United States: If there was a pill which could really help you feel less stressed and more relaxed, would you take it? On social media, people are saying that a supplement which is called ashwagandha can help lower stress by reducing a hormone which is produced when we experience stress is called cortisol.
Ashwagandha is so popular right now that it’s really on the top search on TikTok for beauty and wellness. Some companies are selling ashwagandha gummies, like Goli’s, claiming they can help with stress and even replace other medicines.
It has become obvious why ashwagandha is trending because high cortisol levels are a growing health issue. But does it actually work and should you try it: Here’s what to know.
What is ashwagandha? Why do people take it?
As reported by the Yahoo life, Ashwagandha is not unfamiliar, according to naturopathic physician at The Biomed Center in Providence, R.I., Marlane Bassett. This substance has been part of Ayurwedic medicine for more than 5000 years and it has also been used by indigenous peoples of Africa, China and Mediterranean for pretty much 3000 years as Bassett describes it.
The Ayurvedic name for this herb is Withania somnifera and due to its active properties, this substance is an “adaptogen”; it helps the body to combat stress, addiction specialist internal medicine doctor, Pamela.
Tambini points out that individuals have been using ashwagandha supplements for different purposes over the years though they are mainly known to work as anxiety and stress reducers.
She also found some logic in this since it has been confirmed that the herb “has been proven to decrease cortisol levels, our body’s main stress hormone hence may be used to diminish stress and anxiety.”
Though, profound studies are required for knowing the dosage schedule that is optimal for enhancing the stress status and the extent of safety of ashwagandha.
Besides to relieve stress, people on social platform have stated that ashwagandha can help to increase muscle strength and exercise capacity, accelerate the recovery process, regulate hormones balances. Statics and inflammation.
As Dr. Paul Daidone, an internal medicine physician, and Medical Director at True Self Recovery says, the benefits linked to ashwagandha “are more or less substantiated.”
Ashwagandha appears to build muscle mass and strength, according to some studies. Other findings show that it may improve male fertility rates as well as may improve the functioning of thyroid gland.
Similar research determined that the cases of COVID-19 patients received significant results regarding the levels of inflammation in the body and received cure faster on an application of Ayurveda treatment that include ashwagandha.
In the terms of hormones and then there’s the whole hormone balancing element. Research from the year 2019 which shows ashwagandha may impact the endocrine system which regulates our hormones. For the women taking ashwagandha may help keep the menstrual cycle regular, reduce the symptoms with menopause and even improve sexual function.