Ashwagandha or winter cherry is an herb popularly used in Ayurvedic medicines. Also called sattvic Kapha Rasayana, Ashwagandha is one of the essential herbs known to promote vitality, balance, relieve stress, lower high cholesterol levels, and improve heart and sexual health. Let us address 7 such scientifically-proven benefits of Ashwagandha.

1) Helps in Coping with Stress

Several studies indicate that Ashwagandha is an adaptogen, thus it helps relieve stress and anxiety. It also helps in lowering the levels of stress hormone (cortisol). A few studies also suggest that Ashwagandha helps in getting better sleep and relieves insomnia. 

Recommended Read: Health Tips to Manage Stress

2) Reduces Inflammation 

Ashwagandha is known to have anti-inflammatory, brain-protective, and stress-reducing abilities that can help protect your body against several inflammatory conditions including arthritis. Research also shows that Ashwagandha root extracts can also help in protecting inflammation of the skin.

3) Controls Blood Sugar Levels 

Research shows that Ashwagandha extracts have anti-diabetic properties, thus they can help maintain blood sugar levels. A study conducted on animals reported that Ashwagandha can help reduce blood sugar levels and cholesterol levels. 

4) Keeps a Check on Cholesterol Levels 

Research shows that Ashwagandha can help reduce total and LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol).  Animal studies have also shown that ashwagandha can help reduce triglyceride levels (another type of cholesterol), which can otherwise increase the risk of heart diseases. 

Recommended Read: Lower Your Cholesterol Naturally With These 7 Foods

5) Improves Brain Function and Enhances Memory

Ashwagandha has been traditionally used in Ayurveda to help boost memory. A small-scale study showed that the consumption of 300 milligrams (mg) of ashwagandha root extract twice a day can help improve memory, attention power, and task performance significantly. 

6) Effective for the Heart

Research shows, when combined with another herb, Arjuna, Ashwagandha can help reduce blood pressure and improve the endurance of heart vessels. It is believed to reduce the risk of coronary artery disease, heart failure, hypercholesterolemia, and other heart diseases. 

7) Enhances Libido

Research shows consumption of Ashwagandha, the Indian Ginseng, can help improve sexual function in women. The herb is also believed to act as an aphrodisiac and enhances libido in people diagnosed with erectile dysfunction. It can either be taken as a tablet or in powder form. 

Conclusion

Ashwagandha is believed to be highly beneficial for health and safe for consumption. However, people consuming medications for chronic conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, thyroid, dementia, and heart ailments should consult their doctor before starting any Ayurvedic supplements.

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