior to starting a new supplement regime, especially if you are suffering from underlying conditions or taking medications.
Conclusion
Ashwagandha has many potential health benefits. This ancient Ayurvedic herbal may help you reduce stress, improve cognitive function or boost your overall vitality. As with all supplements, you should consult a health professional to make sure it is suitable for your needs. Ashwagandha is gaining popularity in natural medicine due to the positive feedback from users as well as health care professionals.
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