Health benefits of Ashwagandha (besides relieving stress)

Ashwagandha or the Indian ginseng is a powerful herb that originally grows in Southeast Asia and India. The name comes from the Sanskrit language, meaning horse and smell, referring to the fragrance of the herb and the strength it provides. That said, it is an adaptogen, which is a substance that helps your body respond and adapt to stressors. They include antioxidants such as withanolides, flavonoids and phenolics, as per an article published in the Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences. That said, ashwagandha, also known as winter cherry or by its scientific name Withania somnifera, has several medicinal benefits.

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Ashwagandha is an excellent source of antioxidants - withanolides, flavonoids and phenolics - which help get rid of free radicals. Free radicals cause great damage to the body, leading to many chronic health problems such as cardiovascular and inflammatory disease, cataract, and cancer. The antioxidant properties in ashwagandha is what helps in preventing free radical induced tissue damage.

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Ashwagandha roots are also said to improve sleep quality.

Preliminary research has found that ashwagandha may help people fall asleep faster, and provide more hours of sleep along with a better sleep quality. This could be attributed to the compounds present in ashwagandha. According to experts, the triethylene glycol naturally present in the herb may induce sleep.

In addition, its main active ingredient withanolides is said to relieve stress, which again helps in improving sleep.

The traditional herb is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which helps treat severe inflammation in the body. Studies have suggested that ashwagandha produces immune cells that protect the body against inflammation-causing infections and helps the body stay healthy.

There are several reproductive and fertility benefits you can reap from using ashwagandha. It is said to not only improve one's libido, but can also facilitate the healthy production of testosterone. That said, ashwagandha can help men regain their sex drive and also cure infertility. Research has also highlighted that administering ashwagandha on infertile men may improve sperm quality by realigning reproductive hormone levels.

If you're a fitness enthusiast, ashwagandha may help you in increasing your muscle mass and improving your performance. Research in the past has suggested that ashwagandha may increase muscle power and lower body fat percentage.

Anything that is taken in excess can take a toll on your body. Similarly, large amounts of ashwagandha consumption can cause gastrointestinal issues including diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and an upset stomach.

Having said that, speak to your doctor or nutritionist before consuming it. Make sure you follow the directions on the packaging or as per the advice of the physician.