There are numerous herbs in this world that come with many medicinal properties and health benefits. India is well-known for Ayurveda and is rich in such Ayurvedic herbs and roots. One such plant with amazing medicinal properties is Ashwagandha. It is a small woody plant, is native to India and North Africa. The name ashwagandha is a combination of two Sanskrit words. The word ‘ashwa’ means horse, whereas ‘gandha’ means smell. Ashwagandha has multiple uses. This article covers complete details about Ashwagandha and will help to get an insight into this magical plant that has numerous benefits.

What Is Ashwagandha?

The scientific name of Ashwagandha is Withania Somnifera. It is a plant from the Solanaceae family. This species is a perennial shrub and is short and tender, and grows to the height of 35-75cm. It is found in the drier region of the country, sown during the spring season. The plant has several medicinal values. Ayurvedic medicines use Ashwagandha in various forms. In many countries, Ashwagandha is used as a dietary supplement also. Despite so many uses, there is still no sufficient scientific evidence and flawed clinical research to prove this plant’s efficacy. Ashwagandha is popularly known as an adaptogen and has immense benefits for people suffering from stress-related issues.

Ashwagandha Benefits

1. Anxiety: Ashwagandha helps the body to adapt to stress. It helps fight the symptoms of anxiety and depression by boosting brain function. A study has shown that people consuming Ashwagandha have reported a 69% reduction in anxiety and insomnia. Use traditional Ayurvedic massage oil consisting of Ashwagandha for your body to relieve your daily stress.

2. Inflammation: Ashwagandha has anti-inflammatory properties. It helps the body overcome inflammatory conditions such as infection, toxins, and trauma. If the body cannot produce anti-inflammatory substances to fight these conditions, ashwagandha herbal tea made from leaves helps relieve inflammation.

3. Heart Health: Ashwagandha helps fight high cholesterol, high blood pressure, chest pain, and various other heart diseases. Regular use of ashwagandha powder ensures a healthy heart.

4. Heals Acne: Ashwagandha root is known for its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. It protects the skin from infections or acne. Ashwagandha also fights the signs of aging by boosting skin collagen. Face packs with Ashwagandha act as one of the vital components for people suffering from acne. Ashwagandha also heals pimples and blackheads, reduces scars, improves skin tone, and repairs inflammation.

5. Boosting Immunity: Ashwagandha oil has the properties to fight infection and boost the immunity level.

6. Fights Cancer: According to some studies, the compound Withaferin in Ashwagandha helps induce apoptosis, which is the process of programmed death of cancer cells. Withaferin formation of reactive oxygen species and thereby prevents the multiplication of the cancerous cells. It is said to be effective in treating breast, lung, colon, brain, and ovarian cancer.

7. Treating Asthma: Asthma is a respiratory disorder leading to shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, and chest congestion. Ashwagandha is a natural cure for asthma. Regular consumption of ashwagandha roots reduces stress which in turn reduces the signs of respiratory diseases.

8. Treating Ulcer: Ashwagandha is a natural remedy for the treatment and prevention of gastric ulcers. Studies have shown that Ashwagandha, along with other herbs, effectively reduces the stomach’s gastric acid level. This herb also helps to prevent the formation of painful ulcers.

9. Fights Diabetes: Ashwagandha regulates the body’s insulin production. The usage of Ashwagandha extracts over a significant period reduces blood sugar levels. It also improves the overall metabolism of the body and the complete removal of wastes from the body. Ashwagandha is highly effective for people who have Type 2 diabetes.

10. Increasing Stamina: Ashwagandha has the properties to reserve and sustain the vital energy of the body. Its consumption also enables sound and peaceful sleep.

Ashwagandha Benefits For Women

Ashwagandha maintains the reproductive health of women. The plant has proven benefits in ensuring menstrual health. It also aids in improving fertility. Ashwagandha strengthens the adrenal glands, reduces cortisol, and also increases the production of blood.

1. Menopause: Ashwagandha has proven benefits to deal with menopause-related issues such as hormonal imbalances. These imbalances can lead to hot flashes, anxiety, depression, sleeping trouble, etc. The plant is beneficial for the endocrine system and thus alleviates these symptoms. Ashwagandha should be used regularly by women advancing to their menopause.

2. Enhances Sexual Potency: Ashwagandha is no doubt a magical herb as it relieves mental stress. It prevents mood swings and increases blood flow, thus it is a natural sexual stimulant. Kamasutra specifies the sexual benefits of Ashwagandha.

