Ashwagandha: what it is, properties and how to use it

Do you know what Ashwagandha is? Today we are talking about one of the healthiest remedies to improve human well-being and also promote some functions of the body. 

For the uninitiated, it is an Indian plant that the West has now fully adopted in its culture, making it a panacea for health.

We therefore want to learn more about what it is, what its beneficial properties are and what is the best way to benefit from all its advantages without experiencing unexpected side effects.

Ashwagandha: what is it?

L'Ashwagandha it is a plant of Indian origin also called Withania Somnifera or Indian Ginseng, which has made its way into popular customs since the past to "cure" some ailments and ailments, from anxiety to arthritis. It has been used in traditional medicine for a long time, so much so that it is also called "Indian ginseng" for its revitalizing properties. Fun fact: its name comes from the smell that is, shall we say… peculiar. The literal translation is, in fact, "like a horse".

But be careful not to confuse it with a medicine: it is still a herb that has beneficial properties and therefore should not be substituted for the treatments given by the doctor in the event of specific pathologies. According to some, it has also proved effective on some types of cancer and Alzheimer's disease. However, as regards its use on more serious pathologies, studies are still ongoing.

However, this does not mean that it is excellent for assisting the action of some drugs or simply for making us feel better both emotionally and psychically in particularly stressful periods of our lives. Its energizing, reinforcing and antioxidant power makes it a natural remedy to give emotional and physical well-being.

Ashwagandha: property

Ashwagandha holds pride of place in Ayurvedic medicine. The merit is of its so different but complementary properties that make it the simplest remedy to take, but with an effective and timely action. 

But what are these incredible properties that make it so special? Here they are:

• Energizing properties. In case of severe tiredness, both physical and cognitive, Indian ginseng gives new vitality. Increases resistance, provides energy and makes you feel stronger and able to take control of your life, even in the most tiring times.
• Strengthening properties. Ashwagandha strengthens the body by strengthening the immune system and increasing the body's resistance. It also seems to be excellent for reinforcing some debilitated functions, particularly in relation to the adrenal glands and hormones. 
• Relaxing properties. Concentration and alertness are visibly increased when taking Indian herb. That is why it is recommended to take it before an important exam or a decisive interview. It also has calming power and helps to fall asleep easily in cases of insomnia.

Ashwagandha acts effectively against fatigue, weakness and stress, restoring conditions of well-being and tranquility to face everyday challenges and problems with more determination. Different parts of the plant are used, from the seeds to the fruit passing through the leaves, depending on the type of treatment. Today, Westerners also buy Ashwagandha in the form of supplements.

In which contexts does Ashwagandha work?

Clinical studies have shown that ashwagandha could bring benefits on various pathologies. These are studies that are still ongoing, and which however have already highlighted how ashwagandha could be effective for:

1. Anxiety and stress: Ashwagandha has a calming effect on anxiety symptoms almost comparable to those of chemically composed sedatives. Furthermore, it is effective in reducing cortisol.
2. Arthritis: Ashwagandha acts as a pain reliever, but also preventing the onset of pain thanks to its effects on the nervous system. Studies have shown that it has also been effective in rheumatoid arthritis.
3. Cardiovascular system: the use of Ashwagandha has effects mainly in lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, but also in relieving chest pains and preventing heart disease.
4. Alzheimers: several studies have examined the effects of Ashwagandha in protecting brain function in people suffering from neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, but also Parkinson's. These disorders damage part of the brain tissue, so that memory and cognition begin to malfunction. Studies have highlighted how Ashwagandha could act in an early stage, protecting tissues from deterioration. This protective effect on cells has also been found to be useful in the case of cancer.

Ashwagandha - benefits

It is now clear that it is a plant with excellent properties: but what benefits does it bring to the body and mind specifically?

The list is quite long and varied, but we will try to summarize its 10 positive effects on humans to give an overview of its 360-degree action for global well-being:

1. It has an anti-inflammatory action
2. Increases testosterone and improves fertility
3. It acts as a pain reliever and also fights forms of arthritis
4. Improves the defenses of the immune system
5. Regulates blood sugar levels
6. Increase cognitive activities
7. Helps you sleep better
8. Reduces anxiety and stress
9. Fights neurodegenerative diseases
10. Restore balance in case of hormonal imbalances

But how is it possible that a single plant can do all this by itself? In fact it seems too good to be true, but scientific research conducted on the plant has shown that the Ayurvedic remedy is really as effective as traditional sources say. But to reap the fruits of his work you need to know how to use it and not abuse it, let's find out why.

Ashwagandha: after how long does it take? 

After understanding its potential, questions arise. Here is the first: how long does it take for the positive effects of the Indian plant to be felt?

Let's start from the assumption that it is always preferable to take it before meals for a more effective action. The effects in most cases are immediate.

In fact, you immediately feel that sensation of energy and vitality and within a few hours you will also be able to see that the cognitive functions are more "awake" and you feel ready to give your best.

Those who, on the other hand, take it to sleep must pay attention to the timing: since you don't want to obtain an energizing but relaxing effect, it should be taken just before going to bed and not before dinner. Here too the effect will be immediate and lasting.

In some situations, however, it may be necessary to consider Ashwagandha as a natural treatment and as such it may take a few days (or weeks) before you feel its effects. This applies to those who use it for infertility, hormonal imbalances, arthritis and other ailments involving certain functions of the body. 

Ashwagandha: side effects 

In general, taking Ashwagandha is not bad for your health, on the contrary, as we have seen, it brings many benefits. 

However, in some precise situations you need to be careful:

• avoid if you are pregnant (because it can cause stress to the fetus) and breastfeeding
• do not take in conjunction with thyroid problems
• do not mix Ashwagandha with medications such as sedatives or anti-anxiety medications
• do not take in conjunction with alcohol
• never replace the medicines given by the doctor in case of pre-existing illnesses

Ashwagandha is available in pill form, as well as liquid extract and powder. The method of use and the dosage of Ashwagandha depend on the type of treatment to be followed. We remind you that the daily dose must never exceed 600/1000 mg and that it must be taken at most twice a day. It remains a good rule to avoid exceeding: even if it is a natural substance it is necessary to avoid excesses, so doubling the doses does not guarantee double the effects, but on the contrary it can cause imbalances in the body.

However, it is recommended to also pay attention to the manufacturer. In fact, some less reliable companies can sell the product even with traces of heavy metals such as mercury and arsenic added. In short, the product itself is safe, but the manufacturer could mislead you and even sell you pills that do not contain Ashwagandha at all.

Ashwagandha in everyday life

In conclusion, Ashwagandha can also be taken every day without fear of serious side effects. Indeed, a belief of his native land also identifies it as a powerful elixir of life, capable of rejuvenating those who use it! And recent studies state that it also has effects on weight loss and is often taken in the form of supplements within diets.

In short, the 100% natural remedy is the ideal choice for those who want to feel good, relaxed and energetic at the same time and improve some functions of the body by strengthening its defenses. 

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