a plant of Indian origin that has spread throughout Spain to calm stress and anxiety.

Once again, social media has glorified exotic foods, presenting them as novelties with never-before-seen properties that have actually been eaten for thousands of years. In this case, the “object of desire” is Ashwagandha, a medicinal plant also known as Indian ginseng. which has always been used to relieve stress, anxiety and insomnia.

Broadly speaking, these are the three areas this plant focuses on in natural medicine. thousands of followers on social networks. And there is currently no conclusive scientific evidence for its purported health benefits. That didn’t stop it from becoming one of the most sought-after products on Amazon’s e-commerce platform.

From Ayurvedic medicine to the West

As we said before, consuming ashwagandha is nothing new. In fact, quite the opposite. Although it is experiencing its moment of glory on social media in the 21st century, the truth is that this plant began to be used in traditional Indian medicine (Ayurveda)

many centuries ago.

Ashwagandha is an evergreen shrub that is often referred to by the term adaptogen. What does it mean? Very simple. This helps the body adapt to the changes that have come into our lives and cause us stress. Therefore, one of the most common uses is reduce stress and anxiety and restore emotional balance.

Fighting stress and insomnia

Considering that two of the biggest health problems of our time are stress and insomnia, it is easy to understand how consuming an herb that promises significant relief of stress symptoms and a significant improvement in sleep quality. A success backed by intense distribution that many influencers take care of their property. And the plant in question has two unmistakable “selling” arguments: on the one hand, it solves a mental health problem that many people have; on the other hand, it is a natural product.

In addition to responding to disorders such as stress and anxiety, ashwagandha is credited with the property reduce inflammation through active components, which include alkaloids, lactones and steroid compounds.

Although there are no scientific studies that provide sufficient evidence to support the properties of ashwagandha, there are small studies suggest the plant may help relieve stress. Among them is a 2021 review that brings together the results of seven different studies. Some of the 491 participants took ginseng root or leaf extracts, and another took a placebo. The former claimed to have noticed a significant reduction in stress and anxiety.

Now it is important to remember that in our hands only promising but inconclusive results. Consequently, its consumption does not guarantee the effect that its users advocate, and it is only permissible as an addition to complex treatment for coping with stress.

Possible benefits

Despite the lack of scientific evidence, there are many benefits that its advocates associate with ashwagandha, most of which are caused by its action. high concentration of withanolides (steroids that act as antioxidants). We have compiled some of the most famous ones in the following list:

• Increase sexual desire.
• Increase muscles.
• Improved Capacity resistance and strength.
• Decline cholesterol and triglyceride levels, reducing risk factors for heart and metabolic diseases.
• Reduced blood sugar concentration. What is especially interesting for people with diabetes.
• Helps lower blood pressure and keep it within healthy values.
• Helps improve brain functionsuch as memory, mental alertness, or learning ability.

How to take Ashwagandha?

Although the most common thing is take in capsulesIt can also be found in any herbalist in different presentations:

• Dried or crushed leaves for making an infusion.
• Liquid extracts.
• Dried or dehydrated berries (without seeds).
• Dried root, crushed or powdered, for use in a decoction.
• Powdered root extract.

As for doses, this is very important. Consult a specialist to determine the dose that is most comfortable for you.

in each case, which will depend on many factors, both physiological and related to the goals being pursued. In any case, the amount is usually 300 to 500 mg of root extract with a frequency of once or twice a day.

To select the most suitable supplement, the type of herbal extract is recommended. a full range of. This means that it contains all the biologically active substances, which enhances its properties.