Literally. It positively impacts almost every system in the body, which is why the enlightened rishis—ancient Hindu holy men—considered it one of the finest herbal medicines known to man. Revered for over 4,000 years in the Ayurvedic medical tradition in India, Ashwagandha is one of the world’s most powerful adaptogenic herbs, which means that it restores balance to the body and mind no matter what end of the spectrum you find yourself on.
Researchers in India recently conducted cell studies showing that one benefit of Ashwagandha is that its extract disrupts cancer cells’ ability to reproduce in certain types of cancers [1-7], and laboratory analysis indicates that Withania somnifera extract possesses some level of anti-tumor activity and may mitigate many of the negative effects of chemotherapy [1-7]. It also quite powerfully stimulates the immune system, increases disease-fighting white blood cell production and activity, and elevates levels of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, two of the most powerful antioxidants and health-promoting substances known to man, which likely have quite a bit to do with its longevity-enhancing properties. But where Ashwagandha’s benefits really shine is in its effects on the brain, nervous and endocrine systems, and its ability to bring the mind, body and spirit into balance and harmony.
Positive Effects on Mood and Stress
Regeneration of the Brain and Nervous System
Deep Sleep and Enhanced Neurocognition
But it gets even better once again (didn’t we tell you that this herb is truly amazing?): Ashwagandha has been shown in animal and human studies to increase acetylcholine levels in the brain, which are correlated with improved memory, brain function and intelligence. Another of Ashwagandha’s amazing benefits is that it also elevates levels of GABA, a calming neurotransmitter that has complementary effects to acetylcholine. This keeps the the herb’s effects from becoming overly stimulating, which can happen with other herbs that have similar acetylcholine-enhancing effects. Withania somnifera also increases nitric oxide production by regulating the blood flow and pressure of the arterial system, which elevates oxygen levels in the brain—leading to improved cognition—and throughout the body as well.
Balanced Hormones and Increased Sexual Vitality
If Ashwagandha only had the properties discussed so far, it easily would be in the ‘Hall of Fame’ of herbal medicines; however, its effects go far deeper than that. Governing nearly every system and process of the body is the endocrine system—a series of hormone-generating glands throughout the body. In many ways, it is the health of these glands that determines your overall level of health, particularly your mood. As you might have guessed, Ashwagandha extracts powerfully harmonize and balance many of the key players in this system, particularly the thyroid and adrenal glands.
One of the most incredible aspects and benefits of Ashwagandha is that it can help people with both hyper (overactive) and hypo (underactive) thyroid issues. It has been shown in multiple studies to normalize thyroid hormone levels no matter what end of the spectrum you fall on. The same goes for the adrenal glands, which are highly influential to your overall health and psychological balance. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, imbalanced or underactive adrenal glands cause fatigue, fear, anxiety, worry and weakness. Consequently, Ashwagandha’s positive benefits and effects on the health and functioning of the adrenals tend to reverse those issues and produce energy, positive mood, self-confidence and peace of mind.
The health of the thyroid and adrenal glands have a direct impact on our sexual vitality, including our libido and, particularly for males, performance as well. Ashwagandha is often included in various “herbal Viagra” blends for this reason, particularly for its nitric oxide-boosting effects, which tend to enhance male performance and serve as a treatment for impotence. Withania somnifera has also been known to increase sensation in both men and women, as well as fertility in men due to its testosterone-enhancing properties, among other things. For this reason, it is often used as an aphrodisiac in both men and women.
Ashwagandha: The Ancient Indian Superherb That Rejuvenates Your Body and Brain From the Inside Out
by JUSTIN FAERMAN
