Ashwagandha has been used in the treatment of many diseases for many centuries, Ayurvedic herbal medicines have been used to treat various ailments for stress, anxiety, insomnia, depression, arthritis, digestive conditions, etc. Ashwagandha has a large number of antioxidants, amino acids, and alkaloids. Ashwagandha is known as a king in Ayurvedic herbs.

What is Ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha is an important herb used in Ayurveda for many centuries. Ashwagandha means the smell of a horse. Therefore, it is said that regular intake of this herb will give you horse-like strength.

This plant grows as a small shrub and is found in India, the Middle East, and North Africa. Ashwagandha is considered a chemical in Ayurveda. Because it is capable of improving people’s physical and mental health, restoring body balance, and prolonging their lifespan.

This herb is an effective nerve tonic and is mainly consumed to reduce anxiety and stress levels in individuals.

The roots and fruits of the Ashwagandha plant are most beneficial. The roots are usually ground into a powder, which is eaten with water, honey, or ghee.

Benefits of Ashwagandha

Acts as an adaptogen.

Adaptogen (in herbal medicine) is a natural substance believed to help the body adapt to stress. Which meets the needs of your body and balances various factors like immunity, hormones, or stress levels in your body. Therefore, it can increase or decrease the level of any factor in the body and balance it. It acts as a balancer. So it stimulates or calms your system, depending on your requirement if necessary. The major chemical components present in Ashwagandha are withanolides which are mainly used for the adaptogenic or anti-stress activity of Ashwagandha. Which increases your stamina and your thinking ability.

Ashwagandha for Reduces anxiety and stress levels

Stress has become an important component of our daily lives and can act as a trigger for many physiological, neurological, and mental diseases. According to Ayurveda, ashwagandha balances the levels of cortisol in the body, which in turn can affect the harmful effects of stress eliminating and reducing anxiety. It is also a natural depressant and works wonders in improving your mood. Studies have shown that taking Ashwagandha does not strain the chemical signal in the brain of mice.

Investigations on some humans have shown that taking ashwagandha reduces stress and anxiety problems.

Ashwagandha for thyroid

The adrenal gland is attached to the thyroid gland in our body. Therefore, an increase in cortisol production indirectly affects the functioning of the thyroid gland. Ashwagandha has been shown to be effective in people suffering from hypothyroidism.

An 8-week independent trial was performed, where 50 people suffering from hypothyroidism were enrolled. People in the treatment group were fed 600 grams of ashwagandha root extract.

They showed significant increases in their T3 and T4 levels compared to the control group. In addition, a 17.5% decrease in TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) levels of these patients was also observed.

Increase immunity and reduce obesity

Ashwagandha has anti-bacterial properties that reduce inflammation of the body. It also makes the immune system strong, due to which there is no accumulation of excess fat in the body, and weight is controlled. If there is inflammation in the body, it also reduces because it has anti-bacterial properties.

Boosts testosterone levels in males

Ashwagandha extract is known to boost testosterone levels and improve the reproductive health of individuals.

A study investigated the effect of ashwagandha extract on infertile men of 75 years. Which gave very good results that Ashwagandha extract improved the motility and count of sperm in these patients.

These patients also showed increased levels of their testosterone hormones, in addition to an increase in antioxidants.

Increases the muscle mass

Many such elements are found in Ashwagandha which help in strengthening the muscles. Due to the increase in muscle mass, body fat is not stored, and weight is controlled.

In this study, 18 healthy male volunteers were given a slowly increasing dose of Ashwagandha extract capsules (between 750 mg/day to 1250 mg/day).

Due to this, there was an increase in the muscles and body strength of those men.

Improves the hormonal balance in women

During menstruation, women undergo depression, insomnia, and mood swings due to hormonal imbalance.

Ashwagandha is the best treatment to cure all these problems.

Although the root is the most common part that is used, even herb leaves and fruits are beneficial. The leaves are bitter and can be used to make Ashwagandha tea. Leaves are rich in iron and are especially beneficial in relieving conditions like anemia or anemia during menstrual periods.

It is an effective adaptogen and works on the body’s endocrine system. Thus, it normalizes hormone levels in the body and reduces all the discomfort associated with menstruation.

Improves Heart Health

Ashwagandha is good for heart health problems. It makes the heart muscle strong. Eating ashwagandha reduces the amount of cholesterol and triglyceride, which reduces the chances of heart disease.

Some animal studies have also shown that this herbal extract can reduce blood fat levels.

Anticancer properties

The use of ashwagandha is very effective in dangerous diseases like cancer. It has been reported in many types of research that ashwagandha prevents cancer cells from growing and does not allow new cells to form.

Ashwagandha For skin problem

Ashwagandha contains many anti-oxidizing molecules, which eliminate the free oxidation particles present in our body, which are usually responsible for wrinkles on the skin.

In addition, ashwagandha is a hormone balancer and normalizes estrogen and collagen levels, thus, giving your skin a glow.

In addition, it lowers the level of cortisol in the blood, which is responsible for increasing the level of stress in the body which creates wrinkles and dry skin.

You can use Ashwagandha extract as a toner to keep your skin healthy and glowing.

Mix the powder in 4-5 Ashwagandha capsules with rose water. Store it in an airtight bottle and spray your face with this toner to improve your skin tone.

Ashwagandha side effects

Ashwagandha is an ancient medicine that shows many benefits. Use Ashwagandha in a limited quantity. Excessive intake can not only cause vomiting but may also cause stomach upset. People with low blood pressure should not consume it.

Large doses of ashwagandha can cause stomach upset, diarrhea, and vomiting.

Use of Ashwagandha is somewhat correct when you are not sleeping, but regular intake of it may prove harmful to sleep.

• Shilajit: benefits,use and side effects