Sep 01, 2025
Aarushi BhaduryAshwagandha is an evergreen shrub native to India, Africa, and parts of the Middle East. It is also known as winter cherry, Indian ginseng, and by its scientific name, Withania somnifera.
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It is a fundamental component of Ayurvedic medicine, India's traditional healing system, which aims to promote balance between the body, mind, spirit, and environment.
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Commercially, ashwagandha is typically made from the roots of the plant and is available in various forms, including capsules, gummies, liquid drops, and powders that can be mixed into drinks.
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Ashwagandha is considered an adaptogen, a plant that may help the body manage stress by potentially reducing the release of the stress hormone cortisol.
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There is some scientific evidence suggesting ashwagandha may help lower stress and improve sleep. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) notes that some preparations may be effective for insomnia and stress.
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While some professional organizations have provisionally recommended it for generalized anxiety disorder, the NCCIH states that the evidence regarding its effects on anxiety is unclear.
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Limited evidence suggests that taking ashwagandha for 2 to 4 months may increase testosterone levels and sperm quality, though more research is needed to confirm these findings.
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Ashwagandha is promoted for a wide range of other potential health benefits, including reducing inflammation, lowering cancer risk, improving memory, and strengthening immunity.
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For most of the promoted benefits beyond stress, sleep, and male fertility, the NCCIH states there isn't enough evidence to determine if ashwagandha is helpful.
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The existing studies on ashwagandha have been small, with inconsistent dosages and formulations, making it difficult to draw definitive conclusions about its efficacy from a Western medicine perspective.
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