What is Ashwagandha, and Why is it Beneficial?
Ashwagandha is an evergreen found in some areas of Africa and Asia. It has been used in traditional medicine for centuries as a stress reliever and an adaptogen. An adaptogen is any flora that helps your body deal with stress, anxiety, fatigue, and overall improves your well-being. Research shows that this property comes from the plant’s ability to control stress mediators such as cortisol.
Besides its use as a stress reliever and supplement to deal with anxiety, Ashwagandha has other essential properties. Studies demonstrated that Ashwagandha could improve your athletic performance by increasing oxygen consumption. It also reduces sugar levels by stimulating your cells to take glucose from your bloodstream. This herb also reduces inflammation by targeting inflammatory pathways in the body (such as signal molecules called nuclear factor kappa B and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2). It can even increase testosterone and improve fertility in men!
Another interesting property of Ashwagandha is its ability to improve brain function and memory and improve sleep by helping to deal with sleep loss or irregular sleep cycles.
What is St. John’s Wort, and Why is it Beneficial?
St. John’s Wort is a yellow-flowered herb that grows almost worldwide. St. John Wort has been used in European traditional medicine for years. In Russia, it was used to clear skin and treat vitiligo. In Germany, it found use as an insomnia treatment. In many other places as a treatment for kidney and lung ailments and a supplement for wound healing.
Today, however, its most regarded property is a supplement that could be used to treat mild depression. Even though this property is questioned in some places, others already use it in generous amounts. For example, in Germany, approximately every third package of antidepressants prescribed is a St. John’s Wort product. For physicians, this herb is the first line of therapy for mild to moderate forms of depression.
It is also important to note its other interesting property. Its ability to reduce Menopause Syndrome. In 2021 a study was conducted by NIH (National Institute of Health) and the National Women’s Health Networks. Many participants reported fewer hot flashes and urinary problems while taking St. John’s Wort. During the study, participants had increased Luteinizing hormones, FSH, and estradiol, which tend to decrease with age. This shows that St. John’s Wort can be used for an easier menopausal transition.
Best Combination
These herbs have similar qualities that work together and complement each other. If you are looking for natural remedies that will relieve anxiety, help with mild symptoms of depression and improve cognitive function – these herbs are the best fit for you.
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