Unlock the power of Ashwagandha: How to help with stress, sleep and anxiety
History of Ashwagandha
Withania somnifera, more commonly referred to as ashwagandha, is a perennial shrub native to tropical and subtropical regions across Asia, Africa, and Europe. Its Sanskrit name, Ashwagandha, stems from the resemblance of its roots to the scent of a wet horse ("ashwa" meaning horse and "gandha" meaning smell). However, it is also known by various other names including Indian ginseng and winter cherry. Ashwagandha holds a significant place in traditional Ayurvedic and Unani medicinal practices in India, where it is recognized as an adaptogen. An adaptogen enables individuals to better withstand, adapt to, or develop resilience against biological, physical, or chemical stressors.
What is Ashwagandha?
Since ashwagandha is part of a class of plants called adaptogens, it is perhaps best known for its stress-relieving properties. As an adaptogen, ashwagandha can be helpful for those who are fatigued during the day but have a hard time sleeping at night. It helps promote balance within the body. Ashwagandha stands out among herbs for its noteworthy impact on both the mental and physical aspects of human well-being.
What is this superfood good for?
Because of it’s adaptogenic properties, ashwagandha may help:
- Reduce stress and anxiety
- Enhance memory and cognition
- Support healthy weight management
- Maintain normal thyroid
- Promote muscle strength, size and recovery
- Enhance cardiorespiratory endurance
- Promote sexual function in men and women
- Maintain healthy testosterone in men
Benefits of Ashwagandha
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Reduction of Stress & Anxiety
Ashwagandha’s main active ingredients are withanolides, which are believed to carry a host of benefits including the ability to ease stress. One study found that participants who took ashwagandha extract reported increased well-being, including a sense of calm, improved energy levels, heightened mental clarity, and enhanced sleep quality.
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Improved Sleep Quality
Stress has been linked to poorer sleep quality and excessive daytime sleepiness. If taking ashwagandha before bed helps a person relax, this may be another way by which it promotes better sleep. This herb has been known to calm the nervous system and even help with insomnia sleep.
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Increases in Memory & Focus
Ashwagandha boosts GABA which may help with brain fog. This herb has been shown to improve memory and focus. For those that have trouble remembering things, it has been shown to improve working/short term memory and enhance your attention span.
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Muscle Strength & Recovery
Studies persist in exploring the effectiveness of ashwagandha in enhancing strength and muscle mass. In one study, participants reported heightened speed and strength. Meanwhile, another study noted improvements in muscle power, coupled with reductions in body fat percentage and cholesterol levels, following the use of ashwagandha. If you want to hit the gym, ashwagandha is your friend.
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Male Fertility and Testosterone
Ashwagandha has demonstrated potential benefits for men's reproductive health. Research indicates that administering ashwagandha to infertile men can lead to significant improvements in sperm quality by rebalancing reproductive hormone levels, with one study reporting a 14% pregnancy rate among male patients' partners. Additionally, in studies focused on stress-related effects, ashwagandha was found to increase testosterone levels in male participants. Another study examining ashwagandha's impact on muscle strength in men also noted a significant increase in testosterone levels.
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Improved Sexual Performance in Females
A clinical study suggests that ashwagandha may offer benefits for women dealing with sexual dysfunction. Participants reported significant improvements after receiving ashwagandha. Additionally, the herb was found to spice up the love life for the participants!
How to use:
Ashwagandha can have a distinct taste. Therefore it is best to blend it into a drink. Many put ashwagandha in tea or hot drinks.
The most convenient way is through a capsule or gummy based supplement.
What happens when you take ashwagandha daily?
Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb. Therefore it helps your body adapt to whatever stress it may be encountering. It is recommended to take ashwagandha for at least 4 weeks to see its effects. As with any supplement, consistency is key.
Why Moodeys?
If you are looking for a mess free way to try ashwagandha, Moodeys Rest & Repeat is best to promote a restful night’s sleep. Rest & Repeat is blended with many adaptogenic herbs and vitamins so you can wake up refreshed. On the other hand, Happy Hour may induce a calming effect and improvement of mood! Whatever your mood may be, both are a great addition to your daily routine.
Rest & Repeat
