20 Amazing Health Uses & Benefits of Ashwagandha for Men and Women

Herbal Benefits and Uses
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In this video I'm going to show you the 20 amazing health uses and benefits of Ashwagandha
for men and women. Ashwagandha is one of the most powerful herbs in healing.
It's been used since ancient times for a wide variety of conditions.
It's well known for its restorative and rejuvenating benefits.
Its name means the smell of a horse, indicating that the herb has the potential to impart the
The Ashwagandha root is also reported to have a smell reminiscent of horse sweat.
Traditionally, Ashwagandha has been prescribed as a nerve tonic and an adaptogen,
that's an agent which helps the body adapt to various emotional and physical stresses.
It has been used in India for nearly 5,000 years for conditions in children,
weaknesses, debility in old age, rheumatism, constipation, insomnia,
nervous conditions, stress, joint inflammation, parasites, hormone imbalance and more.
It's usually made into a paste from the Ashwagandha root powder,
applied topically to treat boils, ulcers and other skin irritations and infections.
Ashwagandha is known to help people strengthen their immune system after illness,
chemotherapy or surgery. It is a highly effective,
evidence-based remedy to help reduce stress and anxiety.
By lowering cortisol levels and mimicking the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA.
Ashwagandha is frequently referred to as Indian ginseng because of its rejuvenating properties,
even though botanically ginseng and Ashwagandha are not related.
Belonging to the same family as the tomato, Ashwagandha is a plump shrub with oval leaves
and yellow flowers. It bears red fruit about the size of a raisin.
This herb is native to the dry regions of India, Northern Africa and the Middle East
and today is also grown in more mild climates including the United States.
Let's take a look at its many health benefits and uses in more detail.
Number 1. Ashwagandha for Stress
Ashwagandha promotes balance in many different systems of the body
and can help the body adapt to stress and provide calming support.
When the body is in fight or flight mode, it releases the stress hormone cortisol.
Between constant deadlines, financial pressures, digital overload
and a steady stream of negative news, the chronic stress of modern human culture
regularly activates the cortisol stress response, which can impact the nervous system function.
Ashwagandha has been shown to support healthy levels of cortisol
and the healthy inflammatory processes that are stimulated in response to stress.
Number 2. Hormonal Imbalances
Infertility can result from an abnormality affecting other hormonal systems
including the hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid and adrenal glands.
A study of mice given the Ashwagandha root extract for 20 days showed a significant
increase in T4 hormone, indicating that Ashwagandha has a stimulatory effect on the thyroid gland.
Along with the Ashwagandha's antioxidant activity,
this makes Ashwagandha a potentially useful tool in the natural treatment of hypothyroidism.
Number 3. Hair Help
Thanks to its antioxidant properties and hormone balancing effects,
it can help to prevent hair shedding and promote shiny and healthy hair.
This is one of the main reasons why many shampoos use this plant as an ingredient.
When applied and massaged into the scalp, it helps to increase blood circulation
which helps stimulate hair growth. The scalp massage also fights dandruff and
greasy hair and is perfect for an additional hair care routine.
Number 4. Potent Antioxidants
Ashwagandha is rich in antioxidants which seek and destroy the free radicals
implicated in aging and numerous diseases. Antioxidant levels play a critical role in
the health of not only all of the cells that make up the body, but those of sperm and egg
health as well. Increasing antioxidant levels has been shown to improve sperm and egg health.
This nicely sets up the next one.
Number 5. Ashwagandha Improves Male Fertility
The most consistent positive finding of the main studies into Ashwagandha
was that decreased fertility in males was helped by the Ashwagandha root extract.
One study compared the perimeters of men's semen at baseline and after taking Ashwagandha for 90
days, the average sperm concentration rose to about 167%.
Number 6. People Who Have Been Treated For Cancer With Chemotherapy
Early research suggests that taking a specific Ashwagandha extract
helped during chemotherapy by reducing feelings of tiredness.
Number 7. Brain Power
Today research is supporting this reputation. Studies have found that Ashwagandha improves
memory, increases spatial and visual memory, decreases oxidative brain stress and helps
prevent nerve cell degeneration.
Number 8. Ashwagandha Is Great For Cancer Prevention
Ashwagandha has been shown to disrupt cancer cells' ability to effectively reproduce.
This is due to its anti-angiogenic activity that Ashwagandha contains
in which it prevents cancer cells from forming new blood vessels that support its growth.
One study showed that Ashwagandha produced a marked increase in lifespan
and a decrease in overall tumor weight in animals with cancer of the lymphatic system.
