Ayurveda medicine has an ancient history stretching back over 6,000 years.

The Ashwagandha herb is seen as one of the most effective medicines in the Vedic tradition, being recognized for bringing the body back into balance and thus resisting ill-health.

Ashwagandha supplements are classed as Rasayanas, herbs which are highly regarded as formulations to both cure disease and confer youthfulness. The benefits of the Ashwagandha herb in supplement form are being increasingly appreciated and recognized around the world.

The herb not only assists people in the everyday management of stress related complaints, but can also improve more serious clinical issues. It shows promise in neurologically degenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease and is attracting interest from the scientific and medical community

Ashwagandha Supplements

Ashwagandha has long been noted as an adaptogen; which means it is a herb which increases the ability of the body to cope with and resist the damaging effects of stress.

Consequently, popularity of Ashwagandha supplementation in tablets, powder and liquid form is gaining momentum. The appreciation of the herb as a natural aide to helping people cope with modern-day life continues to grow.

Although the Ashwagandha has traditionally been used externally to treat problems such as carbuncles and ulcerations, today it is primarily utilized in oral supplementation form to assist in mental and physical well-being.

It is believed that Ashwagandha supplementation decreases cortisol production. This subsequently reduces not only the effects of emotional stressors but also those of the physical and natural aging variety.

This belief is supported by scientific evidence showing the herb reduces cortisol levels by up to 26%.

Ashwagandha Supplementation and Women’s Health

Women in particular are turning to Ashwagandha root extracts to help with a range of specific health issues. There are reports that it may reduce the effects of menopausal changes by reducing the incidence of hot flushes and balancing mood.

Additionally, many women are turning to buy Ashwagandha to reduce the effects of painful period cramps.

There are further indications that Ashwagandha root extracts can assist, indirectly, with improved fertility. The primary function of Ashwagandha is to bring the body back into balance and maintain health.

It is suggested that by regulating hormone imbalances, decreasing stress and resisting illness, the overall system is returned to a condition which makes it more conducive to conception.

Ashwagandha and Stress Relief

Although most people associate stress with personal circumstances and emotions, scientifically it is accepted that there are many different forms of stress.

These stressors evolve from psychological, physical, environmental, biological, spiritual, chemical and nutritional bases.

They not only contribute to disrupting emotional well-being, but also to disturbing natural physiological balance and metabolism. This affects biological function, particularly in respect of adrenal function and the immune system.

As an adaptogen, the benefits of Ashwagandha for resisting such stressors can benefit the individual in many different ways and reduce the subsequent anxiety which arises as a direct result.

Users have reported many situations where Ashwagandha supplements have proven to be beneficial in daily life. These include the following:

Increased energy levels

Improved mental cognition and concentration

Superior quality sleep

Combating fatigue

Reducing anxiety

Relieving digestive discomfort

Reducing depression

Improving muscular health

Studies are ongoing with regard to analyzing the chemistry behind the apparent effectiveness of the Ashwagandha root. To date, over 60 compounds have been identified.

The root contains steroidal lactones and alkaloids belonging to the class ‘withanolides’, which are naturally occurring compounds. There are over 300 different compound in this category.

However all withanolides are not created equal. A withanolide with a sugar molecule attached is called a glycowithanolide and those without a sugar molecule are called anolideglycones or ‘free’ withanolides.

The most biological available molecule is the glycowithanolide found in Ashwagandha. This molecule is said to have the greatest health benefit, whether using the herb in supplement form as capsules, tablets or liquid or whether it is used in beverages and food.

These natural steroid molecules have been shown to supress cancer cells, act as anti-oxidants, regenerate nerve cells and reduce the risk for disease.

How to Buy Ashwagandha

Due to the popularity of this herb, Ashwagandha (sometimes known by its botanical name of Withania somnifera) can now be purchased in many different forms for primarily internal use. It is available not only in capsule and tablet form but also powder, liquid, whole root and as an herbal tea.

It can be bought either from on-line dietary supplement retailers or in many reputable high street health and herbalist stores. Ashwagandha supplements can vary in price, but you can expect to pay between $0.10 to $0.25 per serving depending on the manufacturer.

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Article last updated on:by Nootriment