Ashwagandha Uses

The ancient Indian Ayurvedic system recommends various benefits and uses of Ashwagandha. It is one of the oldest and effective methods to treat the following conditions:

• Stress
• Anxiety
• Fatigue
• Pain
• Skin conditions
• Diabetes
• Arthritis
• Epilepsy

The use of ashwagandha leaves, roots, and stems treat various diseases. The herb is also helpful in the treatment of obesity.

In the year 2019, a study was conducted on humans to find the benefits of using Ashwagandha. Research shows that the daily dosage of 240mg of Ashwagandha has reduced people’s stress levels. The herb proved to be beneficial in lowering the levels of cortisol, a stress hormone.

Another study on humans also showed that 250 mg or 600 mg of Ashwagandha intake every day resulted in lower self-reported stress levels. The research also indicates a low level of cortisol.

Ashwagandha Supplement

One can take Ashwagandha in many forms. Supplements are available on various e-commerce sites. One needs to check the product thoroughly and take the doctor’s advice before starting the dosage.

Ashwagandha Powder

Ashwagandha powder is most commonly used to get relief from conditions such as:

• Leucoderma
• Constipation
• Insomnia
• Rheumatism
• Nervous breakdown
• Goitre

One can use Ashwagandha paste externally prepared from the powder to get relief from inflammation and joint pain.

Ashwagandha Tea

Ashwagandha leaves taste bitter but are immensely rich in iron. Leaves are the source of herbal tea. It helps in relieving conditions such as anemia and blood loss during heavy periods. Ashwagandha tea also serves as an energy tonic. It helps in getting relief from fever and painful swellings. Ashwagandha tea also works to relieve from:

• Anxiety and stress
• Fight depression

Ashwagandha tea helps to boost:

• Fertility and testosterone level in men
• Brain function

You can prepare Ashwagandha tea with this simple method:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of water
• One teaspoon Ashwagandha roots
• Half lemon and some honey for taste

Method:

• Boil water in a saucepan.
• Add Ashwagandha roots to it. Close the lid and switch off the flame.
• Let the mixture infuse/steam for 10-15 minutes.
• Strain it in a cup, and add lemon juice and honey to it.

Ashwagandha tea promotes relaxation. Ashwagandha tea also rejuvenates your mind and body.

Ashwagandha Root

The root of this plant smells like a horse. The root of Ashwagandha has tonic, aphrodisiac, narcotic, diuretic, anthelmintic, astringent, thermogenic, and stimulant properties.

The standardized root extract consumption of Ashwagandha can be 450–500mg capsules once or twice a day. Ashwagandha roots can be consumed in various other forms also. One such common form is the consumption of tea. Drinking this herbal tea every day can help you fight against stress and balance the body’s functioning. The herbal tea also promotes overall immunity, strength, energy, and endurance. When taken with milk, Ashwagandha root powder has shown positive results in managing male infertility and erectile dysfunction.

Ashwagandha Pills

Ashwagandha pills can be taken during any part of the day as prescribed by the doctor. You can consume Ashwagandha pills with warm milk or water. Ashwagandha starts showing positive results within two weeks of usage. However, doctor prescription is significant. Uncontrolled doses of Ashwagandha may lead to stomach upset, diarrhea, and vomiting.

Ashwagandha Side Effects

Different people react differently to every supplement or medication. In most cases, Ashwagandha shows no side effects. However, some people might have allergies leading to the following side effects such as:

1. Decreases Blood Pressure: People on high blood pressure medications must be careful as the use of Ashwagandha lowers blood pressure, which might interfere with your medicines and lead to side effects. People with normal blood pressure are at risk of further decrease in their blood pressure.

2. Increases Thyroid Function: Ashwagandha is suitable for people suffering from hypothyroidism. But it can be dangerous for people with hyperthyroidism.

3. Lead To Miscarriages: Pregnant women should always consult their doctors before starting any medication. Despite numerous benefits, certain plant compounds can be the cause of miscarriage, premature birth, or uterine contractions.

4. Increase Immune Activity: Good immunity is crucial for everybody. But Ashwagandha is not recommended to people suffering from autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, or multiple sclerosis.

You can take the Ashwagandha supplement as an easy and effective way to improve your health and quality of life. A high-concentration extract is required to make the most significant impact on the body. One should take an Ashwagandha supplement only after consulting a physician to avoid any side effects. It is suggested to buy Ashwagandha powder or supplement from an FDA-regulated manufacturer only. Begin the journey of a healthy lifestyle with the right Ayurvedic herbs avoiding all possible side effects by understanding the herb and taking your doctor’s advice.