Ashwagandha, an evergreen shrub, has been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. It contains bioactive compounds such as withanolides, which could offer various health benefits.
Ashwagandha is a popular adaptogenic herb offering numerous benefits for overall health and wellness. Some popular advantages of taking ashwagandha include:
Stress Support
Adaptogens, including ashwagandha, have the potential to assist the body in dealing with external stressors like environmental toxins, unhealthy diet, and internal stresses such as anxiety or emotional turmoil.* Ashwagandha, a natural adaptogen, can support relaxation, reduce anxiety, and relieve stress.* Its stress-reducing properties may decrease cortisol, the stress hormone produced in the adrenal glands.*
Anxiety Relief
About 30% of the population in the United States experiences some type of anxiety, which frequently aligns with stress levels.* Research indicates that ashwagandha, a natural adaptogen that mitigates the body's stress reaction, may also promote relief from anxiety.*
Restful Sleep
Ashwagandha, an adaptogen, has the potential to regulate cortisol levels and promote a healthy balance, including regulating stress and anxiety, which can ultimately improve the quality of sleep.* Therefore, ashwagandha may aid in achieving natural, restful sleep without causing drowsiness.*
However, there are specific benefits that primarily impact men and women differently. Let’s break those down now:
Health benefits of Ashwagandha for men
The ashwagandha herb is best known for its ability to lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone) in the body as an adaptogen. Additionally, ashwagandha is linked to various other advantages, such as promoting muscle growth and strength and aiding brain function and memory.
Ashwagandha is a common supplement for men as they age, as testosterone levels may decrease by approximately 1% annually after reaching 30 years of age. For some individuals, Ashwagandha can effectively raise testosterone levels. If you suspect low testosterone levels, consult your GP for additional medical guidance and details.
Health benefits of Ashwagandha for women
Ashwagandha's plant-based estrogens can contribute to rebalancing and regulating the menstrual cycle by harmonizing reproductive hormones. Additionally, it has the potential to ease cramps, lessen fatigue, and improve the quality of sleep. One potential advantage of ashwagandha is its capacity to maintain hormone equilibrium and relieve menopausal symptoms.
What are adaptogens?
Adaptogens encompass herbs, roots, and plant substances such as mushrooms, which assist in regulating stress and promoting the restoration of balance following stressful situations. People consume adaptogens in herbal supplements, either in capsules or as an addition to teas, soups, smoothies, and other foods. Experts posit that adaptogens interact with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which triggers the body's stress response and plays a crucial role in maintaining overall balance.
Some herbs do not function as adaptogens. Specific criteria must be met for an herb or plant substance to qualify as an adaptogen.
- Be nontoxic at average doses.
- Support the entire body’s ability to cope with stress.
- Help the body return to a stable state.
What are withanolides?
The active components of Ashwagandha or Withania somnifera are withanolides, which are primarily present in the plant's roots. Withanolides belong to the steroidal and alkaloid groups, and their medicinal effects are mainly due to withaferin. Ashwagandha offers the advantage of boosting the antioxidant activity of enzymes that scavenge free radicals, leading to improved immunity by raising Hb concentration, RBC count, platelet count, and body weight. As a potent adaptogen, it enhances the body's ability to cope with stress. Therefore, the presence of withanolides in Withania somnifera is essential for their beneficial health effects.
KSM-66® Ashwagandha Benefits
KSM-66® Ashwagandha is formulated through a patented method aimed at maximizing the extraction of withanolides found in Ashwagandha root. Withanolides are natural antioxidant compounds thought to contribute to the most beneficial properties of Ashwagandha.* KSM-66® Ashwagandha promotes the body’s innate defense mechanisms by stimulating increased immune cell activity.* During periods of high activity, our bodies produce excessive amounts of cortisol. Studies indicate that Ashwagandha's mood-boosting effects are likely a result of its ability to balance cortisol levels.* With Nature’s Lab KSM-66® Ashwagandha, you’ll experience a sense of rejuvenation, vitality, and readiness to take on the day!
The Bottom Line
Ashwagandha can help in harmonizing your body and mind, making it a valuable component of your wellness regimen, alongside therapies, lifestyle changes, and other herbal treatments.
Shop our full line of Ashwagandha Products.
References
Cronkleton, E. (2023, September 21). What does Ashwagandha do for women’s wellness? Healthline.
Office of Dietary Supplements - Ashwagandha: Is It Helpful for Stress, Anxiety, or Sleep?” NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Ashwagandha-HealthProfessional. Accessed 12 Aug. 2024.
5 Ashwagandha Benefits for Men: Holland & Barrett.” 5 Ashwagandha Benefits for Men | Holland & Barrett, 21 Aug. 2023, www.hollandandbarrett.com/the-health-hub/vitamins-and-supplements/ashwagandha-benefits-for-men/.
Chaturvedi, Deepali. “Withanolides: Main Compound of Ashwagandha.” BestSourceNutrition.Com, BestSourceNutrition.com, 13 May 2024, www.bestsourcenutrition.com/en-ae/blogs/news/withanolides-main-compound-of-ashwagandha.