Ashwagandha possesses a treasure trove of health benefits. In this article, we discuss these and what we’ve found to be the best ashwagandha supplement on the market.
Ashwagandha, one of the primary herbs of Ayurvedic medicine (the healing tradition of India), has been in use for a long, long time. Its primary role has been to relieve anxiety and stress while improving concentration and focus. Modern researchers looking into its properties are now studying how it might improve the body and the mind, and they have linked its benefits to more than 30 medical conditions.
This article looks at those potential health benefits, which hold great promise for future treatments for a wide variety of conditions. We’ll also cover some useful guidelines to help you select the best ashwagandha supplement from among the hundreds of products now on the market.
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Ashwagandha:
A horse of a different odor
Ashwagandha is a small shrub with yellow flowers native to India and Southeast Asia. Extracts from the plant’s roots or leaves are used to make the compounds now on the market. Its name comes from the Sanskrit word for “smell of the horse,” a reference to its pungent odor and its reputation for increasing strength.
The herb’s botanical name is Withania somnifera, and it is also known by many other names: Indian ginseng, winter cherry, dunal and solanaceae. Despite the similarity in names, Withania somnifera should never be confused with Withania coagulans, which is an entirely different plant.
The plant’s extract is listed as an adaptogen , which means it is believed to help people fight stress. It does so by reducing cortisol levels in the brain, leading to reduced anxiety and improved sleep patterns.
Many people looking for the best ashwagandha supplement begin their search in hopes of finding a good anti-anxiety treatment and then discover the other health benefits of ashwagandha.
Physical benefits of ashwagandha
There are many claims regarding the health benefits of ashwagandha, but researchers are focusing on four areas where studies have shown the most promise.
One notable purported benefit is improved performance brought about by enhancing maximum oxygen consumption (VO2 max) in healthy adults. This has made ashwagandha supplements very popular among athletes, both professional and amateur, who are looking to get more from their workouts.
Another possible benefit of this herb is increased male fertility due to boosted testosterone levels. A third benefit being studied is the possibility that the supplement might help control blood sugar levels in people with diabetes and pre-diabetes.
Finally, ashwagandha holds out promise as a way to reduce inflammation in the human body. If its properties can be used against inflammation, this supplement could become an important tool in fighting both acute and chronic medical conditions.
Psychological benefits of ashwagandha
For thousands of years, people have sought the best ashwagandha supplementthey could find to help with various issues that have impaired their mental functions. Scientists today are still trying to determine how, and to what extent, this herb can improve a person’s mental health in four major areas.
At the top of the list is the apparent ability of ashwagandha to reduce stress and relieve anxiety. These are already the focus of many claims made regarding extracts of the herb available in the marketplace.
Scientists are also hoping for breakthroughs that will prove it can help reduce the symptoms of more serious conditions such as depression and schizophrenia.
In addition, ashwagandha holds promise as a way to fight mild cognitive impairment and help people overcome some sleep disorders.
How to find the best ashwagandha supplement
A quick search of the Internet shows hundreds of products containing ashwagandha in a wide variety of forms: pills, capsules, powders, extracts, and even gummies. The biggest concern about the form of this product seems to be its bitterness when taken as a powder or an extract; however, this issue may be overcome if taken with a sweetened beverage such as a smoothie. Otherwise, finding the best ashwagandha supplementversion is a personal choice.
Experts do have advice when it comes to some of the other factors surrounding this supplement. For example, many nutritionists prefer selecting certified organic products that contain no allergens and no artificial coloring or flavoring.
Others recommend looking for ashwagandha supplements made by using the root instead of the leaves because it has more nutrients and greater potency. Another important feature is that the product is subjected to laboratory testing to confirm that it contains the right amount of the claimed ingredients and is not contaminated with foreign substances.
The correct dosage is based on the form of the supplement. The Food and Drug Administration does not have a recommended daily allowance for ashwagandha, but in powder form, it is often taken in amounts of between 1 gram and 6 grams daily. The more concentrated pill and capsule forms often contain between 250 and 1,500 milligrams. Dosage is one area where the advice of a doctor or other medical professional is crucial.
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Medicine Man’s Serenity Pill: a good candidate for best ashwagandha supplement
Medicine Man Plant Co. is a popular manufacturer of a variety of health supplements. This notable brand sells a product called The Serenity Pill, with ashwagandha root listed as the main ingredient. This supplement comes in pill form, so the bitter flavor of the herb is not an issue. Furthermore, each pill contains 640 milligrams of ashwagandha, so it fits into the dosage recommendations.
The Texas-based Medicine Man Plant Co. says its ingredients are responsibly sourced and harvested. They also claim that each product is fully non-GMO, and is third-party tested for pesticides and heavy metals. In addition, the pills are minimally processed using cGMP standards to maintain the integrity of compounds. For customers looking for the best ashwagandha supplement, that’s a hard combination to beat.
FURTHER READING
Cleveland Clinic: Benefits of Ashwagandha and How Much to Take
Medical News Today: What are the benefits of ashwagandha?
Forbes: 7 Science-Backed Health Benefits Of Ashwagandha
Important Note: The information contained in this article is for general informational purposes only, and should not be construed as health or medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease or health condition. Before embarking on any diet, fitness regimen, or program of nutritional supplementation, it is advisable to consult your healthcare professional in order to determine its safety and probable efficacy in terms of your individual state of health.
Regarding Nutritional Supplements Or Other Non-Prescription Health Products: If any nutritional supplements or other non-prescription health products are mentioned in the foregoing article, any claims or statements made about them have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and such nutritional supplements or other health products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
