Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an herb used in Ayurveda with benefits dating back centuries. This powerful herb helps with stress, hormonal balance, energy levels and supports well-being. Ashwagandha is beneficial for both genders, however, it is specifically a women supplement because of the unique benefits it offers to women’s health.
In this article, we look at the prominent benefits of ashwagandha for women, side effects, and how to use it in everyday life.
Decrease Levels of Stress and Anxiety
One of the most popularly known benefits of ashwagandha is that this herb helps manage stress and anxiety levels. It is an adaptogen which means it aids the body to cope with stressors and lowers cortisol (the main stress hormone). Research indicates Ashwagandha works wonders for anxiety symptoms and helps women calm down and feel balanced.
How It Helps:
- Reduces symptoms related to stress by reducing cortisol levels.
- Provides support for one’s attitude and emotional health.
- Improves the ability to relax and enhances the quality of sleep.
Improves and Restores Balance in Hormones and Supports Reproductive Health
For women, the consequences of hormonal imbalance can cause abnormal health issues such as irregular menstruation, getting PCOS, and issues related to fertility. The Ayurvedic herb Ashwagandha’s contribution is admirable in achieving hormonal balance through proper endocrine and reproductive health.
Undoubtedly Ashwagandha provides valuable benefits for Women’s Hormonal Health:
- Encourages and maintains a healthy reproductive system.
- Helps relieve the symptoms of PCOS.
- Aids in the treatment of infertility due to hypertrophy of myoma.
Increases Energy Levels Without Introducing Stress to the Body
With the incessant pressure from work and home, women are bound to feel tired and fatigued. It is widely believed that Ashwagandha can invigorate one’s strength by removing oxidative stress and helping manage the functioning of the mitochondria.
How It Helps:
- Provides energy.
- Decreases the effects of chronic fatigue syndrome.
- Supports the functioning of the adrenal glands, providing further rest.
Supporting the Function of the Thyroid
The thyroid gland is fundamental in the regulation of metabolism, energy production, and hormonal balance in the body. Ashwagandha has been shown to support the health of the thyroid gland because it stimulates the production of thyroid hormones, which is good for women who suffer from hypothyroidism.
Why Thyroid Health Is Important:
- Assists in the regulation of thyroid hormone secretion.
- Could lessen manifestations of hypothyroidism such as extreme tiredness and increased corporeal mass.
- Facilitates well-being for the metabolism.
Significantly Improves Cognitive Activity and Intelligence
There are several challenges that women face in their later years, like mental decline and foggy brain. Ashwagandha has neuroprotection qualities which improve brain activity and decrease brain fog.
How It Helps:
- Recall and remember tasks or information more easily.
- Increases concentration and mental clarity.
- Possibly lowers the probability of getting medically induced memory loss.
Helps to Sleep with Ease
Insomnia and sleep-related problems bother lots of women due to stress and lifestyle. Ashwagandha helps in relaxing and decreasing the levels of the stress hormone, thereby improving the quality of sleep.
Benefits to Sleep Are:
- Lessens sleeplessness and helps people sleep comfortably.
- Helps reduce the consequences of stress that cause disturbances in normal sleeping patterns.
- Enhances the quality and quantity of sleep.
Helps with Heart Problems
Hypertension is now rampant in women, so managing stress, inflammatory response, and cholesterol levels is essential for addressing cardiovascular concerns. Ashwagandha benefits heart health due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
How It Helps With Heart Health:
- Lowers cholesterol and triglycerides.
- Reduces blood pressure and improves circulation.
- Supports overall heart health.
Helps with Weight Loss Management
With Ashwagandha, losing weight in this hormonal era becomes simpler, as it helps cut down on stress levels that lead to overeating and supports metabolism.
How It Aids With Weight Loss:
- Supports metabolic activities.
- Diminishes stress and anxiety-induced cravings.
- Improves muscle and fat loss with strength training.
Improves Skin and Hair Health
Ashwagandha is one of the richest sources of antioxidants that help prevent skin aging, promote a healthy glow, and reduce acne. It also helps strengthen hair roots and decreases hair fall due to stress and hormonal imbalance.
Positive Aspects for Hair and Skin:
- Helps in removing the appearance of wrinkles and skin aging.
- Aids in battling acne and skin inflammation.
- Helps in hair strengthening and growth.
How to Consume Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha comes in different forms such as capsules, powders, and teas. The dosage should be decided based on individual health requirements. The recommended ashwagandha dosages are:
Recommended Dosages:
- Capsules/Tablets: 300–600mg daily.
- Powder: 1-2 teaspoons in fortified milk or water.
- Tea: Ashwagandha root-infused tea for relaxation.
Best Time to Take:
- For energy and mental benefits, on an empty stomach in the morning.
- To ease and relax before bed, an hour before going to sleep.
Possible Side Effects and Precautions
Some women may experience side effects, although ashwagandha is regarded as safe by many experts. High doses are more likely to produce side effects.
Potential Side Effects:
- Digestive issues such as nausea and vomiting.
- Lethargy or drowsiness.
- Interaction with medications, especially those affecting the thyroid and blood pressure.
Who Should Avoid Ashwagandha?
- Pregnant and lactating women (consult a doctor first).
- Women with autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Persons using thyroid drugs or blood pressure medication.
Conclusion
Ashwagandha benefits women in all aspects, helping to curb anxiety, balance hormones, enhance sleep, boost energy, and promote overall wellness. If you are looking to manage stress, improve fertility, or enhance mental activity, ashwagandha is a beneficial addition to your daily diet.
A healthcare professional should be consulted before starting any new supplement for safety precautions. Having been trusted for centuries and now backed by science, it is clear that ashwagandha is a superb choice for women’s health and well-being.
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