Ashwagandha is an ancient medicinal herb, grown in Asia and Africa. It’s commonly used to reduce stress and may help to lower blood pressure, reduce swelling in the body and enhance the immune system.

It has long been used in Ayurvedic medicine, which is the traditional medicine system used in India. Today, it’s becoming more popular in western society as stress levels rise, alongside our interest in alternative therapies.

What Are the Health Benefits of Ashwagandha?

Studies have shown that ashwagandha may be beneficial to treat several health conditions, including:

• Anxiety and stress. A past study showed ashwagandha to be as effective at reducing anxiety as the drug lorazepam.
• Arthritis. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, ashwagandha has shown to be effective at treating rheumatoid arthritis.
• Boost heart health. It may help to lower cholesterol and reduce blood pressure.
• Slow the progression of Alzheimer’s. One study, found ashwagandha to be effective at slowing or preventing brain loss.

Is There a Best Time of Day to Take Ashwagandha?

While there is no standard dosage for ashwagandha, you should alter the dosage according to the condition you are hoping to treat. It can be taken in a liquid, pill, or powder form. It can be taken at any time of the day. Some prefer nightly to promote a good sleep habit and others feel it’s better taken in the morning.

Does Ashwagandha Make You Gain Weight?

Using ashwagandha has not been found to make anyone gain weight. There is a small chance that it may impact weight loss, but to date, no conclusive research has returned any surefire evidence.

Does Ashwagandha Make You Last Longer in Bed?

While ashwagandha has been used for centuries to support healthy bodily functions, there is no research to show that supplementing with this herb will make you last longer in bed.

Can Ashwagandha Improve Sleep Quality?

Some research has shown ashwagandha to help people fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer and enjoy a better quality of sleep. In fact, one study group that took ashwagandha for 6 weeks, reported having a 72% better sleep on average.

Are There Any Side Effects of Taking Ashwagandha?

Small to medium doses of ashwagandha are generally safe for most people. However, no studies have been undertaken looking at the possible long-term side effects. One thing to remember is that taking large amounts of this herb can lead to digestive upsets. Always check with your GP before starting any new supplement regime.

To improve sleep health and reduce stress, combine ashwagandha with guided meditations from the BetterSleep app.