10 Proven Health Benefits of Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is one of the most powerful medicinal herbs on the planet, it is incredibly therapeutic and it is a known powerful adaptogen because it helps your body manage stress and overcome its adverse side effects.

It provides almost all the nutrients needed by your brain and body and it is very effective in treating depression and anxiety. It is one of the most important herbs in Ayurveda, Indian Traditional Healing System.

Its usage dates back to over 3,000 years and it is also known as Indian Ginseng. It is used to increase energy and boosts concentration and the whole part of the plant is used to treat a lot of ailments.

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Ashwagandha is the most researched and most used herb on the planet. It is in high demand and highly valued for its ability to treat thyroid problems, neuroprotective effect, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, and anti-anxiety properties.

It is commonly used in Ayurveda to strengthen the immune system and treat autoimmune diseases, its name in India means “the Strength of the Horse” because of its ability to strengthen the body and your immune system.

Below are 10 amazing benefits of this highly revered medicinal plant.

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10 Health Benefits of Ashwagandha

1. Treats Underactive Thyroid

One of the most incredible health properties of Ashwagandha is its ability to treat problems associated with the thyroid gland. It treats a sluggish thyroid gland and help people with underactive thyroid gland also known as Hashimoto’s disease overcome the problem.

This is a sure and proven remedy for this condition. It also helps improve the levels of serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroxine (T4) in the body and it also normalize the levels of these hormones in people with hyperthyroidism.

This wonderful herb has great thyroid-enhancing properties and it helps in increasing the functions of your thyroid.

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2. Improves Memory and Prevents Brain Damage

Chronic stress has an impact on the brain and nervous system, it protects your brain from cell degeneration and neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases.

Ashwagandha contains powerful antioxidants that destroy free radicals in your brain and body. It improves cognitive functions and helps cell growth, it reverses behavioral deficits and prevents the buildup of plaque.

3. Treats Adrenal Fatigue

Ashwagandha supports adrenal functions and it helps one overcome adrenal fatigue which is quite common these days. Your adrenals are also known as the endocrine glands, these glands are responsible for releasing hormones like cortisol and adrenalin in response to stress.

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If these organs are overworked with emotional, physical, and mental stress, they begin to misbehave and this leads to the condition known as adrenal fatigue.

When this happens, the levels and functions of other hormones in your body begin to malfunction, this causes infertility and other health complications like low levels of DHEA which can lead to a short lifespan and a weak body.

4. Fortifies the Immune System

Ashwagandha is a powerful adaptogen, it boosts your immune system, relieves stress, fights inflammation, and increases the production of immunoglobulin.

This is a good herb for people with weak and compromised immune systems.

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5. Fights Anxiety and Stress

This is one of the best-known benefits of Ashwagandha. It is a powerful natural remedy for stress and anxiety, it is even as effective as the medication imipramine and lorazepam and it does its work effectively without giving you side effects.

While treating stress and anxiety, it helps boost vitality, energy, concentration, and overall health.

6. Boosts Endurance and Stamina

Ashwagandha improves physical activities, athletic and sport performances, and stamina by reducing body pains and sharpening your brain and improving its functions.

It enhances cardiorespiratory endurance in athletes and also increased swimming performances in swimmers. It also balances the levels of adrenal hormones which help in improving physical activities.

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7. Relieves Depression

Apart from chronic stress and anxiety, Ashwagandha is a powerful natural remedy for depression. It does this by improving your resistance to stress and improving your overall quality of life.

Stress is one of the major causes of depression and Ashwagandha helps stops the adverse effects of stress on your body and helps you manage stress effectively. It increases your resistance to stress.

Ashwagandha also balances the levels of hormones in your body, because hormonal imbalance is another leading cause of depression. It also helps to stabilize mood and fight mood disorder.

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8. Boosts Reproduction and Fertility

Ashwagandha is used in Ayurveda to treat reproductive problems and sexual dysfunction. It is a natural aphrodisiac and thus it helps boosts sexual functions and fights sexual dysfunctions.

It boosts the levels of testosterone in males thus helping to improve male fertility and it also helps men with spermatogenesis by treating low sperm count. 

9. Fights Cancer

Ashwagandha has a great anti-tumor and anti-cancer fighting property, it reduces the growth of tumors and stops cancer cells from growing.

It has proven its ability to stop the proliferation of cancer cells in cancers of the lungs, breasts, colon, and stomach; and it does this by raising the levels of antioxidants in your body and boosting your immune system.

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This great herb also prevents the side effects of anti-cancer medications and chemotherapy, since it is a powerful immunomodulator, it increases the lifespan of cancer patients especially those who are at risks of a weak and compromised immune system.

Ashwagandha boosts the levels of white blood cells in your body, thus improving the defenses of your body.

10. Increases Muscle Strength

Ashwagandha helps to increase the mass of your muscles and it strengthens your muscles also. People engaged in exercises such as muscle building and resistance training will greatly benefit from this herb.

This herb also strengthen your joints and bones and it helps relieves the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.