Reducing cancer growth and improving the immune system
is one of the major life-changing health benefits of Ashwagandha.
Number 9. Anxiety
Some clinical research shows that taking Ashwagandha
can reduce some symptoms of anxiety or anxious mood.
Number 10. Ashwagandha Reduces Cortisol Levels
In the largest human trial using Ashwagandha,
the herb was shown to reduce cortisol levels by up to 26%.
Chronically elevated cortisol increases inflammatory and degenerative processes in the body.
Additionally, the participants had a lowered fasting blood sugar level as well.
Number 11. Parkinson's Disease
Preliminary research suggests that a combination of herbs including Ashwagandha
improves Parkinson's symptoms, although the effect of Ashwagandha alone in Parkinson's is unknown.
Number 12. Ashwagandha May Help Weight Management
One of the most common conditions is obesity.
In one study, 52 adults under chronic stress took a placebo or 300mg of Ashwagandha twice per day.
After 8 weeks, the placebo group had lost 1.5% of body weight compared to 3% of those taking
Ashwagandha. Body mass index scores also improved and the placebo group improved 1.4%
and the Ashwagandha group improved 3%.
Number 13. Reducing Side Effects Associated With Medications Called Antipsychotics
Antipsychotics are used to treat schizophrenia,
but they can cause levels of fat and sugar in the blood to increase.
Taking a specific Ashwagandha extract 3 times daily for one month might reduce
levels of fat and sugar in the blood in people using medications in a recent research study.
Number 14. Increased Energy
Adaptogens like Ashwagandha seem to naturally boost energy levels
by supporting the central nervous system. The Ashwagandha energy boost is more balanced and
is usually apparent as an increased ability and stamina to perform normal tasks without tiring
easily. Clinical studies have shown that Ashwagandha use results in higher blood cell
production and enhanced circulation. Researchers could contribute this to high energy levels since
every cell and organ in the body requires a good supply of oxygen rich blood for optimum performance.
Number 15. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
That's ADHD. Some clinical research shows that a combination of a herbal product containing
Ashwagandha may improve attention and impulse control in children with ADHD.
The effect of Ashwagandha alone is unclear.
Number 16. Bipolar Disorder
Taking a specific Ashwagandha extract for 8 weeks
may improve brain function in people being treated for bipolar disorder.
Number 17. Diabetes
There is some evidence that Ashwagandha may reduce blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.
Number 18. High Cholesterol
Recent studies have shown that Ashwagandha may reduce cholesterol
in patients with high cholesterol. This has not been scientifically proven though
and there is still some research to be carried out.
Number 19. Osteoarthritis
Early research shows that Ashwagandha taken along with a zinc complex and turmeric
might improve arthritis symptoms. The impact of Ashwagandha alone is unclear.
Number 20. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Early research shows that Ashwagandha root extract might reduce symptoms of OCD when
taken with prescribed medications for 6 weeks, better than taking the prescribed medication alone.
Now let's take a look at the side effects of Ashwagandha.
Ashwagandha in its recommended dose is generally safe for pretty much everyone,
but there are a few side effects to consider.
Number 1. It can cause gut problems
Yes, there can be too much of a good thing and in large doses of Ashwagandha
it has been shown to cause diarrhoea and stomach pain.
It might also raise thyroid hormone levels. Ashwagandha might raise levels
so people with an overactive thyroid or hypothyroidism should be cautious.
If you suspect you have a thyroid problem, ask your doctor to run tests on thyroid health
and advise you whether you should be adding this herb to your routine.
Finally number 3. It can irritate your autoimmune condition
Since Ashwagandha is technically part of the nightshade family,
it can have the potential to irritate those with an autoimmune condition,
especially those with autoimmune joint pain.
It's important to remember that everyone's makeup is unique,
so what works for one person won't necessarily work for the other.
Having lab work done and working with a certified health practitioner
is the first step in taking control of your health.
Talk to your doctor before adding adaptogens to your routine
and ask if they can advise on your dosing.
So to conclude, Ashwagandha has a wide range of actions that can balance the body in many ways.
It stimulates the immune system whilst also decreasing inflammation.
It's gentle and can be taken daily.
Other herbs have a much higher potential for side effects.
The cons are you're going to need more than one pill if you want to feel the full effects.
It doesn't taste good and smells like horses, so the pill form can be better.
And it shouldn't be taken if pregnant because it may induce an abortion.
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for men and women of Ashwagandha.
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