Summary

Ashwagandha root has long been used as a restorative agent for women after giving birth because it is believed to enhance the nutritional value of breast milk. [1] [2]

Benefits and Effects

Supporting the Immune System

In addition to boosting immune activity in mice, ashwagandha extract increases total red and white blood cell counts in humans. [3] [4] [5]

Reducing Stress and Anxiety

In human studies, ashwagandha improved stress resistance while decreasing cortisol, the stress hormone that causes muscle loss, wrinkles and cognitive decline. [6]

Fighting Infections

Ashwagandha naturally inhibits the growth of fungus and certain bacteria such as staph and MRSA. [7] Ashwagandha even has antiviral properties since it can suppress acute viral hepatitis and herpes simplex type 1. [8] [9]

Lowering Cancer Risk and Improving Cancer Symptoms

As a radiosensitizer and a chemotherapeutic agent, ashwagandha can inhibit the growth and spread of a number of cancers that affect the breasts, colon, brain, stomach, prostate, lungs, kidneys, pancreas, cervix and skin. [10] [11] [12] [13] [14] [15] [16] [17] [18] [19]

Protecting the Brain

Ashwagandha promotes the growth of nerves and dendrites, which improves cognitive functioning and neuromuscular coordination. [20] Therefore, it may be helpful for treating neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and even schizophrenia. [21]

Promoting Heart Health

On top of lowering blood pressure, ashwagandha reduces cholesterol and prevents arteries from hardening. [22] It also improves cardiorespiratory endurance in professional athletes. [23]

Reducing Menopausal Symptoms

Women have long used ashwagandha for menopause syndrome because it aids in the regulation of hormone secretion. Another benefit of ashwagandha for women is that it can stimulate menstruation in cases of amenorrhoea. [24]

Improving Gut Health

Ashwagandha extract enemas are sometimes prescribed to treat intestinal ulcers and inflammatory bowel disease. [25]

Treating Respiratory Illnesses

Ashwagandha has been successfully used as a cough suppressant in guinea pigs. [26] Two teaspoons of ashwagandha root powder taken three times per day is a popular bronchitis treatment. [27]

Healing the Skin

Pastes made from boiled ashwagandha leaves have traditionally been used to treat skin wounds as well as scabies, ringworms, leucoderma, leprosy and acne. [28]

Preventing Eye Problems

In addition to stopping the formation of cataracts, ashwagandha is often used as a treatment for pink eye. [29] [30]

How It Works

Chronic stress can destabilize your body’s physiological functions. Ashwagandha is an adaptogen, which means that it restores balance to the neuroendocrine and immune systems. [31]

Dosage

Most people take 3-6gm of dried ashwagandha root powder, or 300-500mg of ashwagandha extract daily. [32] Ashwagandha is non-toxic, so an overdose is unlikely, but adhere to package instructions to avoid diarrhea and abdominal issues. [33]

Side Effects

One major potential side effect of ashwagandha is hyperthyroidism. [34] A milder side effect for women is hirsutism, or abnormal facial hair growth. [35] Avoid Ashwagandha during pregnancy due to the risk of miscarriage. Avoid combining ashwagandha and alcohol or any other sedatives. [36]

Stacks

Ashwagandha’s health benefits are accentuated when it is combined with certain other compounds. [37] Ashwagandha has also been successfully paired with diazepam to treat depression in rats. [38] Combining ashwagandha with Vitamin D facilitates calcium retention and bone calcification. [39]