So many adults find it difficult to ingest medicines and may even gag, vomit, or choke.
The expression ‘hard pill to swallow’ is not just a metaphor but a reality for so many people!
In order to make the life of these people easier, physicians decided to incorporate this chewy treat in pharmaceutical practices.
Let’s see how this innovation has crept into the medical industry.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a popular herb used as an adaptogen. The adaptogens are believed to reset the body’s physiological responses.
Ashwagandha is Sanskrit for the ‘smell of the horse,’ which refers to the herb’s scent that resembles a horse as well as its potential to increase physical strength. It is a traditional Ayurvedic medicine used for centuries due to its medicinal properties. Ashwagandha is effective for revealing stress, boosting energy, and improving concentration.
Some of the common uses of Ashwagandha are as follows:
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Fatigue
- Pain
- Diabetes
- Arthritis
- Epilepsy
Ashwagandha is commonly ingested as tea, powders, tinctures, and supplements. Due to its frequent use in complementary therapy, an innovative method to consume Ashwagandha was determined.
But the main question is: Are ashwagandha gummies effective?
A New Way to Supplement
Gummy vitamins have been around since the late 1960s, but their use was not very popular. Children and people with swallowing difficulties were targeted, and only a handful of medicines were produced as gummies. In order to increase nutritional intake, flavourful medications that are easy to consume were made. Some examples of these products are chewable medicines and dissolvable supplements, which are convenient and easy to ingest with a pleasant taste.
In the early days, only a few medicines were produced as gummies, and they were mainly targeted toward children. However, as people began to recognise the importance of nutrition and the benefits of taking dietary supplements, there was a growing demand for more enjoyable and convenient ways to consume them. This led to the development of chewable medicines and dissolvable supplements, which were easier to swallow than traditional pills.
In recent years, gummies have attracted the attention of adults, resulting in a massive surge in their demand. This is due to several factors, including their convenience and ease of use, pleasant taste, and colourful appearance. Gummy vitamins are now widely available in drugstores, grocery stores, and online, and they come in various shapes, sizes, and flavors.
Now those gelatinous, brightly coloured chewable are taking up more space on drugstore shelves!
Recipes of Ashwagandha Gummies
The best part about using Ashwagandha gummies is making your own at home! Get rid of artificial ingredients, grab the flavour you enjoy the most, and prepare your gummies how you like them.
Ingredients
- ½ cup of fruit juice
- 1 ½ tbsp of gelatin powder
- 1 tbsp of maple syrup
- 1 tsp of organic Ashwagandha powder
Recipe
- Take a pan and heat the fruit juice and maple syrup
- Mix spontaneously and decrease the heat before the mixture boils
- Add gelatin powder and mix until thoroughly combined
- Remove the heat and strain the mixture
- Pour the mixture into a silicone mold
- Put it in the fridge and let it set for about 15 minutes
- Remove from the mold once settled
Storage
- Store in a dry and sealed container
- One batch can be used for up to 3 weeks if refrigerated
Additional Instructions
- Use different fruit juices to produce diverse batches
- Instead of fruit juices, you can also use water with artificial sweeteners like maple syrup, honey, or sugar
- Use different-shaped silicone moulds to create gummies of various shapes and sizes
Who Should Consume Gummies?
For those who are sick of their daily struggle of swallowing pills, gummies may be a lifesaver!
Let’s take a look in detail at people who should consume gummies!
Children
Most children, especially when they are unwell, are sensitive to the medicines’ bitter taste and coarse texture. This sensitivity can be particularly challenging for neurodivergent children who struggle with sensory issues and struggle to swallow pills. Gummies are colourful and chewy, which makes them easier for kids to eat without overstimulating them.
Adults
Many adults have started consuming Ashwagandha gummies as they struggle to swallow pills. Adults with dysphagia and swallowing issues also find this method more convenient for consuming medicines. People allergic to specific solvents or binders used in medications can also use gummies as their primary method of ingesting medicines.
Anyone!
Ashwaghnada gummies are for anyone who wishes to consume medicines in the form of a tasty treat. Having said that, it is crucial to understand that they are biologically active supplements and should be consumed according to the advice of the physician.
Are Ashwagandha Gummies Effective?
As previously discussed, Ashwagandha is an effective anxiolytic herb widely used to treat anxiety and manage stress. The latest increase in the incidence of psychological issues and the negative effects associated with pharmacological medications has prompted consumers to resort to natural methods. Consequently, the manufacturers have produced innovative strategies for the consumption of the Ashwagandha herb:
Ashwagandha Gummies!
Due to their pleasing taste and plush shapes, they have accomplished a firm place on the shelves.
But the question that still rattles the mind of the users is this — Are Ashwagandha gummies effective?
Let’s discuss this question in detail:
1. Stress and Anxiety
Ashwagandha is one of the most potent psychedelic herbs known for its ability to reduce stress and anxiety.
The efficacy of Ashwagandha has shown a significant reduction in the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (PHA) axis, the system that controls the stress response of the body. Due to this property, it has the ability to reduce the levels of stress in neuropsychiatric patients significantly. Higher doses of Ashwagandha have also been shown to reduce cortisol levels, the hormone released in response to stress.
