This soul-soothing ancient herb has really gained popularity over the years for its holistic benefits. It has been long known in ayurvedic medicine to reduce stress levels, help with sleep, reduce anxiety, boost immune systems and promote overall wellbeing. But the benefits don’t end there as it’s now being recognised for its potential to enhance our skincare routines, so it can be great for both wellness and beauty.
What is Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha, also known as Withania Somnifera or winter cherry, is an evergreen shrub native to India and Africa. Known as an adaptogenic herb, it helps the body to adapt to stress and find balance. Extracts or powder from the root and leaves of the plant are used to treat a variety of conditions. The root is the most commonly used part of the plant and is known for being a tonic, aphrodisiac and stimulant. It’s known to build tissue vitality and so it promotes the wellbeing of the cells in our body.
What are the possible health benefits of Ashwagandha?
Because it acts as an adaptogen, clinicians have turned to it to address conditions like insomnia, aging and anxiety.
May Help You Sleep
One of its biggest uses is to promote better sleep quality and help alleviate insomnia. A study in 50 adults found that taking 600 mg of ashwagandha root per day for twelve weeks significantly improved sleep quality and mental awareness upon waking compared with a placebo treatment. If you’re struggling to get the sleep you need, it may help to make your night more relaxing.
May Help With Stress
Ashwagandha is also best known as an adaptogen that helps your body better handle stress. It has been revered for its ability to lower cortisol – the stress hormone - and promote a sense of calm and relaxation. By regulating stress response, this magnificent herb may alleviate symptoms associated with anxiety disorders and contribute to overall wellbeing. In a study with 58 participants, those who took Ashwagandha extract for eight weeks had reduced levels of cortisol and significantly reduced perceived stress. A 2021 review also concluded that the herb may help manage depression and other mental health-related issues.
May Help With Weight Loss
If you’re under chronic stress, you’re more likely to pack on the pounds. Preliminary research suggests that ashwagandha can help blunt food cravings, improve eating behaviours and help people who are stressed out to lose weight. The results of this study on 52 people, suggests that Ashwagandha root extract reduces psychological and physiological markers of stress, improves mental well-being, reduces serum cortisol level, reduces food cravings and improves eating behaviours. A statistically significant reduction in body weight and body mass index were observed in patients treated with Ashwagandha root extract compared to placebo.
May Boost Energy & Improve Athletic Performance
Ashwagandha is often referred to as a natural energy booster and rejuvenator. It has historically been used to combat fatigue, enhance endurance and increase overall energy levels. One analysis of research included twelve studies in people who took Ashwagandha and found that the results suggested the herb may enhance physical performance including strength and oxygen. Whether you’re battling everyday fatigue or aiming to improve athletic performance, Ashwagandha’s potent revitalizing properties could well provide that much needed boost.
May Support Cognitive Function & Brain Health
Ashwagandha may improve attention, memory and executive function because the withanolides found in this powerful botanical have antioxidant effects on the brain. One study of 50 adults that took 600mg of Ashwagandha extract every day for eight weeks showed improvement to their immediate and general memory, improvements to their attention span, and an increase in their information processing speed.
May Improve Fertility In Men
In a meta- analysis of humans and animals, researchers concluded that there is some evidence that ashwagandha may decrease infertility by improving semen quality and volume as well improving sperm mobility in males with low sperm count.
May Reduce Inflammation
In 2021, a study where researchers gave people with Covid-19 an Ayurvedic drug containing half a gram of Ashwagandha twice a day for seven days, found that the participants levels of inflammatory markers were reduced compared with a placebo.
As well as all of these possible health benefits this all-natural ingredient could also be a miracle for clear and youthful skin!
What are the possible beauty benefits of Ashwagandha?
As stress is a common culprit behind various skin issues including acne, wrinkles, and dullness and as we’ve said above, Ashwagandha has been found by studies to reduce stress, it is now thought that the reduction in the stress hormone can promote healthy skin from within.
Ashwagandha is also thought to reduce inflammation which can also be great for skin cell health. The withanolide compounds in Ashwagandha protect the skin from UV rays and damage, and it also reduces oxidative stress and captures free radicals which cause the damage.
The roots of the plant have steroidal lactones that have hydrating effects on the skin. It also helps maintain the skin’s hydration barrier and is rich in ceramides which are essential to youthful skin.
Above all, Ashwagandha has antioxidant properties which aids collagen production and neutralises free radicals. Collagen is essential for keeping the skin looking plump and youthful.
Summary of the possible benefits of taking Ashwagandha
- Reducing Stress
- Reducing Anxiety
- Helping With Sleep
- Helping With Weight Loss
- Boosting Skin Health & Promoting A Radiant Complexion
- Boosting Energy & Athletic Performance
- Reducing Inflammation
- Increasing Male Fertility
- Improving Memory & Brain Function
The bottom line is that Ashwagandha is an ancient medicinal herb with various possible health benefits.
Get your daily dose of Ashwagandha in a fun and tasty way with Temple of Vitality’s Ashwagandha gummies today.
