The powerful Ayurvedic Adaptogen: Unlocking the Secrets of Ashwagandha.
After a long day, your typical self desires or better still deserves some “good time” under the cosiness of your blankets. But then does falling asleep only seem to be a pleasure in your imagination? Or getting up in the mornings feels like a dreaded chore! I bet it’d thrill you to discover that all this can now become a talk of the past as you get to smile at life. This along with several other troubles huh! Sad how it’s never just one.
Adaptogens in other words known as nature’s stress busters are simply natural plant substances that have a great impact on the body’s general well-being by promoting its adaptability to different stressors. For many, stress comes in several un-imaginable forms; physical, psychological, psychosocial and psychospiritual. These could be from an injury, troubles of becoming a new parent, bereavement, handling school or organising that big event.
Stress generally affects all body systems and comes with discomfort to the affected creating a general state of anxiety, loss of interest in previously fun activities or altered sleep patterns. Adaptogens have long been used as a component of Ayurvedic medicine and in this post, we’ll get to uncover the greatness of the Ayurvedic Ashwagandha herbal supplement.
Understanding what Ashwagandha is
Right from the start of Ayurveda, a traditional system of medicine with Indian origin, Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) has been indicated in management of different ailments owing to its great impact on the overall health of the human body, while increasing energy, reducing pain and anxiety as well as inflammation. It is a woody shrub found in drier parts of tropical and sub-tropical zones of the world.
There are several chemical constituents identified in the various parts of the Ashwagandha plant including steroidal alkaloids, lactones, organic acids and phenolic compounds, making it one of the best adaptogens the world has known.
Proven benefits of Ashwagandha:
Stress reduction
It causes a reduction in cortisol the major stress hormone in humans, which is elevated during periods of stress and further attenuates the stress-induced increase in peripheral cortisol. This leaves you refreshed and ready to start the day rejuvenated and with a calmer mind.
Improving brain function
Ashwagandha enhances brain function including memory and as such can greatly benefit those faced with studies. As cognitive decline is strongly associated with advancing age, the elderly can as much benefit. In a study, a group paced on Ashwagandha treatment showed significant improvement in memory, attention and their processing speed was also increased when compared to the placebo group.
Anti-inflammatory and Immune support
The Ashwagandha demonstrates both anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities in the human body. It has immune stimulating and anti-inflammatory effects which ensure a good immune system thus lowering the risk of infections and empowering the body to fight these in case they arise.
Mood enhancement and reduction of anxiety
It possesses serotonergic activity (serotonin is the body’s natural “feel good” hormone) which influences the body’s happiness and reward. It induces a calming effect and stabilizes one’s mood therefore promoting better social relations as well as boosting confidence.
Boosting energy and vitality
It promotes a “youthful stamina” through increasing muscle strength, endurance and reducing fatigue, allowing one to keep up with their fun activities and hobbies for longer durations and still have some energy to spare.
Improving sleep quality
Ashwagandha possesses serotonergic activity needed by the brain to make melatonin, a hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle allowing for better sleep patterns, increasing length and depth of sleep. It further attenuates the effects brought about by sleep deprivation allowing for one to feel refreshed, think clearly and do better in school, and lowering the risk for serious health conditions.
Increasing male fertility
Ashwagandha induces sperm formation and increases serum levels of testosterone, the male hormone also responsible for development of male sex characteristics, spermatogenesis and increasing libido. Due to its anti-oxidant properties, this extract inhibits formation of reactive oxygen species which if left to accumulate in the semen induce oxidative damage to sperms causing abnormal sperm features and, in the end, infertility. Experts recommend use of natural testosterone sources rather than the synthetic forms due to fewer side effects.
Anti-tumour properties
This natural Ayurvedic extract has been found to more effectively prevent or inhibit growth of breast, brain and colon cancers as well as lung adenomas. It also potentiates action of different anti-cancer drugs and prevents the adverse effects caused by anti-cancer therapy.
Hypolipidemic effect
It has potential of reducing the blood levels of harmful lipids while increasing the high density lipo-proteins (“good cholesterol”). The body needs more of this to keep a strong heart and lower the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Ashwagandha with black pepper
Black pepper (Piper Nigrum L.) is a flowering vine plant with healing properties and for some, a spice to add flavour to life while to others “black gold”. It’s endowed with anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial potential with additional alkaloid components important in boosting the brain’s functionality. Black pepper has also been noted to have anti-diabetic and hypolipidemic properties. With this multitude of functions, when used together with Ashwagandha, the two work to complement each other giving you a wholesome experience.
By choosing this unique formulation of Ashwagandha with black pepper, you get to enjoy the maximum benefits of this great Ayurvedic adaptogen.