Evidence supporting the use of: Ashwagandha
For the body system: Hair

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) has been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for centuries, primarily as an adaptogen to help the body resist stress and to support general vitality. Its use for supporting hair health is largely based on traditional beliefs rather than robust scientific evidence. In Ayurveda, ashwagandha is thought to balance the body's doshas and improve overall health, which is believed to indirectly support hair growth and prevent hair loss, particularly in cases where hair issues are attributed to stress or hormonal imbalances.

Some small studies and anecdotal reports suggest that ashwagandha may help reduce cortisol levels and manage stress, which can be linked to certain types of hair loss (e.g., telogen effluvium). Additionally, ashwagandha is sometimes cited for its potential effects on thyroid and androgen levels, which may influence hair growth and loss.

However, there is a lack of direct, high-quality clinical evidence showing that ashwagandha supplementation directly improves hair growth or prevents hair loss. Most claims stem from its adaptogenic properties and traditional use, rather than rigorous scientific validation specific to the hair/body system. Therefore, while ashwagandha is used traditionally for supporting hair health, its efficacy in this area remains unproven by modern clinical research.

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