The Benefits of Ashwagandha

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 People often use ashwagandha to reduce stress and anxiety and manage several chronic conditions. Research into the efficacy of ashwagandha for these purposes is inconclusive.

For hundreds of years, people have used the roots and orange-red fruit of ashwagandha for medicinal purposes. The herb is also known as Indian ginseng or winter cherry.

The name “ashwagandha” describes the smell of its root, meaning “like a horse.” By definition, ashwa means horse.

People use ashwagandha for

Ashwagandha is an important herb in Ayurvedic medicine. This is one of the world’s oldest medical systems and one of India’s healthcare systems.

In Ayurvedic medicine, ashwagandha is considered a Rasayana. This means that it helps maintain youth, both mentally and physically.

There is some evidence to suggest that the herb can have neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects. Inflammation underpins many health conditions, and reducing inflammation can protect the body against a variety of conditions.

For example, people use ashwagandha to help treat the following:

  • stress
  • anxiety
  • fatigue
  • pain
  • skin conditions
  • diabetes
  • arthritis
  • epilepsy

Different treatments make use of different parts of the plant, including the leaves, seeds, and fruit.

This herb is gaining popularity in the West. Today, people can buy ashwagandha as a supplement in the United States.

Health benefits of Ashwagandha

Stress and anxiety

Ashwagandha may have a calming effect on anxiety symptoms when compared with the drug lorazepam, a sedative and anxiety medication.

Arthritis

Ashwagandha may act as a pain reliever, preventing pain signals from traveling along the central nervous system. It may also have some anti-inflammatory properties.

Heart health

Some people use ashwagandha to boost their heart health, including:

  • lowering high blood pressure
  • lowering high cholesterol
  • easing chest pain
  • preventing heart disease
Erectile dysfunction

Ashwagandha is also treating for  erectile dysfunction (ED). It is the active ingredient in Viagra and can help a person get and maintain an erection.

The dosage of ashwagandha and the way people use it depends on the condition they are hoping to treat. There is no standard dosage based on modern clinical trials.

Different studies have used different dosages. Some researchTrusted Source suggests that taking 250–600 mg per day can reduce stress. Other studies have used much higher dosages.

Capsule dosages often contain between 250 and 1,500 mg of ashwagandha. The herb comes in the form of a capsule, powder, and liquid extract.

In some cases, taking high doses can cause unpleasant side effects. It is best to speak with a healthcare professional about safety and dosage before taking any new herbal supplements, including ashwagandha.

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