How Ashwagandha Works in Body
Written by Ben Bunting: BA, PGCert. (Sport & Exercise Nutrition) // British Army Physical Training Instructor // S&C Coach.
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Ashwagandha is a herb that's used in traditional Indian medicine to help the body deal with stress, combat fatigue, and increase energy levels.
It's often recommended as a supplement to promote healthy hormone balance and improve sleep, but some people have questions about whether or not it can cause acne.
Read on to find out about the possible side effects and what to do if you notice them.
Can Ashwagandha Cause Acne?
While ashwagandha can be beneficial for the skin in a variety of ways, it is not recommended for everyone. It can lead to a number of side effects, including acne and rashes.
One of the main reasons that ashwagandha can cause acne is due to its ability to increase sebum production in your skin.
This is because ashwagandha contains an active compound called withanolide that affects your body’s hormonal regulation.
Another reason that ashwagandha can lead to acne is because it has an inflammatory effect.
Taking too much of it can cause inflammation in the body, which may increase the amount of bacteria that can plug your pores, causing pimples.
In addition to its anti-inflammatory properties, ashwagandha also has antibacterial properties that can help prevent bacterial infections.
These antibacterial properties can also reduce the severity of rashes and other skin blemishes.
The antibacterial properties of ashwagandha also can help treat oily skin, which is caused by the production of excess sebum in your skin.
These antibacterial properties can also help treat dandruff and eczema, which are both related to excessive sebum production.
It also helps slow down the signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles. The root extracts of ashwagandha boost telomerase activity, which is a key enzyme in the process of cellular rejuvenation.
As a result, the root extracts of ashwagandha can prevent oxidant molecules from breaking down cellular DNA.
These oxidant molecules can trigger the aging process, which is why it’s important to use a natural product like ashwagandha that is free of synthetic preservatives and artificial fragrances.
Furthermore, ashwagandha can also help treat stress. The root extracts of ashwagandha have adaptogenic properties that help the body handle stress.
It lowers cortisol levels, which can also help with reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines on your skin.
The best way to use ashwagandha is in a daily skincare routine that will promote healthy skin and a clear complexion.
It can be used as a face serum, or mixed in your favorite ayurvedic skin care products.
Using an ayurvedic cream that contains ashwagandha can help with the production of collagen and elastin, which improves your skin’s elasticity and makes it look firmer and smoother.
Ashwagandha is a Diuretic
Ashwagandha is an herbal extract that is mainly used in the Ayurvedic medicine system. It is a popular herb that can help with many health conditions, including stress and depression.
It is also known to relieve anxiety and improve sleep. It is a natural adaptogen that helps the body adapt to stress and fight inflammation.
However, it is important to note that consuming too much ashwagandha can have adverse effects on the liver. This is why it is important to consult with your doctor before consuming this herb.
You should not take ashwagandha while on medication for diabetes, as it can lower your blood sugar levels.
It is also contraindicated if you have an autoimmune disorder or thyroid condition because it may interfere with the medications you are taking and increase your risks.
The main reason ashwagandha can cause acne is because it increases the production of sebum in the body. This can lead to blocked pores that are a common cause of pimples.
Another reason ashwagandha can cause acne breakouts is because it alters the body’s hormone levels.
This can be a problem for those who have hormonal and non-inflammatory acne, as they could get worse from taking this herb.
This is because it can increase the body’s testosterone levels, which are an androgen hormone that can cause oily skin, blocked pores and pimples.
It can also make your acne worse if you have inflammatory acne. Inflammation is a type of acne that is caused by bacteria that invades the skin and causes infections.
Inflammation can also be caused by a diet high in certain foods and certain chemicals. It can also be caused by a chronic illness that can affect the immune system, such as cancer or autoimmune disease.
Inflammation can be a natural response to a stressful event or infection, but it can also occur when the body is not able to regulate its inflammatory response.
Depending on the cause of the inflammation, ashwagandha can help alleviate it by repressing the production of C-reactive protein.
Ashwagandha is a Diaphoretic
Ashwagandha is a diaphoretic (it increases the body’s natural body heat) and thus, it can increase testosterone production in your body, which can cause acne breakouts.
However, this is a short-term effect, and the correct dose of ashwagandha can actually reduce inflammation and help fight acne.
