6 Ashwagandha Benefits: The Indian “Super-herb”

Once used in ancient India, now embraced by natural health experts, ashwagandha is an herb long-known for its medicinal properties. For more than 3,000 years, ashwagandha has been used in a form of natural healing called Ayurveda. You may have heard that word thrown around in recent years, but if you're not familiar, Ayurveda is a type of alternative medicine practiced in both ancient and modern-day India. For millennia, practitioners have believed that ashwagandha benefits the body by enhancing immunity, longevity, and stamina.

With the rise of herbal supplements in more recent years, the Western Health community is rediscovering ashwagandha--and its amazing benefits. Researchers are beginning to understand that the herb has a wider potential than previously thought. If you want to understand more about the power of this herb, here are 6 Ashwagandha benefits.

It May Help Sleeplessness

It is believed that ashwagandha may support sleep on a number of levels, but one major way is by helping to quiet the mind. The way it does this is by helping the neural receptors receive a neurotransmitter called GABA. Having healthy GABA levels is critical to maintaining your sense of calm and well-being. This can add up to a good night’s rest!

It May Relieve Adrenal Fatigue

Some research shows that ashwagandha may be of benefit to those struggling with adrenal fatigue. Many researchers theorize that adrenal fatigue is a result of an imbalance in cortisol (stress hormone) released in the body. There is some promising evidence that ashwagandha may help support and normalize the function of the adrenal glands and reduce cortisol levels. As a result, it may aid adrenal fatigue sufferers by helping the body to rest.

It May Relieve Stress and Anxious Thoughts

Ashwagandha is classified as an adaptogenic herb. What that means is that it can help the body deal with stress. One of the most well-known benefits of ashwagandha is its ability to promote a sense of calm. Several clinical trials indicate that ashwagandha relieved stress symptoms, in one case as high as 88%.

It May Boost Brain Function

Ashwagandha may have a number of brain-boosting properties, including heightened cognitive function and memory support. In one study in particular, 50 adults performed higher when it came to general memory and task performance after taking 300 mg of ashwagandha twice daily.

It May Help Boost Mood

Even though it’s not conclusive, some clinical trials suggest that ashwagandha may be an effective mood stabilizer. In a study of 64 adults who were administered the herb over a 60-day period, 79% reported elevated mood levels. Although there isn’t enough research to say definitively, the results are promising for ashwagandha’s mood-boosting properties.

Ashawgandha May Help You Build Muscle

Ashwagandha has been traditionally known as an energizer: an herb that increases vitality. Now, research is beginning to corroborate this idea. A number of clinical trials have concluded that ashwagandha may support the growth of muscle mass and strength. One study particularly observed that healthy men who took 750-1350 mg of ashwagandha root per day gained muscle strength after 30 days.

Ashwagandha Final Thoughts

A powerful adaptogenic herb, Western researchers are just starting to understand the full extent of what ashwagandha can do. Although more studies are needed to complete the picture, the scientific literature we do have indicates that ashwagandha can be helpful in a number of ways.

If you are curious about ashwagandha and want to try it for yourself, check out Procera Mood. Our Mood formula contains not only Ashwagandha root, but also a blend of herbs designed to promote relaxation and a sense of well-being. To read more about Procera Mood, click here.