ashwagandha

ASHWAGANDHA

Ashwagandha is an ingredient in our Ashwagandha Baobab Kick blend, below you will find fascinating information and key benefits about this ingredient.

Put your trust in a 5000-year-old holistic medicinal practice and gallop away into a healthier future. Lower your blood sugar and cortisol levels and say goodbye to stress and anxiety. It’s time to find your inner strength with ashwagandha.

Suffering from stress and anxiety? Ashwagandha could be the exact tonic you need!

Ayurveda is a 5000-year-old form of traditional alternative Indian medicine and ashwagandha is an incredibly important herb in this method of natural healing. Promoting vitality, longevity and happiness, ashwagandha is a small shrub that grows in India, the Middle East and parts of Africa. It is also known as Indian ginseng or winter berry and both the root and berry are used in medicine production.

The name ‘ashwagandha’ translates from Sanskrit to ‘smell of the horse’. This pays homage to ashwagandha’s distinct aroma as well as alludes to its ability to build strength within humans. It can literally boost your horsepower!

So, what’s it good for? Well, research has shown that ashwagandha boosts brain function, lowers blood sugar and cortisol levels as well as fights off symptoms of anxiety and depression. Much of the research into its benefits has centred on animals rather than humans, so there is still work to be done to confirm the benefits. However, the human studies that have been conducted look promising!

In fact, human studies have shown that ashwagandha is highly effective at promoting the activity of antibodies and decreasing markers of inflammation that can lead to heart disease. It is also very good at increasing muscle mass and reducing body fat within male bodies -bodybuilders, take note!

Ashwagandha supplements are safe for most people to use and come in capsule, powder or liquid form. However, ashwagandha can interfere with other medications and it is best avoided if you are allergic to other members of the nightshade family, such as tomatoes, peppers or potatoes. Always consult with your doctor before deciding to add ashwagandha to your diet.

Key benefits

Key benefits of ashwagandha include:

Anxiety Levels: Ashwagandha can have adaptogenic properties, helping the body cope with stress by regulating cortisol, a hormone released in response to stress.

Blood Sugar Regulation: Ashwagandha can have a positive impact on blood sugar control, benefiting individuals with diabetes or prediabetes.

Energy and Improved Physical Performance: Ashwagandha is traditionally believed to enhance energy levels and promote vitality. It can improve physical performance and reduce exercise-induced fatigue.

Hormone Balance: Ashwagandha can support hormone balance and increase testosterone levels in men. Its ability to balance hormones, improve insulin function and decrease cortisol, ashwagandha can be helpful in conditions like PCOS.

Improved Cognitive Function and Neuroprotective Effect: Ashwagandha can have neuroprotective effects and support brain function. It can enhance memory, attention, and cognitive performance.

Sleep Quality Improvement: Ashwagandha can improve sleep quality and promote relaxation. It can help reduce insomnia and improve sleep patterns.

You should avoid ashwagandha if you take any of the below medication

Avoid ashwagandha if taking the following medications:

Immunosuppressants: Ashwagandha may enhance the effects of immunosuppressant medications, increasing the risk of infections or other complications. Combining ashwagandha with drugs like tacrolimus or cyclosporine could weaken the immune system's response.

Thyroid Medications: Ashwagandha may affect thyroid function and hormone levels. Combining it with thyroid medications such as levothyroxine could potentially alter thyroid hormone levels and treatment efficacy. Use caution and consult with a healthcare provider.

Sedatives and CNS Depressants: Ashwagandha has sedative effects and may enhance the effects of medications with similar properties, such as benzodiazepines, barbiturates, or opioids. Combining ashwagandha with these drugs could increase drowsiness or central nervous system depression.

Blood Sugar-Lowering Medications: Ashwagandha may affect blood sugar levels. Combining it with diabetes medications could potentially enhance the medications' effects, leading to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Monitor blood sugar levels closely and consult with a healthcare provider.

Blood Pressure-Lowering Medications: Ashwagandha may lower blood pressure. Combining it with medications used to treat hypertension could potentially enhance the blood pressure-lowering effects, leading to hypotension (low blood pressure). Monitor blood pressure closely and consult with a healthcare provider.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Ashwagandha contains compounds that may affect hormone levels. Combining it with hormone replacement therapy medications could potentially alter hormone levels and treatment efficacy. Use caution and consult with a healthcare provider.

Antidepressants: Ashwagandha may have antidepressant effects and could interact with medications used to treat depression. Combining it with antidepressants could potentially enhance or interfere with the effects of these medications.

Diabetes Medications: Ashwagandha may interact with medications used to treat diabetes. Combining ashwagandha with diabetes medications could potentially enhance the medications' effects, leading to hypoglycemia. It's essential for individuals with diabetes to monitor their blood sugar levels closely and consult with a healthcare provider before using ashwagandha.

You should avoid ashwagandha t if you have any of the below allergen or medical condition

Individuals with the following allergens or medical conditions should use caution or avoid ashwagandha:

Allergies to Nightshade Plants: Ashwagandha belongs to the nightshade family (Solanaceae). Individuals with known allergies to nightshade plants, such as tomatoes, potatoes, or bell peppers, may also be allergic to ashwagandha. Allergic reactions can include skin rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.

Autoimmune Diseases: Ashwagandha may stimulate the immune system, which could exacerbate symptoms of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or multiple sclerosis. It may also interfere with medications used to manage these conditions. Use ashwagandha cautiously or avoid it altogether if you have an autoimmune disease.

Thyroid Disorders: Ashwagandha may affect thyroid function and hormone levels. Individuals with thyroid disorders such as hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism should use ashwagandha cautiously, as it may potentially interfere with thyroid medications or worsen thyroid function.

Pregnancy: There is limited safety data on the use of ashwagandha during pregnancy. Pregnant individuals should use caution and consult with a healthcare provider before using ashwagandha, as it may have uterine-stimulating effects and potential risks to the foetus.

Breastfeeding: Due to insufficient safety data, breastfeeding individuals should use caution when using ashwagandha. It is unclear whether ashwagandha compounds can pass into breast milk and potentially affect the nursing infant. Consult with a healthcare provider before using ashwagandha while breastfeeding.

Surgery: Ashwagandha may have sedative effects and could potentially interfere with anesthesia or medications used during surgery. Discontinue ashwagandha use at least two weeks before scheduled surgery to avoid potential complications.

Digestive Disorders: Some individuals may experience gastrointestinal discomfort or digestive upset when consuming ashwagandha. Use caution if you have a history of digestive disorders such as gastritis, ulcers, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Hypoglycaemia Risk: While ashwagandha may help lower blood sugar levels, there is a risk of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) when combined with diabetes medications. Ashwagandha's blood sugar-lowering effects may enhance the effects of diabetes medications, potentially leading to excessively low blood sugar levels.