Ayurvedic healers prescribe it to prevent disease and promote overall health. Although companies that offer ashwagandha over the counter advertise its myriad healing properties, consumers should consider that the Food and Drug Administration does not regulate or endorse ashwagandha, however, some studies point to the positive and negative effects of this herb.
Some benefits of ashwaganda are:
- it prevents disease
- it promotes overall health
- it promotes growth in children
- increases the number of red blood cells
- it can lead to increased sexual activity among adults positive effect on the immune system
- it can lead to increased cognitive ability and memory
Because the ashwagandha herb is rich in iron, human studies show that it promotes growth in children by increasing the level of hemoglobin. Also, the herb increases the number of red blood cells, which can lead to increased sexual activity among adults. Herbal tea from ashwagandha promotes natural white blood cell activity, which carries a positive effect on the immune system. Animal studies show that ashwagandha exercises anti-stress effect, calming effects and positive effects on the immune response. Studies at Benares Hindu University showed positive antioxidant effects of ashwagandha, including the promotion of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase. Since ashwagandha leads to increased activity of acetylcholine receptors, it can lead to increased cognitive ability and memory. Studies on rats have shown that the plant has a positive effect on depression, acting as a mood stabilizer. Keep in mind that many tests on the nerve and emotional consequences of ashwagandha were conducted on laboratory animals, not humans.
References:
Ashwagandha – Benefits of Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha - Uses and Benefits
Ashwagandha (Winter Cherry)
Ashwagandha Benefits
Ashwagandha Churna: Benefits in Stress, Fatigue and General Health
