4 Benefits of Ashwagandha

Herbs have been used for centuries and millennia to heal the body, mind, and spirit. In fact, archeological records show that herbal medicine dates back approximately 60,000 years. While medical practices have obviously evolved, sometimes it’s beneficial to go back to the simple roots of herbal medicine. One of the herbs that has a multitude of healing properties is ashwagandha. So let’s dig into what this herb is and what its benefits are.

To put it simply, ashwagandha is an herb used in Ayurvedic traditional medicine, and has been used for thousands of years especially to relieve stress, increase energy, and improve concentration. Native to India and Southeast Asia and found also in Africa and the Middle East, the ashwagandha plant is a small shrub with yellow flowers. It’s also traditionally classified as an adaptogen, and can be ingested in teas, its whole form, tinctures, supplements, or powders. 

Stress and anxiety relief is the most common use for ashwagandha. Adaptogens are herbs and plants specifically used to help our bodies deal with stress. Since ashwagandha is classified as an adaptogen, it’s specifically tailored to help our bodies combat stress and anxiety. In one study of 58 participants, those who took 250 mg or 600 mg of ashwagandha extract over the course of 8-weeks experience significant relief in stress and anxiety as compared to those who took a placebo. Additionally, those in the study who took ashwagandha experienced improvements in their sleep. 

In one study of 125 participants, half the group was given Ashwagandha SR, the other half received a placebo. In the group that received ashwagandha, participants reported significantly improved recall memory. Another study of 50 adults showed that taking 600 mg of ashwagandha for 8 weeks improved immediate and general memory, attention, and information processing speed. 

For people with an underactive thyroid or Hashimoto’s, ashwagandha can help! In one study, 50 participants that were diagnosed with a thyroid disorder were split into two groups — treatment and control. The treatment group received a daily dose of 600 mg of ashwagandha root extract for an 8-week period, while the control group received a starch placebo. After 8 weeks, researchers concluded that the extract improved serum thyroid stimulating hormones (TSH), and Thyroxine (T4) levels. 

In traditional Ayurvedic medicine, ashwagandha has been used as a natural aphrodisiac, helping to improve sexual dysfunction. In one study, 50 healthy women were given 300 mg of ashwagandha root extract for an 8-week period. The research concluded that sexual function was significantly improved in the treatment group as compared to the placebo group. In another study, researchers wanted to analyze the spermatogenic activity of ashwagandha. This study consisted of 46 males that struggled with low sperm concentration and possible male infertility, and the treatment group was given 675 mg of ashwagandha divided into 3 doses over 90 days. The conclusions saw a 167% increase in sperm count and 57% increase in sperm motility. 

Ashwagandha has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for all of the above treatments and then some. So whether you struggle with your mental health, cognitive function, thyroid, or sexual function, ashwagandha might be the supplement/herb you’ve been looking for! Just remember to consult your medical provider and do research on the supplements you’re purchasing.