Ashwagandha is called a magical herb due to its powerful healing features. It has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. It has been proven to relieve people from stress, anxiety, lack of sleep, etc. It is one of the most powerful herbs in Ayurvedic healing as it is full of antioxidants, iron and amino acids.
This herb is most commonly used in its powdered form. Ashwagandha root powder is a herbal remedy that is derived from the powdered root of the Ashwagandha shrub. It is widely known for its rejuvenating property.
What is Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha is an Indian herb that belongs to the Solanaceae family, its scientific name is Withania Somnifera. Other popular names of this herb are Indian ginseng or winter cherry. Ashwagandha is a Sanskrit term, which means the smell of the horse. It is named so because, the roots of this herb smell like the sweat of a horse. It is believed that whoever consumes this herb will attain horse like strength and vitality.
The plant is mainly found in India, North Africa, and the Middle East. It grows best in dry regions. It is a strong plant that can survive high as well as low temperatures. It is a small shrub with yellow flowers and a red fruit. The extract is commonly taken from the roots or berries of the plant.
What are the health benefits of Ashwagandha?
The use of this herb for so many centuries has got the attention of modern medical science. Owing to their curiosity, an investigation was undertaken to uncover the medicinal properties of the plant. The studies indicated the presence of therapeutic abilities and it also showed no associated toxicity in the chemical constituents of the plant.
Scientific research on the herb showed that it contained anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidizing, sleep inducing and drug withdrawal properties. Ashwagandha root powder acts as a tonic that rejuvenates your body and improves overall health and longevity.
Regular consumption of Ashwagandha can result in various health benefits. Some of them are as below:
A recent study claimed that Ashwagandha can be an alternative to the field of oncology due to its anti-carcinogenic properties. It can be used along with radiation therapy and chemotherapy for best results. It has also proven to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy without hindering the tumor cell-killing process.
Ashwagandha has been found to be specially beneficial for a wide range of rheumatologic problems. The herb is known to act as a cyclooxygenase inhibitor that helps in reducing inflammation and pain. A recent study suggests that this herb gets its anti-inflammatory property that come from alkaloids, saponins and steroidal lactones found within it.
The ancient Ayurvedic texts state that, Ashwagandha is effective in controlling bacterial infections in humans. A recent study also proved that Ashwagandha possesses antibacterial properties. It also suggested that the herb could effectively reduce urinogenital, gastrointestinal and respiratory tract infections when consumed orally.
Apart from its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-stress properties, this herb can also be helpful for cardiovascular health problems. It is proven to strengthen heart muscles and can also control cholesterol levels in the body. Studies suggest that Ashwagandha root powder contains hypolipidemic properties that help in bringing down the blood cholesterol levels in the human body.
Ashwagandha has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to improve both physical and mental health. There have been many types of research on the effects of this herb on mental health. The research showed that Ashwagandha is helpful in relieving people from anxiety and depression.
Since ancient times Ashwagandha has been used as a remedy for diabetes in Ayurvedic medicine. Medical research on the usage of this herb for diabetes showed positive results. Many experiments were also carried out. They showed that blood sugar levels during fasting and post-lunch period decreased significantly when Ashwagandha was consumed for a period of four weeks.
For people suffering from hypothyroidism, Ashwagandha can be used to stimulate the thyroid gland. A study on Ashwagandha's effects on the thyroid gland showed that root extract if consumed on a daily basis, would increase the secretion of thyroid hormones.
This herb is believed to possess innate anti-stress properties. Since ancient times, it has been used to induce a soothing and calming effect on a person. The active component that is responsible for this effect is still unknown. But various research experiments suggest that Ashwagandha root powder can induce stress relief in people who consume it regularly.
Ashwagandha possesses a large amount of antioxidants. These antioxidants can help in scavenging and neutralizing free radicals produced during the process of metabolism.
Researchers have shown that the consumption of Ashwagandha on a regular basis has helped in the modulation of the immune system reactivity. It was also observed that this herb can be used to increase the red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets count.
Haematopoiesis is the procedure of generating new blood in the body. Many scientific studies suggest that Ashwagandha possesses inbuilt hematopoietic properties. It could have a positive effect on the human red blood cells. As it has hematopoietic qualities, it can help in preventing conditions like anemia.
Haematopoiesis is the procedure of generating new blood in the body. Many scientific studies suggest that Ashwagandha possesses inbuilt hematopoietic properties. It could have a positive effect on the human red blood cells. As it has hematopoietic qualities, it can help in preventing conditions like anemia.
Since ancient times, it is a strong belief that Ashwagandha has aphrodisiac properties. It is believed that people used it as a natural remedy to improve vitality and fertility. A recent scientific study on this aspect showed that this herb plays an important role as an aphrodisiac medicine. It is also a significant way to improve sperm count and semen quality in men.
Ancient Ayurvedic texts widely recommend the usage of Ashwagandha in order to prevent and reduce, seizures and convulsions. Scientists in their study concluded that this herb has anticonvulsant properties. They proved that it effectively helps to reduce the propagation of seizure during convulsive episodes.
Ashwagandha root powder can effectively help a person in achieving overall good health. It has been found effective in improving the muscular strength of the lower limbs. Research shows that it can improve body composition and increase strength. The herb has been proven to increase muscle mass, reduce body fat and increase strength in men. It also has a positive impact on neuro-muscular coordination.
A recent study suggested that Ashwagandha contains antioxidant and cytoprotective properties. These properties can help recipients in preventing cataract disease.
Many studies suggest that Ashwagandha may reduce memory and brain function problems that are caused by injury or disease. Researchers have proven that it promotes antioxidant activity and protects nerve cells from harmful free radicals. Traditionally Ashwagandha has been utilized to improve memory retention. It can be said that this herb may improve brain function, memory, reaction times and the ability to perform various tasks.
Beauty benefits of Ashwagandha:
Ashwagandha stimulates DHEA, which is a precursor to both testosterone and estrogen and activates the production of natural skin oils. It also promotes the production of vital compounds and proteins of healthy skin such as hyaluronan for skin hydration. It also helps in the production of elastin to keep the skin supple and collagen for skin strength. To achieve glowing skin, you can also utilize Ashwagandha as a toner with dried ginger and lemon.
A recent study suggested that Ashwagandha contains antioxidant and cytoprotective properties. These properties can help recipients in preventing cataract disease.
Ashwagandha is used in making shampoos. It is believed to improve scalp circulation and strengthen hair. It can also help to get rid of dandruff. It also appears to stimulate the production of melanin, it is the pigment that is responsible for the color of your hair. Hence, it may help people to reverse graying of hair. It also helps people to deal with hair loss.
In what forms is Ashwagandha found?
This herb is normally available in dried root or powder form. Ashwagandha root powder is used widely due to ease of availability and usage.
How to use Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha is traditionally available in powder forms. The normal use is as a powder, mixed with warm milk and honey. This concoction can be taken before bed. This Ashwagandha root powder mixture can help in improving sleep patterns, reproductive system, and strength. You can also consume the powder directly once or twice on a daily basis. It can also be taken with ghee(clarified butter) and honey for overall nourishment and rejuvenation. This powder can also be consumed with sugar. You can also choose Ashwagandha tea. For this, boil the powder in water for 10 minutes and then drink the water. Always make sure that the powder has been purchased from a trusted and high-quality source.
Ashwagandha root powder has been gaining a lot of attention in the medical world owing to its beneficial properties. By choosing this herb you are taking the first step towards a healthy and active life. Choose this natural supplement and experience the diverse benefits of Ayurvedic medicine!