Tips for Ashwagandha Beginners and Users
What is Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha is also known as Withania somnifera, Winter Cherry or Indian Ginseng.
It is commonly found in India, and the Middle East. It comes from the word “ashwa” or horse as it is being compared with the smell of a horse.
There is a traditional medicine system in India which is called Ayurveda 6000 B.C. ago and Ashwagandha is one of the most important herbs in the previously mentioned type of medicine. This herb is being considered as an adaptogen, which basically balances and adapts the body to the stressful conditions.
Firstly Ashwagandha was tried with rats and the test results showed Ashwagandha’s ability to prevent stress and increase stamina. It already proves that it is indeed a powerful medicinal herb and it already has a lot of benefits that more consumers are claiming as they have already experienced it.
There are plenty of benefits that the body can take in Ashwagandha both brain and body. To learn more about Ashwagandha visit here.
Benefits of Ashwagandha
The key benefits that Ashwadanha provides is anxiety and depression reduction. The herb has an ability to block the stress pathways for both animal and human. Moreover, it can lower the cortisol level as well as the stress hormone. Ashwagandha has the ability to relax the brain on the stress surroundings and events.
It may improve concentration, brain function and the memory.
It shows that Ashwagandha may boost the antioxidant that helps in protecting the nerve to unhealthy free radicals. It is being used among people with epilepsy as it reduces convulsion and seizures by calming the nerves on the brain. In terms of memory and concentration, Ashwagandha maintains sleep by making your nerve system rest and calm. It may also stimulate the healing process of the nervous system damage.
Ashwagandha herb may help to lower the levels of sugar in blood. Study shows that Ashwagandha increases the secretion of the insulin level as well as the sensitivity of the muscles. It can just not lower or regulate the blood sugar on diabetic but also in healthy people. They also performed a study on people with Type 2 Diabetes who take Ashwagandha for a month and it successfully lowered the blood sugar level.
Ashwagandha may boost testosterone and maintain fertility in men. As it has a good impact on reproductive health. Study shows that it can increase the sperm count and makes it healthier. It also increased the antioxidant level in the body.
Ashwagandha might help to increase strength and muscle. It can improve the building process of the muscle and the composition. There is a study where a normal man takes up to 1250mg of powdered Ashwagandha per day in just 30 days or 1 month. Some people use Ashwagandha as their everyday pre-workout supplement, while some find it a big help when they are trying to cut some fats in their body.
Study shows that it has Anti-Cancer properties. It may delay the growth of cancer cells and may destroy them. It may help treat various kinds of cancer such as lungs, breast, ovarian and more.
What are the side effects of taking Ashwagandha?
There are some reports when taking Ashwagandha such as stomach ulcer as it can irritate the gastrointestinal. If you are experiencing stomach ulcer it is best not to take this supplement.
It may also affect the medications you are using when you have Diabetes. Some people who have Type 2 Diabetes already have medication maintenance for their sugar level, hence if you take both your blood sugar level may be affected. It is recommended to monitor the sugar if you want to take both.
If you have an autoimmune disease it is best to stay away from Ashwagandha, because it may worsen the symptoms.
Ashwagandha may cause miscarriage or premature birth as it contains some compounds that can be unhealthy for pregnant women. Before taking this supplement, it is best to ask your healthcare professional or attending physician.
It may also decrease the blood pressure, thus people who suffer from hypertension or high blood pressure must seek advice from their physician as it may be bad for them to have sudden lower blood pressure.
People with Thyroid Disorders must be cautious when taking this supplement. Ashwagandha may increase the thyroid hormone levels which also can worsen your situation if you have this condition.
Before taking any nootropic, get to know it’s side effects and dosage to avoid unwanted effects.
What is the correct dosage of Ashwagandha?
The dosage will always depend on the individual’s health condition, needs or age. However, here are some recommended dosages for certain uses.
If you intend to use it for Stress and Anxiety; 500-600mg a day at least once a month may see the effect already. It is the same dosage for boosting the Memory.
For lowering the blood sugar level, 250mg per day is recommended.
When boosting the fertility and sperm count; 5 grams per day is good.
While for Muscle Growth and Fat Reducing; 500mg of Ashwagandha per day for at least 8 weeks is good.
However, 250mg-500mg of Ashwagandha a day at least a month is proven effective too. It is suggested to take Ashwagandha supplement during the night because it allows the body and mind to relax.
Combining Ashwagandha with other Nootropics
Most of the nootropics can be stackable, not just the Ashwagandha itself but here are some examples of other nootropics that you can combine with this supplement. Let’s find out how certain combinations work.
Ashwagandha and Brahmi basically have the best effect when taken together as they are both promoting anti-stress and helping with the brain function. To learn more about Bacopa Monnieri (Brahmi) visit here.
5-HTP and Ashwagandha is another combination that a lot of consumers are being obsessed with.
As 5-HTP can work with mood swings while the Ashwagandha can help with anxiety and depression, these two are very good when it comes with relaxation.
Please be advised to consult your doctor or physician before taking anything or stacking nootropics.