Ayurveda uses Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extensively, Why?
Ayurveda is a traditional system of medicine from India that has been around for thousands of years. It focuses on balancing the body’s natural systems with herbs and lifestyle changes.
In this article, we share with you the top 8 health benefits of ashwagandha, a powerful medicinal plant used in ayurvedic traditional medicine.
Ashwagandha is a great adaptogenic herb for stress relief, energy, immunity, digestion, and even sexual performance. It’s also a very potent adaptogen, meaning it helps the body deal with stressful situations.
If you want to learn how to make yourself healthier, happier, and stronger, then read on.
Table of Contents
What is Ashwagandha?
Ahswagandha is a herb used in Ayurvedic medicine. It is also known as Indian ginseng, Indian winter cherry, and Swaraj berry. It is native to India and Sri Lanka. It grows wild in the Himalayas and other parts of Asia. It is believed to increase energy and stamina, boost immunity, and enhance sexual vigor.
Ashwagandha is an herb used for centuries in Ayurveda as a herbal medicine. It has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties and may help relieve stress and anxiety. Ashwagandha is available in capsule form, tea, tincture, and liquid extract.
It is commonly taken for chronic pain, inflammation, and stress.
Ashwagandha contains compounds called shogaols, which are believed to have antioxidant effects.
Shogaol is one of the most active components of the herb. Shogaols are known to inhibit enzymes involved in inflammatory reactions, such as cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase. They also appear to act directly on cells, reducing cell proliferation and increasing apoptosis (programmed cell death).
In addition, shogaols have been shown to affect serotonin receptors, which play a role in mood regulation.
Ashwaghanda is also thought to stimulate the immune system and may be helpful in treating autoimmune disorders.
Ashwaganda is often combined with turmeric, another herb that has been used for thousands of years to treat health conditions.
How Does Ashwagandha Work?
It works by increasing the levels of serotonin and dopamine in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood, sleep, and appetite. Dopamine is another neurotransmitter that regulates motivation, pleasure, and reward. By increasing the level of serotonin and dopamine, ashwagandha increases feelings of happiness and well being.
Health Benefits of Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is a herb that is used for its medicinal properties. It has been used as a medicine since ancient times. It helps to increase stamina, energy levels, memory power and also improves immunity system. This article contains all the health benefits of ashwagandha.
Healthy hair
It is very important to keep our hair healthy. Hair loss is a common problem faced by most of us. Ashwagandha helps to prevent hair fall and promotes growth of hair. It also prevents premature greying of hair.
Hair loss
This herb helps to prevent hair loss due to stress, hormonal imbalance or any other reason. It also helps to treat baldness and promote hair growth.
Skin care
It is known to reduce wrinkles and sagging skin. It also helps to remove blemishes and acne. It is also beneficial for those suffering from dry skin.
Weight loss
It is helpful to lose weight. It increases metabolism rate and burns fat faster than any other supplement available. It also reduces appetite and controls hunger pangs.
Immunity booster
It boosts immune system and fights against infections. It also strengthens body tissues and protects them from diseases.
Anti-aging
It slows down aging process and keeps you young forever. It also makes your skin look younger and glowing.
Relaxation
It relaxes your mind and relieves tension, thereby reducing anxiety in adults. It also helps to get rid of insomnia and improve sleep quality.
Enhanced Physical Performance
There were studies that proved improvement in testosterone production and enhanced physical performance. Is there a scientific basis for the use of Ashwaghandha herb as mentioned and used in traditional ayurvedic medicine?
One study found that taking ashwagandha at doses ranging from 120 mg to 1,250 mg per daily dose improved cognitive function in both men and women. The results suggest that the herb may improve physical performance, including strength, endurance, and oxygen use during exercise.
The ashwagandha treatment was associated with an increased level of DHEA-S (a sex hormone involved in testosterone synthesis). Those who took the herb also experienced a 14.7% increase in their testosterone levels compared to those who took the placebo.
Side Effects of Ashwaganda
Side effects of ashwagandha may include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation, increased appetite, weight gain, and sexual dysfunction.