2. Sports Injuries
Whether you are an amateur or a professional athlete, taking part in aggressive exercises can damage the exerted muscle. Instead of taking painkillers to reduce pain and swelling, Ashwagandha may be able to help you.
In a study determining the effectiveness of Ashwagandha gummies, the participants that took Ashwagandha twice a day showed decreased muscle damage and a higher loss of body fat. It also increases muscle strength, as demonstrated by the increased capacity of athletes to perform arm and leg exercises.
3. Testosterone Levels
The intake of Ashwagandha supplements increases testosterone levels in men. It is also said to benefit male fertility, but clinical trials have shown contradicting results.
Promising results were shown by a study that showed a significant rise in testosterone levels along with improved semen parameters and sperm motility.
Concrete evidence is required to understand whether Ashwagandha could be effective at a commercial level.
4. Improved Sleep
Ashwagandha can help people fall asleep faster, spend more time asleep, and experience a better quality of sleep. The effectiveness of Ashwagandha gummies is due to their effect on gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors, which activate the sleep-wake cycle, trigger sleep, and prevent insomnia.
High intake of Ashwagandha for more than eight weeks has a significant increase in the quality of sleep, especially in adults diagnosed with insomnia. Another study showed that the intake of Ashwagandha improves the quality of sleep and mental clarity in insomniacs.
In addition to these benefits, certain other areas in which Ashwagandha gummies are effective are — It can stabilise blood glucose levels and improve focus and attention span in patients. It is also said to be effective for people with neurodivergence, including ADHD and autism.
Cons of Ashwagandha Gummies
Ashwagandha gummies are generally safe to be consumed by the general population. However, larger doses (<300mg) may be associated with unwanted effects like vomiting, diarrhoea, etc., so lower doses may be more effective.
Due to the lack of thorough research on pregnant subjects, it is better to avoid Ashwagandha gummies if pregnant, breastfeeding, or immunocompromised. Ashwagandha should also be restricted by patients with thyroid conditions or those that are susceptible to allergic reactions. Ashwagandha gummies have sugar content, and their continuous use leads to poor oral hygiene and dental caries.
Always check the name of the company/brand, whether you are purchasing raw herbs or supplemental gummies. If you are vulnerable to allergies, do your own research regarding the production methods, testing protocols, and product standards.
The Bottom Line
Ashwagandha gummies are effective herbal supplements used for alleviating stress and anxiety. They can be made at home with a few simple and delicious recipes, which are easy to incorporate into everyday life and is easy on the stomach. However, some people may not be able to tolerate it well and should talk to a healthcare professional before incorporating it into daily life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Ashwagandha Gummies Vs. Pills: Which is more effective?
Are Ashwagandha gummies effective and better than traditional pills?
Let’s delve into this question and see what we discover!
Easy to incorporate
Take your medication on the go!
Life today is fast-paced and demanding; a lot of things are happening at once that demand our attention and time. Many people tend to forget their medications. Gummies, however, are portable and can be stored in any container, making them easier to transport. They are chewable and do not require a specific time, water, or presence/absence of food for its ingestion.
Bioavailability
Ashwagandha gummies are said to be as effective as the pill. Tablets are swallowed as a whole, so they take a much longer time to show their effect. Gummies have higher quantities of Ashwagandha due to the presence of a lesser amount of filler materials than pills. However, the bioavailability of nutrients in both gummies and tablets is said to remain the same.
Easy on the Stomach
The solvents, binders, or filler agents added to the tablets make them harder to digest. They may irritate the inner lining of your digestive tract and even interact with the nutrients in the food. While food-nutrient interaction may occur even in gummies, it is usually safer to consume by patients with a hernia, gastritis, vomiting, or other conditions.
How long does it take for Ashwagandha Gummies to work?
In general, Ashwagandha gummies are not meant to have an immediate effect on the body, and it may take several days or even weeks for noticeable changes to occur. However, some people may notice improved sleep, mood, and stress levels within a few days of taking Ashwagandha gummies.
According to Forbes Health, the daily intake of four gummies can satisfy the recommended daily dose of 600mg. Their guidelines suggested two gummies in the morning and two at night can fulfil the daily requirement.
Typically, at least eight weeks of daily consumption is recommended for treating the specified health issues. A study of 50 participants demonstrated that 600mg of Ashwagandha per day for eight weeks improved cognitive function and attention span. Another study has also shown that eight weeks of 600mg of Ashwagandha gummies are the most effective in normalising health issues.
Do Ashwagandha Gummies make you sleepy?
Are ashwagandha gummies effective sleeping aid?
Yes, many people consume Ashwagandha at night as they help them fall asleep faster.
72% of the participants that took Ashwagandha for six weeks showed significant improvements in the quality of sleep. Ashwagandha relieves stress and regulates the body’s sleep-wake cycle, improving sleep quality. The effectiveness of Ashwagandha gummies as a sleeping aid is due to the presence of triethylene glycol and withanolides. Withanolides are mild sedatives that induce better sleep.
While many people experience drowsiness and sleepiness, it is not a guaranteed effect. The efficacy of Ashwagandha gummies on sleep may vary depending on several factors such as dosage, individual body chemistry, and the presence of other medications or supplements.