The amazing health benefits of ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb. It’s played a part in Ayurvedic medicine for over 2,500 years. Ayurvedic herbs are a form of alternative medicine based on Indian principles of natural healing. Aswagandha’s health benefits range from protecting nerves, reducing anxiety, anti-inflammatory and helping to regulate the thyroid. These are just some of the benefits of this amazing herb.

Ashwagandha is incredibly powerful in helping to lower cortisol levels and balancing thyroid hormones. It works to protect against stress and calm mood swings.

What is ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha’s botanical name is Withania somnifera and it’s commonly called Indian ginseng or winter cherry. The plant is a small shrub with yellow flowers and is native to India and North Africa. The plants root and leaves are dried to be used in various treatments.

What is an adaptogen?

Adaptogens are a group of a unique plants that help to support the adrenal system. They help to manage hormones which in turn helps to moderate our stress levels. They can help the body to be more resilient to chronic stress.

Health benefits of ashwagandha extract

Several studies have shown that ashwagandha may help to lower blood sugar levels in both healthy subjects and those with diabetes.

It has been linked to reducing cortisol levels. Cortisol is also known as the stress hormone because our adrenal glands release it in response to stress. One study showed a reduction of cortisol of 30%.

A further study showed that a 69% reduction in stress levels over a 60 day period.

The fact that the herb helps to reduce stress and cortisol levels may also play a part in the fact that it is associated with a reduction in depression.

Ashwagandha has traditionally been used in Ayurvedic medicine to boost memory, however there is only a limited amount of research carried out in this area.

Ashwagandha was one of the ingredients that we chose for Skin Perfecting Complex as it is a perfect ingredient to calm the mind and reduce the impact of pollution on the skin.

Read how our Skin Perfecting Complex can help to improve your skin here.