Ashwagandha is an Ayurvedic herb often referred to as Indian ginseng and has been in use for over 3000 years. it is a powerful adaptogenic herb that helps with stress management and thriving. Below are some of the many benefits of using ashwagandha. 

• Ashwagandha has been shown to improve the sensitivity of the master control hormone leptin. When leptin is working adequately you have a high metabolic rate which not only supports optimal physique composition but energy production for thriving. When you’re in a thriving state you produce ideal amounts of sex hormones such as DHEA and testosterone. When you have leptin resistance, satiety messages issued from leptin never make it to the brain’s receptors, which generally results in excess calorie intake before satiety is registered. People that are obese often report how they never feel satisfied no matter how much they eat and this is a clear sign of leptin resistance.
• Ashwagandha improves insulin sensitivity and glucose disposal. Insulin is another master control hormone and the most anabolic hormone in the body. When insulin is working properly a small amount helps drive glucose into the muscles, cells, and liver. When insulin resistance is in play, an increase in calories is needed to feel satisfied which often leads to nutrient spillover in which excess calorie consumption leads to an increase in stored body fat. 

• May have anti-cancer properties. A compound in ashwagandha initiates apoptosis “the programmed death of cancer cells.” More research needs to be done on the effectiveness of ashwagandha with regards to fighting cancer but so far it looks promising. 

• It helps support healthy cortisol levels. Cortisol is an anti-inflammatory, anti-stress, hormone made by the adrenal glands. We can’t live without cortisol and we will cannibalize other hormones such as testosterone, DHEA, pregnenolone, and progesterone to make cortisol if necessary. The ideal cortisol curve is a higher level at the start of the day so you’re energetic and ready to take charge of the day followed by a much lower level in the evening to induce relaxation for deep sleep. 

• Has been shown to increase testosterone and fertility in men. Ashwagandha probably increases testosterone by reducing excess cortisol levels and improving DHEA levels as well as leptin and insulin sensitivity. 

• The marketplace is inundated with products geared towards male sexual health. However, in addition to supporting male testosterone levels and libido, ashwagandha has been shown to improve sexual function and satisfaction in women as well. Ashwagandha improves sex for women Many of my female customers have reported an increase in sex drive from taking my adrenal energizer RED which contains a potent extract of Ashwagandha. 

• If you are trying to improve speed and more specifically sprinting performance, Ashwagandha may be a welcome addition to your regimen.  “Ashwagandha increased the maximum sprint speed by 3 percent, the VO2max by 7 percent and the students’ average power by 9 percent.” Ashwagandha and sprinting

• Improves muscle strength and recovery “This study reports that ashwagandha supplementation is associated with significant increases in muscle mass and strength and suggests that ashwagandha supplementation may be useful in conjunction with a resistance training program.” Ashwagandha likely supports muscle strength and recovery by improving testosterone levels an anabolic hormone and mitigating excess cortisol levels a catabolic hormone.

• If you want to get your high cholesterol levels in check and improve heart health, ashwagandha may be what you’re looking for. “Significant decrease in serum cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL (low- density lipoproteins) and VLDL (very low-density lipoproteins) cholesterol were observed indicating that root of W. somnifera is a potential source of hypoglycemic, diuretic and hypocholesterolemic agents.” On another note, a few tablespoons of apple vinegar per day and a tablespoon of ground flaxseeds help support ideal cholesterol levels as well. 

• Has been shown to support brain function and memory. “After eight weeks of the study, the ashwagandha treatment group demonstrated significant improvements compared with the placebo group in both immediate and general memory. he treatment group also demonstrated significantly greater improvement in executive function, sustained attention, and information-processing speed.” 

• Has been shown to help reduce inflammation. Inflammation is the result of an immune response to irritation, infection, or injury. When we are under stress, eat unhealthy food, workout too much, fail to get enough deep sleep and restoration, we develop a high level of inflammation that the immune system has a hard time keeping at bay. As a result, we may develop GI tract issues such as IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), joint pain (arthritis), and ultimately serious diseases as the immune system become very week after years and years of fighting inflammation and no longer functions adequately. 

Make sure to use a high quality brand of Ashwagandha such as Sensoril® which is in both ASTB and RED. Sensoril® has a standardization level of a minimum of 10% glycowithanolide bioactive. No other form of Ashwagandha possesses such high levels of bioactives because these levels of potency are protected under United States patents. 125mg to 250mg per day works well for most users. 

Recommended Reading Excellent article on Ashwagandha