Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb, which can positively affect one’s response to stress. Ashwagandha has been used in the East for over 2,500 years as a medicinal herb to strengthen the immune system, improve thyroid function, protect the brain, and its anti-anxiety and anti-inflammatory properties. I know many people in my life who deal with high anxiety or stress levels. I know from time to time I deal with anxiety and stress myself.
Ashwagandha has been shown to improve underactive thyroid, relieve adrenal fatigue, combat stress and anxiety, and balance blood sugar levels. Studies show that ashwagandha has been proven to increase your thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). It has normalized thyroid levels in patients with hypothyroidism. Contrary ashwagandha has been shown to not be suitable for people with hyperthyroidism. When you’re stressed your adrenals release hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. Ashwagandha can aid in adrenal function when your body is feeling overly stressed, also known as adrenal fatigue. A study with diabetic rats displayed that both ashwagandha root and leaf extract help achieve normal blood sugar levels. Ashwagandha contains a compound called flavonoids and they contain hypoglycemia activites, which lower blood pressure levels. Another animal study revealed that when ashwagandha was given to fructose fed rats it inhibited the fructose induced increases in glucose, insulin resistance, and inflammation.
Ashwagandha can help fight cancer, reduce brain cell degeneration and improve memory, boost immune function, and increase stamina and endurance. Ashwagandha extract has been shown to stop the proliferation of cancer cells especially in breast, lung, stomach, and colon cancers. An animal study revealed that supplementing with ashwagandha was correlated with an increase in white blood cells. Increasing white blood cells shows that the body can better fight off disease and harmful invaders when using this herb. Ashwagandha is highly effective at healing the brain because it contains powerful antioxidants that destroy the free radicals that cause aging. This can alleviate diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinsons. Research suggests that ashwagandha effectively enhanced both immediate and general memory in people with mild cognitive impairment. Studies show that ashwaganda can boost endurance during physical activity by sharpening brain function. Because of its properties to relieve stress it also helps improve concentration, motivation and stamina.
I currently take Zyflammend. It doesn’t contain ashwaganda in it but contains many beneficial natural herbs like turmeric, ginger, and rosemary to improve join function. This summer I want to start looking into more natural supplements and treating my body well inside and out. I recommended this article on draxe.com for my grandmother to read because she has low white blood cells and I didn’t know ashwagandha can improve white blood cells.