This is why it should only be used in very low doses for a few weeks with the guidance of an Ayurvedic doctor.
The herb is also known to trigger nausea, diarrhea and vomiting in those who take too much of it.
It is important to note that ashwagandha can also make acne worse in people with non-inflammatory acne, as it changes the hormonal levels of your body.
This can lead to increased sebum production in your skin, which may lead to blocked pores and worsened acne.
While there are no concrete studies on ashwagandha and acne, it is a common Ayurvedic herb recommended for acne sufferers.
It is a natural anti-inflammatory that may help alleviate the redness and swelling associated with cystic acne.
In women, ashwagandha can also help relieve menopause-related symptoms like hot flashes, as it balances the body’s hormones.
The root extracts also boost telomerase activity, which prevents the breakdown of healthy cells. This helps to slow down ageing, and the antioxidants in ashwagandha can also combat free radical damage.
Ayurvedic studies have also found that ashwagandha may have anti-inflammatory effects on the skin, and can help reduce hyperpigmentation.
This is because it helps to prevent the excess synthesis of melanin, which can lead to pigmentation in certain areas of your face.
Some people may also experience an allergic reaction when consuming ashwagandha. It is important to undergo a patch test and ensure that you are not allergic before consuming the herb.
Generally, ashwagandha is used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat a variety of health conditions, including anxiety, fatigue, memory and sleep problems, and more.
It is also believed to have a positive impact on mental health, as it improves cognitive function.
It is a traditional Ayurvedic herb that has been around for over 6000 years. It is considered a Rasayana (tonic) and is said to rejuvenate the body, mind and soul.
It also boosts energy, immunity and sexual function, and is used to treat a number of disorders such as depression, insomnia and emaciation.
Ashwagandha is a Sedative
Ashwagandha is a herb that has been used for thousands of years to treat stress, improve sleep, and promote healthy inflammation.
It is a component of the Ayurvedic medical system, which promotes a holistic approach to healing.
It is an adaptogen, which means that it helps the body resist physical and mental stress and maintain homeostasis or balance. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce acne and other skin conditions.
Some studies have found that ashwagandha may improve the quality of your sleep by reducing cortisol levels and helping you fall asleep more quickly.
However, there isn’t enough evidence to support its effectiveness at treating insomnia or other sleep disorders.
If you have problems falling asleep or staying awake, talk to your doctor about a safe, effective treatment plan. They can recommend a natural, alternative, or pharmaceutical solution for your specific condition.
As with any supplement, ashwagandha may cause side effects such as itching, stomach upset, and dizziness. If you experience any of these, stop taking it and contact your doctor right away.
You should also avoid consuming ashwagandha if you are pregnant, or if you are taking any ongoing medication such as antacids, blood thinners, or antibiotics.
It can intensify the effects of these medications, so make sure to double check your medication list before taking it or consult a doctor about any possible interactions.
Aside from the risk of liver damage, ashwagandha is also linked to an increased chance of getting a skin rash.
It is noted that this side effect can be mild or severe and affects the face, arms, chest, and other areas of the body.
It’s also important to note that ashwagandha can cause liver failure if you take too much or use it long-term, so you should stop taking it and seek professional medical help immediately if you develop these symptoms.
Lastly, if you have a skin disorder such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), ashwagandha may worsen your condition by increasing androgen hormones in the body.
This hormone, testosterone, is known to cause pimples and other acne-related symptoms in women who have this condition.
Anti-Anxiety
As an adaptogen, ashwagandha reduces stress by working on your hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis to alter how different parts of your brain interact.
It also lowers cortisol levels, the stress hormone that causes fatigue and mental fogginess.
During stressful situations, your body produces cortisol to help fight or flee the threat. However, when this process goes on too long, it can cause problems like adrenal fatigue.
This can interfere with your sleep, digestion and even affect other hormones.
The primary property of ashwagandha is that it helps regulate cortisol levels in your body.
This'may be one of the main reasons that ashwagandha is so effective in helping to calm anxiety and reduce stress'.
This effect is backed up by research, which shows that ashwagandha can reduce stress and anxiety symptoms by working on the HPA axis.
It's also believed to have antidepressant effects and can influence GABAergic neurotransmitters, which may help alleviate feelings of stress.
