Health supplement ingredients that are proven to help the body adapt to stress and changes in the environment are often recommended for modern day individuals. When it comes to safe and effective adaptogens, health experts usually recommend the use of the medicinal herb.
Ashwagandha as it helps not only in preventing debilitating effects of stress in the body but also in enhancing overall health and wellness. Historical researches show that the use of Ashwagandha dates back to the early civilizations. Although the medicinal herb was used without concrete scientific proofs in the past, it is shown nowadays that Ashwagandha is indeed useful for the purposes it was used in the past. Hence, experts say that qualitative researches on each of the claimed benefits of Ashwagandha must be conducted to fully understand how the herb works.
What is Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha, also known scientifically as Withania somnifera, is a medicinal herb used in the treatment of many health conditions. In the field of alterntive medicine, Ashwagandha root is usually the main source of essential compounds. Ashwagandha is primarily used in the treatment and prevention of conditions like depression and anxiety, as well as other illnesses affecting the brain and cognition.
It is very difficult to observe how Ashwagandha actually works in the human brain through qualitative studies. However, as observed among patients taking the herb within recommended doses, claimed benefits manifest in majority of subjects. The use of Ashwagandha in the production and manufacture of health supplement products have become intensive following findings as to its effects as an adaptogen.
Ashwagandha benefits
Ashwagandha uses are so extensive that it may be used in the formulation of health supplements for use among various individual groups. The following are among the health benefits of using Ashwagandha:
1. It may be used by patients with Diabetes mellitus
The effect of Ashwagandha in lowering blood sugar levels has been established in health researches. Blood sugar levels must always be regulated among patients with diabetes as a sudden increase of its levels may pose risks to several other body organs. Hence, patients who are diagnosed with the condition are often recommended by their physicians to take supplements with Ashwagandha.
2. It helps reduce cortisol levels
When the body is exposed to stressors, the natural reaction is that it produces cortisol, a hormone which alerts the entire body but in effect, degrades the function of some other organs of the body. Studies show that Ashwagandha is useful in reducing cortisol levels when the body is exposed to acute stress. This is how Ashwagandha is able to control stress among individual users.
3. It boosts testosterone in men
In a recently-concluded health study, it was found that Ashwagandha may have certain effects in increasing testosterone levels among individual users. Hence, it may be used in treating some effects of low testosterone among men. For this purpose, it may also be used in enhancing musculoskeletal health in men as testosterone is said to be contributory in the development of secondary sex characteristics such as lean muscle development. In another research, experts say that Ashwagandha supplementation may also effectively improve fertility in men.
How to take Ashwagandha
Most formulations for Ashwagandha supplements come in oral forms. This is because it is indicated mostly for supplementation purposes only. For manufacturers, Ashwagandha powder is also available for easier formulations.
Ashwagandha dosage
As of today, there is no specific dosage for Ashwagandha supplementation. The amount of Ashwagandha dosage usually depends on various factors including the age of the user, his current health condition, as well as his use of other medicines to treat other illnesses.
For patients who are suffering from serious health conditions, Ashwagandha supplementation is usually with physician’s prescription in order to avoid possible interactions.
Ashwagandha side effects
Within low doses, it is observed that Ashwagandha supplementation is not associated with any side effects. However, when taken in large doses, it may result to stomach upset. In some patients, diarrhea, as well as nausea and vomiting may also result.
Ashwagandha supplements may not as well be taken by pregnant patients, unless it is recommended by their physicians. This is because in some studies, it was found that Ashwagandha supplements may be associated with unintentional abortion.
Although it is shown to reduce blood sugar levels, Ashwagandha is not also recommended for use among unstable diabetic patients. This is because it may reduce blood sugar levels when the same is already very low, posing risks to individual users.
Conclusion
There are many experts all over the world who are recommending the use of Ashwagandha among individual clients. Since it is extremely beneficial as an adaptogen, it is usually recommended for use among modern day individuals. It is also believed that Ashwagandha supplementation may improve overall health and wellness and prevent development of several health conditions.
