Ashwagandha has been used for thousands of years in Ayurveda, a form of traditional Indian medicine where it is considered one of the most important medicinal herbs. This small flowering shrub that is known for its small yellow flowers can be found in India and Southeast Asia, where it is referred to by many different names such as Indian Ginseng, Winter Cherry, Peyette and Withania.
Both the plant portion and the roots of Ashwagandha have been used for centuries in medicinal herbal remedies to improve stress, energy levels, cognitive function, fertility and overall mental health. Studies suggest Ashwagandha may also reduce inflammation and blood sugar levels.
The versatility of benefits this medicinal plant provides is why we have opted to include Ashwagandha root in our sea moss products. Our customers are looking for a product that boosts their immune system, contains a wide variety of vitamins and minerals and can improve their overall wellbeing. This is why we could not ignore the traditional health benefits Ashwagandha has to offer.
Stress, Anxiety and Mental Health
Ashwagandha is best known for its stress-relieving abilities, classed as an adaptogen Ashwagandha helps control mediators of stress including various proteins and cortisol. Ashwagandha has also been found to reduce hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) activity, the system that regulates your body's response to stress.
Studies have shown that not only can Ashwagandha reduce stress and cortisol levels, study participants also noticed an increase in quality of sleep - compared to participants who received the placebo.
Research into the effects Ashwagandha has on mental health are new and require more indepth research however, studies suggest the medicinal herb may have positive effects on those suffering from depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Energy, Performance and Cognitive Function
Ashwagandha has been shown to enhance physical performance during exercise, including increased strength and enhanced maximum oxygen consumption (a measurement of lung and heart fitness) in both athletes and healthy adults.
Multiple studies have shown that Ashwagandha may improve cognitive abilities, such as executive functioning, attention span, reaction time and information retention. These benefits have been attributed to the antioxidant effects Ashwagandha has on the brain.
Lower Blood Sugar Levels and Reduce Inflammation
Studies have begun that suggest Ashwagandha may be of added benefit to people with diabetes or who battle high blood sugar levels. Results of these studies have shown significantly lowered blood sugar levels, HbA1c (hemoglobin A1c), blood lipids, insulin and oxidative stress markers.
This can be attributed to the compound withaferin A (WA), found in Ashawagandha having powerful antidiabetic capabilities that may aid in stimulating cells to take in glucose from the bloodstream.
The compound withaferin also may be credited for Ashawagandha’s anti-inflammatory activity as well. Researchers have determined WA targets inflammatory pathways within the body.
While more studies are needed, the findings are promising in both Animal and Human studies. With a recent study showing patients with COVID-19 being administered an Ayurvedic drug that contained ashwagandha and other herbs. These participants had reduced levels of inflammatory markers CRP, IL-6 and TNF-a after seven days, compared to those given the placebo.
Studies continue to research the benefits of traditional herbal medicines such as Ashwaganadha, they are considered relatively safe for healthy individuals and a beneficial supplement for long term health and well-being. This is why we are excited to announce the addition of Ashawagandha root and all its healing power to our Infinity Seamoss line of products.
References:
Adaptogenic and Anxiolytic Effects of Ashwagandha Root Extract in Healthy Adults: A Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Clinical Study
Ashwagandha - Uses, Side Effects, and More
Randomized placebo-controlled pilot clinical trial on the efficacy of ayurvedic treatment regime on COVID-19 positive patients
Withania somnifera (Indian ginseng) in diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis of scientific evidence from experimental research to clinical application
Effects of a standardized extract of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) on depression and anxiety symptoms in persons with schizophrenia participating in a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial
9 Proven Health Benefits of Ashwagandha
