Ashwagandha And Brain Health

Key Takeaways

Ashwagandha Benefits

1. Combating Stress and Anxiety

Ashwagandha effectively reduces stress and anxiety without the side effects commonly seen in conventional treatments.

2. Increasing Stamina and Endurance

Ashwagandha enhances stamina and endurance by improving brain function and reducing stress hormones, leading to better focus and motivation.

3. Improving Cognition

Ashwagandha protects against brain cell degeneration and improves memory, potentially aiding in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.

4. Boosting Sexual Function

Ashwagandha enhances male fertility by tripling sperm count, improving sperm motility, and significantly increasing testosterone levels.

What is Ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha, also known as (Withania Somnifera), is a well-known herbal medicine native to India, Sri Lanka, South Africa, and Egypt.

It has been used for more than 3000 years for its beneficial properties, which include cognitive enhancement, reduction in stress and anxiety, endurance improvement, and heart health improvement, among other benefits.

In Sanskrit, Ashwagandha means “smell of a horse,” which is a reference to the scent of the fresh roots of the plant, but more importantly, a reference to the associated benefits of increased strength and stamina.

Health Benefits of Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is classified as an adaptogen, which is an anti-stress agent that helps optimize one’s ability to manage stress.

In Ayurvedic medicine, Ashwagandha is used to promote physical and mental health, defend the body against diseases and harmful environmental factors, and slow down the aging process.

Scientists have also discovered that it possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Here’s a list of some of its benefits.

1 - Combating Stress and Anxiety

One of the most well-known benefits of Ashwagandha is its ability to act as a natural remedy for anxiety.

With the significant increase in the percentage of Americans who experience stress, scientists have studied Ashwagandha’s properties as a stress relief.

Ninety-eight chronically stressed humans completed a 60-day double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled study with Withania Somnifera extract showing a significant reduction in stress, anxiety, inability to concentrate, forgetfulness, fatigue, and other indicators of stress compared to placebo. (1)

The main benefit of Ashwagandha is that there are no adverse reactions when taking it. On the contrary, antidepressant and anti-anxiety medications may cause drowsiness, insomnia, loss of libido, and increased appetite.

2 - Increasing Stamina and Endurance

Studies show that Ashwagandha can boost endurance during physical activity, by sharpening brain functions and reducing physical pain.

Given its positive effects on stimulating the brain, and its ability to reduce stress hormones, Ashwagandha helps improve focus, motivation, and endurance.

In an 8-week study with 50 adult athletes, the treatment group using Ashwagandha root extract showed improvements in heart and respiratory endurance along with enhancements in quality of life. (2)

3 - Reducing Brain Cell Degeneration and Improves Memory

Emotional, physical, and chemical stress may have harmful effects on the brain and nervous system. Recent research has shown that Ashwagandha is more than just a stress reliever.

In essence, it also protects the brain from cell degeneration, which may lead to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's. (3)

One of the main reasons Ashwagandha has excellent effectiveness in healing the brain is that it contains powerful antioxidants that combat aging.

Thanks to Withaferin A and Withanolide D, which are the major Ashwagandha withanolides, this plant effectively enhances instant memory. (4)

In people with mild cognitive impairment, the herb was also able to improve attention and speed in processing information and mental skills.

4 – Boosting sexual function and fertility in men

Ashwagandha also helps regulate sex hormones.

In clinical studies, treatment with Ashwagandha tripled the virility for men with low sperm count, as well as improved sperm motility. (5)

What’s more, the treatment led to a significant increase in testosterone levels.

Ashwagandha promotes normal function at all tissue levels, ultimately restoring sexual function and vitality.

Safety and Side Effects

Ashwagandha is considered safe for most people.

However, it may interact with thyroid, blood sugar, and blood pressure medications.

Also, pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid it.

If you’re on medications, it is advised to consult your doctor before supplementing with this herb.

Conclusion

Ashwagandha, with its ancient roots in Ayurvedic traditional medicine, has numerous benefits, including improvements in stress levels, fighting depression, and boosting brain function.

With today’s on-the-go, hectic lifestyle, Ashwagandha provides a multi-functional and safe choice for everyone.