For centuries, Ashwagandha has been used in traditional Indian medicine to treat a variety of conditions. In recent years, it has gained popularity as a supplement (ashwagandha gummies at Budpop) due to its purported health benefits, which include reducing stress, improving brain function, and boosting testosterone levels. But does Ashwagandha really live up to the hype? Let’s take a closer look at the science to find out.
How Ashwagandha May Affect Hormones?
Ashwagandha is an herb that belongs to the same family as the tomato. It is commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine and is thought to possess numerous health benefits. Some preliminary research indicates that Ashwagandha may help increase testosterone levels and improve fertility in men.
In one study, 75 infertile men were given either a placebo or a daily dose of 5 grams of ashwagandha for 3 months. At the end of the study, those who had taken ashwagandha had significantly higher levels of testosterone and improved sperm quality.
Ashwagandha may also help increase levels of thyroid hormone. In one study, 88 people with subclinical hypothyroidism were given either a placebo or ashwagandha daily for 8 weeks. Those who took ashwagandha had significantly higher levels of thyroid hormone at the end of the study.
Additionally, some research suggests that Ashwagandha may help regulate cortisol levels. Cortisol is a stress hormone that can have negative impacts on health when present in too high of quantities. In one study, 64 people with chronic stress were given either a placebo or 300 mg of ashwagandha root extract twice daily for 60 days. Those who took ashwagandha experienced a significant reduction in cortisol levels.
Potential Benefits of Ashwagandha
Despite the lack of scientific evidence, many people believe that ashwagandha has a wide range of health benefits. Some of the potential benefits of ashwagandha include:
- Boosting energy levels
- Reducing anxiety and depression
- Improving sleep
- Improving concentration and memory
- Lowering blood sugar levels
- Reducing inflammation
It should be noted that most of these claims are based on anecdotal evidence or animal studies. More research is needed to understand the potential health benefits of ashwagandha in humans.
Possible Ashwagandha Side Effects
Although Ashwangadna is generally considered safe, it may cause stomach upset, diarrhea, and vomiting in some people. It may also interact with certain medications such as blood thinners and diabetes medications. If you’re considering taking Ashwangadna, be sure to speak with your healthcare provider first to ensure it is safe for you.
How Does Ashwagandha Work?
The exact mechanism by which ashwagandha works is not known. however, it is believed to work by reducing levels of the stress hormone cortisol. It may also work by increasing levels of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), a neurochemical that acts as a natural tranquilizer in the brain. Additionally, ashwagandha may help to boost levels of testosterone and other sex hormones in the body.
Conclusion
Overall, the evidence suggests that Ashwangadna may offer some benefits when it comes to hormones; however, more research is needed before any firm conclusions can be made. Additionally, Ashwangadna may cause some side effects and may interact with certain medications; therefore, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider before taking this herb.
