What are Ashwagandha's health benefits?

Ashwagandha offers several notable health benefits, as discussed by Andrew Huberman on the Huberman Lab. Here are the key benefits:

1. Anxiety Reduction: Ashwagandha has significant anxiolytic effects, demonstrating a 14.5% to 27.9% reduction in cortisol levels in stressed individuals, supported by nine peer-reviewed studies 1.

2. Chronic Stress Management: It helps manage chronic stress, which positively impacts various bodily functions since cortisol receptors are widespread in the body and brain 2.

3. Athletic Performance: The herb may enhance power output in athletes 1.

4. Testosterone Levels: Ashwagandha has shown to modestly increase testosterone levels 1.

5. Cardiovascular Health: It can adjust low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels and reduce C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation linked to cardiovascular health 2.

6. Improved Sleep Quality: Taking Ashwagandha in the evening may enhance sleep quality without causing insomnia 2.

7. OCD Symptoms: It may reduce symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), addressing both obsessions and compulsions 2.

8. General Health Improvements: Potential benefits include lowered heart rate, decreased insomnia, reduced pain, improved memory, and enhanced overall quality of life stemming from reduced cortisol levels 2.

If considering Ashwagandha, it’s advised to consult reputable sources, especially regarding dosage and personal suitability.