A 60-day trial of a standardized ashwagandha extract showed that participants with mild anxiety who were taking the supplements reported significantly better mood and felt less anxious compared to those on placebo.
They also had decreased levels of the stress hormone cortisol and more restful sleep.
Researchers believe that the herb's anti-anxiety effects are based on its ability to work on your HPA axis and other areas of the brain.
It's also thought that it can suppress dopamine receptors, which are activated in times of stress and are believed to play a key role in anxiety.
The herb also seems to improve cognitive performance, and it may slow, stop or reverse the atrophy of neuritic nerve cells in the brain, which is a common cause of memory loss.
It also has anti-oxidant properties, which can reduce free radicals in your body.
Anti-Inflammatory
Ashwagandha is a powerful anti-inflammatory herb that may help reduce swelling and pain. It can be used to treat a wide variety of conditions, including arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
In fact, it may even help prevent certain diseases from occurring.
This herbal medicine is also known to boost immunity. It’s been shown to increase white blood cells in the body and prevent infection from happening.
In addition, it has been shown to slow or stop the growth of tumors.
The anti-inflammatory properties of ashwagandha are thought to be related to its high concentration of antioxidants, which are molecules that protect the body from damage.
The antioxidants in ashwagandha have been shown to fight off free radicals that cause inflammation.
Another way ashwagandha helps to control inflammation is through its ability to reduce inflammatory markers.
In one study, people who took ashwagandha extract for 60 days had reductions in C-reactive protein, which is an indicator of inflammatory activity.
In addition, ashwagandha may improve the body’s response to stress. This is because it reduces the stress hormone cortisol and can help to calm the body down, which is important for those who are experiencing high levels of stress.
Ayurvedic medicine uses ashwagandha to treat a number of health issues, including chronic fatigue syndrome, headaches, insomnia and depression. The herb can also help to improve mood, memory and cognitive function.
It’s recommended that you consult with a doctor before taking ashwagandha, as there are some possible side effects.
You should also avoid taking it if you have diabetes, thyroid problems or take medications that suppress the immune system, such as steroids and anti-inflammatory drugs.
Dosages of ashwagandha vary depending on your needs, but 250-500 milligrams daily for a month can be effective. This herb can be taken in capsule, powder form or tea.
Anti-Cancer
Ashwagandha is a herb that has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. Its root is a powerful tonic, aphrodisiac, narcotic, diuretic, anthelmintic, thermogenic and stimulant.
It also reduces stress and promotes mental health and immunity.
It is an adaptogen, meaning it helps the body's systems react properly to stress and restore balance after a stressful event.
It also can help the body's immune system function normally and prevent diseases like cancer.
The herb has several compounds that seem to limit cancer cells' ability to grow. This is likely due to the steroidal lactones (withanolides) and other chemicals in the herb.
These substances have anti-cancer effects on breast, colon, prostate, ovarian, lung, and brain cancers in animal studies, as well as thyroid, gastrointestinal, cervix, and skin (melanoma) cancers in human tests.
One study found that a methanol extract of ashwagandha root was effective in reducing the growth and development of neuroblastoma cells in vitro.
The results were seen in dose- and time-dependent ways. Another team showed that the methanol extract of ashwagandha stimulated the formation of dendrites, which extend from nerve cells to form the basis of the nervous system.
These studies show that ashwagandha is an anti-cancer agent, but they don't explain how or why it works so well against cancer.
There are also concerns that it could increase the risk of side effects from cancer treatment.
Before taking ashwagandha, talk to your doctor about the best way to take it and its potential side effects.
If you are already taking cancer medication, don't use ashwagandha in conjunction with it, because it may interfere with the effectiveness of your cancer treatment.
It's also important to check with your doctor before taking ashwagandha if you have a thyroid condition or an autoimmune disease.
Anti-Cholesterol
Ashwagandha is a powerful antioxidant, and it can help your body fight free radicals. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which may help you reduce your cholesterol levels and lower your risk of heart disease.
It has been shown to reduce cholesterol levels in a number of studies, including those conducted with mice.
It can also lower levels of triglycerides in people with type 2 diabetes. In some studies, it has been shown to protect against or delay the onset of type 1 diabetes, a disease that results from the immune system attacking cells in the pancreas.
