Ashwagandha Extract Benefits

It's pretty hard to keep track of all the different superfoods, historic grains and other "must have" herbs out there you need to add to your diet, isn't it?

Don't you worry though, we sift through it all and point out the best of the bunch. That includes the Ashwagandha herb.

Of course, this isn't a new herb at all. It's been used in medicine for more than 2,500 years. When something has been used for improving health for that long, we like to think there's obviously something good about it.

After all, people wouldn't continue using it if it didn't help.

But what exactly is the Ashwagandha, and what kind of health benefits does it pack?

Keep on reading, because we've got everything covered!

What is the Ashwagandha and What are the Ashwagandha Extract Benefits?

This is an herb grown primarily in India, although there are neighboring countries with the plant as well. If you were to come across the herb in physical form it would look somewhat like a cross between cinnamon and twigs. In fact, the actual translated meaning of "Ashwagandha" is "smell of horse."

So that should give you some kind of illustration as to what it smells like.

Of course, the saying goes is when you take Ashwagandha it actually gives you the strength of a horse.

Now, we wouldn't recommend going out and trying to pull a carriage all by yourself, but there are a number of other health benefits connected with it. 

Most herbs grow in popularity because of taste. If it adds flavor to food people will use it. Now though people want to increase health benefits to their food as well.

That's where the Ashwagandha herb comes in. In terms of taste, it's a bit closer to twig than cinnamon.

However, you're not eating the physical material. It comes in an extract or powder form, which can easily be mixed into a drink or even used in a tea. 

But you're not here to see what the Ashwagandha herb tastes like or how you can mix it in with a protein drink or morning tea. You want to know the kind of health benefits associated with it. 

Ashwagandha Extract

The Indian Ginseng

The Ashwagandha herb has become known as the "Indian Ginseng." However, as it's been around for over 2,500 years in the health community, it might be more accurate to call ginseng the European Ashwagandha (although we'll admit the word "Ashwagandha" doesn't exactly flow off the tongue). 

What all does this "ginseng" like plant do for you?

For starters, it is a natural stress reliever. It helps with delivering nutrients to your cells while improving oxygen flow. This way, you can not only control stress better but it helps with improving signs of anxiety as well. 

With the ability to improve the body's energy delivery system, this doesn't just affect your mental wellbeing. it also helps improve your overall stamina.

You'll have more energy, which will both improve physical workouts and just extend your productivity during the work week. 

Basically, if you're looking for something other than coffee to improve your stamina and clear out some of that mental fog, you may want to consider the Ashwagandha herb.

Unlike coffee, there is no caffeinated crash connected with it, so you may even find it works better in your body. 

Thyroid Conditions

Your thyroid controls the release of different hormones and chemicals into the body. When the thyroid no longer functions correctly it can lead to a chemical imbalance within the body, which may lead to all sorts of undesirable health problems, including thyroid cancer. 

The Ashwagandha herb may help with these issues. The herb is able to lower the body's cortisol levels.

By doing this, it will balance out hormones produced by the thyroid. If you suffer from any kind of chemical balance issues within the body this may help.

If you do suffer from hormonal production issues, these issues likely lead to mood swings and even degenerative diseases. The balancing out of your hormone production helps correct this. 

Other thyroid problems the Ashwagandha root may help with include Grave's disease and Hashimoto's disease. 

Adrenal Fatigue

The adrenal glands in your body release hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. The chemical release often is designed to help combat stress. However, if you are continually stressed (which can also lead to depression) your adrenal glands may no longer function as needed, which leads to adrenal fatigue.

This is common if you are going through an emotional period in your life (often connected with drastic life changes, such as the loss of a loved one or splitting off from a significant other).

The Ashwagandha root helps reverse adrenal fatigue, which in turn will help correct the hormone production in your body, allowing you to climb out of depression or situational anxiety. 

 ashwagandha herb benefits

Helps Correct Blood Sugar Levels

One of the main benefits of the Ashwagandha root is its ability to help diabetics. The flavonoids within the Ashwagandha root will help normalize the blood sugar levels inside the body.

Of course, with that said if you are already on medication designed to lower your blood sugar levels you probably should avoid taking any kind of Ashwagandha supplement.

This is because the two working together may lower your blood sugar too far, which leads to passing out. 

Always Check With Your Doctor

There are so many health benefits connected with the Ashwagandha root it's hard to not want to instantly add it to your diet. If you're a healthy individual, by all means, pick up the supplement or extract and begin using the health product.

However, if you are on a specific diet or you currently take medication, it's best to double check with your doctor to make sure it's safe to consume.

As we mentioned in the blood sugar section, there are times where the combination of the root and medication may not work out as desired.

So give your primary healthcare provider a call to see if including the Ashwagandha root in the diet is right for you. 

In Conclusion

There are all sorts of health benefits connected with including the Ashwagandha root in your diet. From improving thyroid production to fighting depression, this is one of the best herbal extracts you may not yet have added to your diet.

As long as you double check with your doctor (if you are on any medication or special diet) you're good to go. With little to no side effects and everything to gain, this is a great herbal addition to bring into your dietary fold.