What is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda medicine is considered as one of the oldest traditional medicine systems. It’s roots lie in the Indian subcontinent, where our ancestors practised this healing science for centuries. Ancient texts reveal how Ayurveda practitioners used specific surgical techniques, for instance, such as removing foreign bodies. Ayurveda is primarily based on complex natural mixes and minerals, which have reached our days and still have potent benefits on human health.
Ayurveda mostly used those substances that appear in nature, for example, fruits, leaves, seeds, roots or various plants. Animal-related products were also consumed, such as milk. We have already mentioned minerals, but you will be surprised to hear that gold was consumed for particular treatment as well. However, in this article, we will try to focus on two major Ayurvedic supplements, abundantly purchased today – Ashwagandha and Bacopa Monnieri (Brahmi).
Ashwagandha: intro to the supplement
Let’s begin with the name that sounds like a Far Eastern product. Well, Ashwagandha has other names as well, such as Winter Cherry, obviously the edition of the West, Indian Ginseng or in Latin Withania Somnifera. However, Ashwagandha is the widespread version for the name of this substance. In Sanskrit, Ashwa stands for horse and Gandha means smell, so its name reveals a not so attractive attribute of this substance. For more information regarding Ashwagandha, visit this article.
The same as in Ayurveda, Ashwagandha supplement today is based on the plant’s roots, which are rich with beneficial compounds. Firstly, you have to dry the root, then grind it with water or milk and the whole making process is finished. Seems easy, right? Well, try to find this herb first.
While Ayurvedic medicines have been useful for centuries, today you will find many modern options. People purchase nootropics for different reasons, so ensure that your Nootropics vendor meets all your requirements. By doing so, you will be able to reap the benefits of these supplements and improve your way of living.
Ashwagandha: benefits
Ashwagandha has several benefits, but the favorite one is stress relief. By interacting with Adrenal gland, Ashwagandha regulates our brain responses when facing stressful situations. This substance may even be beneficial for anxiety treatment or sleeping cycle adjustment, so in short, Ashwagandha herb alleviates any malaise related to the nerve system or overall mental health.
Besides mental stability, this herb maintains your blood health. By consuming Ashwagandha, you will lower your cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and also reduce blood sugar. Do not forget that the unhealthy blood condition attracts severe diseases and heart-related malaise, so taking care of your blood has vital importance.
Another benefit of Ashwagandha is related to metabolism. Research claims that the Ashwagandha herb has some anabolic properties that support humans through the growing phase. By consuming this supplement, you will ensure the maintenance of healthy haemoglobin levels, Ashwagandha aids in weight gain and decomposition of fats.
Ashwagandha supports fertility in men and takes care of so-called sex hormones, it also provides some benefits related to the athletic condition. Ashwagandha supplement increases muscle strength and fastens the recovery process.
And lastly, one research indicates Ashwagandha’s capability to maintain joint health and even prevent cancer and other severe diseases like Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s, as it has some antioxidant properties.
Ashwagandha: side effects
If you are suffering from too low blood sugar levels or blood pressure, avoid taking Ashwagandha because it can cause worsening. If you are using other medication, you must consult your doctor before starting to take Ashwagandha in the case to prevent critical interference. Learn more by visiting Raw Powders.
Stop taking Ashwagandha if you are about to have surgery (at least 2 weeks before). Ashwagandha may also evoke some auto-immune diseases or worsening if you have a stomach ulcer. And lastly, among side effects, higher levels of thyroid hormone can be mentioned, also dizziness, fatigue, fever, diarrhoea, heart-rhythm disorder or even skin-related issues.
Ashwagandha: dosage
The daily dosage of Ashwagandha varies from 400 mg to 2 g, depending on your height, weight and experience. However, for starters, we recommend to begin with the lowest dosage and then gradually raise it. Bear in mind that Ashwagandha related studies cover only 3 months of usage, so it is recommended not to take this supplement for a longer period without a break.
Bacopa Monnieri: intro to the supplement
Bacopa Monnieri or in short Brahmi at first glance attracts by its appearance – the small white flowers and green leaves remind an ordinary decorative plant, but the features of it are just stunning. Another name for this herb is Water Hyssop, the emergence of such a name is not so profound, this name is related to Brahmi’s growing environment – Bacopa Monnieri grows in watery places and can even perfectly exist underwater.
Bacopa Monnieri interacts with our neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, serotonin or GABA, this herb is also rich with Saponins that maintain our blood condition. Hence, let’s tackle its benefits.
Bacopa Monnieri: benefits
Maybe you have already heard the term of alert-calmness, this definition perfectly fits Brahmi. At the same time, Bacopa Monnieri may extinguish upcoming stress or anxiety and make you stay focused. In other words, by consuming Bacopa you may be more relaxed but not sleepy (as usually taking any other sedatives).
Bacopa Monnieri aids in ADHD or Epilepsy treatment because of its calming features. Several studies show that Brahmi may even reduce your blood pressure because of the stimulation of the nitric oxide – the compound responsible for blood vessels widening).
Same as with Ashwagandha, Bacopa Monnieri has antioxidant properties and fights free radicals. In such way, you can support your health by decreasing the risk of severe disease occurrence.
Bacopa Monnieri: side effects
One of the possible side effects is bradycardia inducement, so if you have some heart rate-related malaise, carefully overthink your choice to start taking Bacopa (or better consult your doctor). Further, such side effects as diarrhoea, indigestion, nausea or fatigue also may appear.
If you have Asthma or other issues with lungs, be aware that Brahmi increases fluid secretions in the lungs.
Bacopa Monnieri: dosage
Always check the percentage of pure extract, because that number indicates the dosage. For 55% extract, maximum daily dosage is 300 mg, but if the extract is only 20%, the daily intake can be raised to 1.5 g. The same as with Ashwagandha, Bacopa related studies covers only 3 months period, so we recommend you to take a break after that.