The herb may also improve your mood and increase your energy level. It's safe to take for most adults, though it can interact with certain medications (like sedatives, blood thinners, thyroid supplements, and drugs that suppress your immune system).
Several animal studies have shown that ashwagandha is effective in treating cancer, including breast, lung, colon and brain tumors.
In a study on mice with ovarian cancer, ashwagandha reduced the growth of the tumors and prevented them from spreading to other parts of the body.
A recent study in humans, on people who had chronic stress, found that ashwagandha significantly reduced anxiety and insomnia. It also reduced levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
In these studies, participants were given a supplemental dose of ashwagandha capsules twice a day for 60 days. They were also given a stress-reduction questionnaire and their serum cortisol levels were measured.
The herbal supplement was well-tolerated and had no major side effects. Those who took ashwagandha for 60 days also reported a reduction in their anxiety and stress levels, which is a good sign that the herbal supplement has a positive effect on these symptoms.
Neuroprotective
In Indian traditional medicine, ashwagandha has been used for centuries as a nerve tonic and adaptogen.
It has also been used to treat anxiety, insomnia, memory loss and other cognitive deficits and for improving general health.
Some studies have found that ashwagandha may be helpful in preventing or slowing the progress of diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
These conditions cause parts of the brain to break down over time, causing problems with memory and movement.
Research suggests that ashwagandha helps protect against these symptoms by promoting healthy neuronal activity and reducing the amount of toxic compounds that build up in the body. It also boosts your body’s immune system and reduces inflammation.
This can help you live longer and healthier. For instance, a recent study found that people who took ashwagandha regularly were able to sleep better and felt more energetic afterward.
Another study found that ashwagandha was also helpful for reducing anxiety and stress. It helped improve cortisol levels and reduce the severity of anxiety in people who had recently experienced a stressful event.
Researchers believe that this may be because ashwagandha works to balance out your hormones, making them more in sync with your body’s natural rhythms.
This is important for mental and physical health, as stress can cause your body to become sluggish and prone to chronic illness.
Several studies have found that ashwagandha can help prevent or slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease in mice and rats.
This is because the herbs can increase your blood flow to the brain and bolster your ability to absorb glucose from your bloodstream. It may also help slow the formation of plaques in your brain that are associated with Alzheimer’s.
How Ashwagandha Increases Testosterone
In traditional Indian medicine, ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is often used as an adaptogen to help the body overcome stress.
It is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, and is also known for its ability to reduce anxiety, promote restful sleep, and improve cognitive function in certain populations.
The herb comes in different forms, including capsules and tablets, powder to mix into drinks, gummies, and tinctures.
It's considered safe for most people, but it is important to talk to your doctor before taking a supplement or starting any new regimen.
Research suggests that ashwagandha may increase levels of several hormones involved with testosterone production.
One study looked at 43 overweight men who took a daily dose of ashwagandha or a placebo for 8 weeks.
The participants who took the herb had an 18% greater increase in DHEA-S and a 14.7% greater increase in testosterone.
Studies have also shown that ashwagandha may increase sperm concentration and semen volume in men with low sperm counts. This is important for men who are looking to conceive.
Side effects are rare, but can include digestive discomfort and rashes. If you experience these side effects, it's best to reduce the amount of ashwagandha you take or stop using it.
Conclusion
When used as a tea or a supplement, ashwagandha can help to support a healthy stress response and promote a more restful sleep. It can also be helpful for people with chronic stress and anxiety, helping them to resist the effects of these conditions.
In addition, it's a good option for helping to manage weight and cholesterol. It can reduce blood sugar levels and cortisol levels, which can help with weight loss.
It can also help to improve joint function and relieve pain, including rheumatoid arthritis. It may even help to boost immune system function, which can protect your joints from further inflammation and discomfort.
Research suggests that ashwagandha can also promote muscle strength. It appears to increase lean muscle mass by increasing the amount of protein and glucose in your muscles.
However, it's important to note that this doesn't necessarily translate into a boost in muscle size or strength. Rather, the herb might just encourage muscle growth by promoting the growth of new tissues and cells in your muscles.
This could be a positive side effect for those who are trying to build muscle, especially since it helps the muscles become more resilient against the effects of stress.
