A Mighty Ayurvedic Herb: Ashwagandha Benefits And Side Effects

• 1. It Helps Lose Weight.
• 2. It Improves Sleep.
• 3. It Improves Fertility In Men. 
• 4. It Benefits Women Too.
• 5. It Eases Anxiety.

Ashwagandha is one of the most powerful Ayurvedic herbs out there. It has a number of names like winter cherry, Indian ginseng, and Withania somnifera (scientific). This herb continues to receive a whole lot of attention from researchers as they discover more and more of its health benefits. Here’s everything you want to know about the Ashwagandha benefits and side effects.

Ashwagandha Benefits and Side Effects

The Benefits

1. It Helps Lose Weight.

Ayurvedic experts has already recognised the Ashwagandha benefits for weight loss in ancient times. Studies confirm that this herb is an adaptanogen, meaning that it increases the ability to cope with stress, thus reducing the amount of fat stored in the body as a result of too much cortisol a.k.a the stress hormone. Moreover, Ashwagandha also reduces blood sugar. This helps lose weight because with lower blood sugar, your body is more likely to get its energy from stored fat.

2. It Improves Sleep.

Ayurvedic doctors swear by the benefits of Ashwagandha for sleep. And plenty of research also backs this up. As we mentioned before, Ashwagandha is an adaptanogen. It can significantly reduce the levels of cortisol in the body, relax the nervous system, as well as promote a feeling of peace. In these three ways, this herb helps combat sleeping disturbances and get better quality rest – especially those related to Vata aggravation.

3. It Improves Fertility In Men. 

There are immense Ashwagandha benefits for men. This herb has been found to boost fertility in men by increasing sperm count and quality. It is an aphrodisiac and hence can increase libido as well as sexual stamina. What’s more, Ashwagandha is a great herb for men with hormone imbalances. It increases testosterone levels, boosts strength and vitality,

4. It Benefits Women Too.

There are excellent benefits of Ashwagandha for women too. This herb balances hormones in women, and is especially helpful for women going through menopause – it provides relief from the distressing symptoms like mood swings and hot flashes. It boosts energy levels and stablises emotions. Ashwagandha also boosts fertility and acts as an aphrodisiac for women. Here is a list of more Ayurvedic herbs that benefit women.

5. It Eases Anxiety.

Anxiety in Ayurveda is primarily linked to Vata imbalance. This herb is one of the best herbs for this dosha as well as for anxiety in general. Ayurvedic doctors often prescribe Ashwagandha for stress because it reduces the damage of elevated cortisol levels on the body, calms the nerves, and induces better quality sleep. The root is available in the form of a potent anti-anxiety tea. Here’s more about Ashwagandha for anxiety.

Possible Side Effects Of Ashwagandha

• Being a warming herb, it increases heat in the body. Those with high Pitta need to generally take it with milk.
• It may cause stomach upset in excess amounts.
• Pregnant and lactating women should be cautious with its use and consult a doctor before taking it.
• This herb reduces blood sugar levels.
• It can interfere with certain kinds of medications for blood glucose as well as blood pressure.
• It has a sedative effect on the nervous system.
• Ashwagandha also increases thyroid production.

We hope you found this information about Ashwagandha benefits and side effects helpful. Any questions? Comments? Thoughts? Share them with us!

Note: This article is solely for the purpose of sharing information. Please do not substitute it for professional medical advice. Before using anything as a medicine, always consult your doctor.