By Andrea D. Steffen
April 21, 2019
Ashwagandha has been shown (in several studies) to lower blood sugar levels through its effects on insulin secretion and sensitivity. It has been proven to work through a variety of conditions, for example:
One study revealed that (in test tubes) the herb increased insulin secretion and improved insulin sensitivity in muscle cells.
Many human studies proved its ability to reduce blood sugar levels in both healthy people as well as those with diabetes. One small study, for example, involved six people with type 2 diabetes who were supplemented with ashwagandha for 30 days. The herb lowered fasting blood sugar levels as effectively as oral diabetes medication.
Then there was also a four-week study in people with schizophrenia. The participants treated with ashwagandha had an average reduction in fasting blood sugar levels of 13.5 mg/dL, compared to 4.5 mg/dL in those who received a placebo.
Ashwagandha is an incredibly healthy medicinal herb that provides numerous benefits for your body and mind. Not only is it good for your physical well being, but your mental well being too as it is classified as an “adaptogen,” meaning that it can help your body manage stress. Some of the many things Ashwagandha can do include: lower blood sugar levels, reduce cortisol, boost brain function and help fight symptoms of anxiety and depression.
The Ashwagandha plant is a small shrub with yellow flowers that’s native to India and North Africa. The name “Ashwagandha” is Sanskrit for “smell of the horse,” which refers to both its unique smell and ability to increase strength. Its botanical name is Withania somnifera. It is also known by several other names, including Indian ginseng and winter cherry.
Here are a dozen scientifically proven health benefits of Ashwagandha:
Medicinal Use In Ayurveda
Ashwagandha is an ancient medicinal herb that has been in use for over 3,000 years. It is one of the most important herbs in Ayurveda – a form of alternative medicine based on Indian principles of natural healing. They use it to relieve stress, increase energy levels and improve concentration, among other things.
Either extracts or powder from the plant’s root or leaves is used to treat a variety of conditions. What makes this herb so potent is its high concentration of withanolides, which have been shown to fight inflammation and tumor growth.
Reduces Blood Sugar Levels
Ashwagandha has been shown (in several studies) to lower blood sugar levels through its effects on insulin secretion and sensitivity. It has been proven to work through a variety of conditions, for example:
- One study revealed that (in test tubes) the herb increased insulin secretion and improved insulin sensitivity in muscle cells.
- Many human studies proved its ability to reduce blood sugar levels in both healthy people as well as those with diabetes. One small study, for example, involved six people with type 2 diabetes who were supplemented with ashwagandha for 30 days. The herb lowered fasting blood sugar levels as effectively as oral diabetes medication.
- Then there was also a four-week study in people with schizophrenia. The participants treated with ashwagandha had an average reduction in fasting blood sugar levels of 13.5 mg/dL, compared to 4.5 mg/dL in those who received a placebo.
