What is Ashwagandha and how can it help me?

Ashwagandha or Witania somnifera is an adaptogenic plant, that is, it has the ability to help our body adapt and enhance its capabilities in times or situations of greater stress. These situations can be very varied and occur in many areas of our daily life such as, for example, at work, studies, personal relationships...In other words, adaptogens can help us when we feel overwhelmed, optimizing our resistance and our both physical and mental performance, to face those delicate moments from a state of energy and calm. 

Unlike other substances, such as stimulants, adaptogens have a natural effect that is maintained over time, preventing decay when their effect wears off. It is for this reason that they can be taken indefinitely in most cases. They also have a non-specific action, since they act under different conditions that we will detail below (stress, temperature changes, intense exercise, difficulty sleeping, etc.).

• Ashwagandha for stress and anxiety
• Ashwagandha to combat mental fatigue
• Ashwagandha for physical recovery
• Ashwagandha for endocrine balance
• Ashwagandha in the new Tryptophan Plus

Ashwagandha for stress and anxiety

Several clinical trials, in which Ashwagandha root extracts have been used in amounts of 300 to 1000 mg for several weeks, have shown an improvement in stress and its associated symptoms thanks to a notable decrease in blood cortisol levels and which stimulates the synthesis of serotonin and GABA.

High levels of cortisol cause insomnia, nervousness, decline in mental health, and even gastrointestinal conditions. Therefore, other benefits of Ashwagandha are improving the quality of sleep, relaxation and promoting a restful rest.

Ashwagandha to combat mental fatigue

Research has also observed that this plant acts on GABA receptors, which leads to improvements in memory, attention, resolution and reaction time, while reducing the perception of tension and physical and mental fatigue.

Therefore, they support the use of Ashwagandha as a mood stabilizer in conditions of anxiety and depression, to better manage the effects of stress, maintain energy and improve something as important as emotional well-being and quality of life.

Ashwagandha for physical recovery

Supplementation with Ashwagandha also results in greater muscle recovery and less post-exercise fatigue, possibly due to its antioxidant effects, which combat free radical damage and inflammation.

Supplementation with Ashwagandha could improve oxygenation in athletes and non-athletes, which means greater performance and lower risk of mortality. On the other hand, it seems that Ashwagandha is also related to an increase in muscle mass and strength in men, by increasing their levels of testosterone in the blood.

Ashwagandha for endocrine balance

The influence of Ashwagandha on the endocrine system is also being demonstrated: it appears to modulate pituitary functions, improve thyroid homeostasis, regulate adrenal activity, and improve sexual desire and satisfaction in both women and men. In fact, it has been observed that it can increase thyroid hormone in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism and improve hormonal balance.

Further research will provide new insights into its mechanisms of action and is likely to expand its applications in both traditional and modern medicine.

Ashwagandha in the new Tryptophan Plus

At Ana María Lajusticia® we wanted to take advantage of the various therapeutic properties of Ashwagandha and we have developed a product based on adaptogens, magnesium, tryptophan and vitamin B6. These last three enhance the effects of the Ashwagandha and Rhodiola plants (another adaptogen present in this supplement), providing extra serenity and vitality.

Ideal for you if you are going through a complex time of change, stress or a lot of busyness, since Tryptophan Plus helps to enhance your own abilities to achieve a better adaptation to potentially stressful situations and thus face them with energy and calmly. How to take Ashwagandha: take one Tryptophan Plus tablet in the morning and one at another time of the day when you feel nervous or overwhelmed. You will see how you deal with it much better!

Now you know what to do during times of greatest stress and workload: don't let those seasons get the better of you ever again!