Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is one of the most important herbs in Ayurveda, which is a traditional form of alternative medicine based on Indian principles of natural healing.

People have used ashwagandha for thousands of years to relieve stress, increase energy levels, and improve concentration.

9 Proven Health Benefits of Ashwagandha

May help reduce stress and anxiety
Ashwagandha is perhaps best known for its ability to reduce stress. It’s classified as an adaptogen, a substance that helps the body cope with stress.
May benefit athletic performance
Ashwagandha may help improve measures of physical performance in athletes and healthy adults, including VO2 max and strength.
May reduce symptoms of some mental health conditions
The limited research available suggests that ashwagandha may help reduce symptoms of depression and benefit people with some mental health conditions
May help boost testosterone and increase fertility in men
Ashwagandha may help increase testosterone levels and may have some potential benefits for male fertility
May reduce blood sugar levels
Limited evidence suggests that ashwagandha may reduce blood sugar levels through its effects on insulin secretion and cells’ ability to absorb glucose from the bloodstream.
May reduce inflammation
Ashwagandha contains compounds, including WA, that may help reduce inflammation in the body.
May improve brain function, including memory
Ashwagandha supplements may improve memory, reaction time, and the ability to perform tasks in certain populations.
May help improve sleep
Recent evidence suggests that ashwagandha may be an effective natural remedy to improve sleep and may especially help people with insomnia.
Relatively safe and widely available
Ashwagandha is a safe supplement for most people, although its long-term effects are unknown.
A review of 69 studies found that ashwagandha root appears to be safe and effective for managing certain health conditions, including stress, anxiety, and insomnia.
One study in 80 healthy men and women showed that taking 600 mg of ashwagandha daily for 8 weeks was safe and did not cause any adverse health effects in participants