Ashwagandha is an important herb in Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia. It has been used for millennia in traditional Indian medicine to improveconcentrationand increase vital energy levels. Discover in the next few lines the many virtues of this healthy plant.

Botany of a healthy plant

Ashwagandha, withania somnifera or "horse scent" in Sanskrit, is a small yellow-flowered shrub found in India and North Africa.

It is mainly the roots and sometimes the leaves that are used for medicinal purposes.

Ashwagandha and its regulatory properties

Also called Indian ginseng or winter cherry, this adaptogenic plant allows the body to maintain its homeostasis (balance): taken in the morning, it will have a stimulating effect; in the evening, it will be calming and soothing. It is known to be regulatory of the nervous, immune, cardiovascular, hormonal and reproductive systems.

Ashwagandha, the plant against stress

In case of of stress, the adrenal glands produce a particular hormone:cortisol. The function of this hormone is to respond physiologically to the emergency: flight or fight. However, once astress becomes chronic, the adrenals become exhausted, the body no longer responds, and general fatigue sets in.

Ashwagandha helps reduce cortisol levels during stress. People with mood disorders, anxiety, lack of concentration, learning difficulties and sleep problems (from falling asleep to waking up at night) will benefit from its nervous system regulatory properties.

Ashwagandha and vitality

Advised to convalescents, it will bring a boost and will allow to find an optimal vitality within the framework of a personalized and adapted hygiene of life.

On the other hand, its properties anti-oxidants prevent the effects of aginglike a fountain of youth.

Ashwagandha and diabetes

One study* showed in vitro that ashwagandha could stimulate insulin production while improving insulin sensitivity of muscle cells.

In addition, another study** found that in a small group of people with of type 2 diabetes , after 30 days of supplementation with ashwagandha powder, a decrease in fasting blood sugar as effectively as some commonly prescribed medications.

Ashwagandha and thyroid

In cases of hypothyroidism, this plant is often recommended. In fact, according to one study***, ashwaghanda would raise T3 and T4 levels in male mice and only T4 in female mice. Although there have not yet been any human trials, these results are still promising.

Ashwagandha and the immune system

It also acts on the immune system by increasing white blood cell production. It will therefore be interesting for people suffering from recurrent infections.

In addition, it is known to beanti-inflammatory.

Ashwagandha and the cardiovascular system

This plant with 1000 virtues protects the heart and improves the quality of blood flow.

Ashwagandha in humans

This Ayurvedic herb is now known among athletes for its ability to increase testosterone levels. It is therefore consumed to gain endurance, muscle strength and to promote recovery after intense physical exertion.

Moreover, it is not negligible to mention that it is also recommended to boost male fertility by increasing sperm count and motility.

How do I take it?

Ashwagandha is most commonly found in dried and powdered form to be added directly to drinks or smoothies, or in capsules.

The dosage depends on your problem and the manufacturer's recommendations.

Contraindications

It is not recommended to consume ashwagandha continuously for more than 3 months; it is better to proceed with 1 to 3 month courses. Beyond that, there have been reports of increased thyroid hormone levels.

Due to a lack of scientific literature about pregnantand nursing women as well as children, it would be precautionary not to consume it at these particular times of life.

Ashwaghanda is a plant that deserves to be known because its field of action is extremely vast, both on the physical and mental levels. However, before any "auto-completion", ask your doctor, pharmacist or naturopath for advice. As a reminder, only your treating physician can change your current treatments. Usingherbal medicine can be dangerous if you are not accompanied. Finally, the use of plants must be integrated into a personalized and adapted lifestyle to withdraw all the benefits. For this, please consult a naturopath.

*https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25796090

**https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11116534

***Panda S, Kar A. Changes in thyroid hormone concentrations after administration of ashwagandha root extract to adult male mice. J Pharm Pharmacol. 1998 Sep;50(9):1065-8. // Panda S, Kar A. Withania somnifera and Bauhinia purpurea in the regulation of circulating thyroid hormone concentrations in female mice. J Ethnopharmacol. 1999 Nov 1;67(2):233-9