Chemical Composition of Ashwaganda
It contains saponin glycosides, flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, and volatile oils. Saponin glycosides include sweroside, oleoside, and hederagenin. Flavonoids include quercetin, kaempferol, rutin, and myricitrin. Tannins include gallic acid, ellagic acid, catechin, epicatechin, and procyanidin B2. Alkaloids include swerine, swertiamarin, swertianolin, and swertisin. Volatile oil includes camphor, eucalyptol, linalool, and thymol.
Forms of Ashwagandha
There are many forms of ashwagandha available in the market. Some of these include:
- Ashwagandha root powder
- Ashwaghanda leaf powder
- Ashwaganda herb tea
- Ashwaganda capsules
- Ashwagana pills
Ashwagandha products are available over the counter without a prescription.
The easiest way is to have one pill of ashwagandha extract in the morning with water, you should consider other ways of consumption as outlined in Ayurveda. Although it is widely available, you should always talk to your doctor before taking any herbal supplement.
How to Use Ashwagandha? 9 Ways to Consume Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha Powder
Ashwagandha is an adaptogen that helps the body manage stress better. Its active compounds like withanolides and alkaloids help reduce cortisol levels. Ashwagandha also has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-boosting properties.
With Warm Water
Take 1 teaspoon of ashwaganda powder with warm water twice daily before meals. The warm water helps extract the active compounds from the root powder. Taking it on an empty stomach allows for faster absorption into the bloodstream.
With Milk
Hot Milk
Add 1⁄2 teaspoon of ashwagandha powder to hot milk and drink it every morning. The hot milk helps break down the cell walls of the root powder, releasing more of the medicinal compounds. It also makes for a soothing and relaxing drink first thing in the morning.
Regular Milk
Drink 3 cups of milk mixed with 1 teaspoon of powdered ashwagandha once daily. The fat molecules in the milk enhance the bioavailability of the active ingredients like withanolides. This allows them to be better absorbed by the body.
With Honey
Consume 1 tablespoon of honey mixed with 1 teaspoon of ashwagandha powder once daily. Honey helps mask the bitter taste of ashwagandha. The natural sugars in honey also aid in the absorption of the herbal compounds.
With Curd or Buttermilk
Consume 1 teaspoon of ashwagandha powder mixed with 1⁄4 cup of curd or buttermilk twice daily. The good bacteria and probiotics in curd/buttermilk boost the efficacy and absorption of ashwagandha. Curd is also cooling by nature and balances out the hot potency of ashwagandha.
Ashwagandha Paste
Topical Application
Make a paste of ashwagandhas and apply it directly to the affected area. When applied topically, the active compounds get absorbed through the skin to provide relief from joint pains and inflammation. The paste nourishing and can help treat skin conditions too.
Ashwagandha Combinations
With Ghee and Honey
Consume 1 tablespoon each of ghee (clarified butter) and honey mixed with 1 teaspoon ashwaganda three times daily. Ghee boosts absorption and honey masks bitterness. This combination provides a synergistic effect with enhanced efficacy.
With Black Pepper and Ginger
Consume 1 teaspoon each of ashwaganda and black pepper along with 1 teaspoon of ginger juice thrice daily. Black pepper contains piperine that helps inhibit the breakdown of the active compounds in ashwagandha, making them last longer in the body. Ginger adds an antioxidant boost and helps with the absorption.
In conclusion, Ashwagandha is a powerful herb from India that has been used for centuries to promote overall wellness. It’s especially useful for promoting energy levels, improving sleep quality, and reducing stress. In fact, studies show that taking Ashwagandha regularly can help reduce anxiety levels, depression, and insomnia.
While it’s true that Ashwaghandha won’t replace traditional Western medicine, it can certainly complement it. For example, if you suffer from chronic pain, Ashwagandhas anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve symptoms like muscle spasms and joint stiffness. It can also help improve digestion and boost immunity, which means that you’ll be less prone to colds and flu.
Source: (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)