What is Ashwagandha?

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• Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a short woody shrub belonging to the Solanaceae family.
• It’s native to the Indian subcontinent but is also found in the Middle East and North Africa.
• The plant bears small flowers and berry like fruits. The flowers have a central yellow section and light green petals that look like mini leaves. The seeds are small in size, have a berry like appearance and are less than 1 cm in diameter. The roots have a long and thick structure, similar to the shape of a carrot.
• Ashwagandha is a central component in Ayurveda. It has been used for more than 3,000 years in Ayurveda, the oldest medicinal practice in the world.
• The name ‘Ashwagandha’ comes from the Sanskrit language. It is the combination of the word ‘ashva’ meaning horse and ‘gandha’ that means smell. It is believed that Ashwagandha gives the strength and vitality of a horse. It is described as ‘Indian ginseng’ in Unaani and Ayurvedic medicine. It is also used in African medicine for a variety of ailments.

Ashwagandha for Health Benefits:

 There are a litany of health benefits from ashwagandha.

1. Immunity System

While this short and stout plant has a plethora of benefits, the most widely recognized benefit of ashwagandha is its ability to boost the immune system. Several studies have revealed that it increases the production of white blood cells in the body. Thus, it helps to ward off diseases and illness. It’s the best herbal medicine to help rebuild the internal system after illness.

2. As An Aphrodisiac

Ashwagandha is prescribed by Ayurvedic practitioners to treat concerns related to sexuality and infertility. It restores male libido, cures impotence and increases the sperm count in men. It is widely used in Southern Asia as sexuality enhancing tonic. It also improves the overall health and stamina, leading to better sexual performance. Further, the herb calms the mind to elevate a person’s mood, increasing sexual desire and performance.

3. Adaptogen

Ashwagandha is used as an adaptogen to help the body in coping with stress and changing situations. This non-toxic herb works on a nonspecific basis to normalize psychological function, working on the neuroendocrine system and the HPA axis.

4. Treats Insomnia

Ashwagandha is very effective in treating insomnia. It’s rejuvenating and nervine properties produce energy which helps the body in getting a sound sleep. It rejuvenates the nervous system, eases stress and erases insomnia.

5. Heart Health

Ashwagandha boosts cardiac health and reduces the risk of malfunctioning of the heart caused by several factors. It improves blood circulation in the heart, thus, preventing blood clotting. It stabilizes blood sugar and controls the cholesterol. It also helps to maintain blood pressure levels in the body.

6. Stress Reliever

Ashwagandha has remarkable stress-relieving properties. Pre-mature ageing associated with chronic nervous tensions may lead to increased production of oxidative stress. This oxidative stress is abolished successfully by the potent antioxidants present in ashwagandha. The stress relieving properties of ashwagandha are comparable to the medicines used to treat depression and anxiety. It is also used in tranquilizers and antidepressants drugs.

7. Nervous System

Ashwagandha protects the brain cells from the deleterious effects of the environment. It is a promising alternative treatment for a variety of mental degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Ashwagandha supports significant regeneration of axons and dendrites of the nerve cells. Its extracts support the reconstruction of synapses, the junction where nerve cells communicate with other cells. This makes ashwagandha a potential healer for nervous degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. It also promotes the growth of both normal and damaged nerve cells.

8. Anxiety

A 2012 study concluded that ashwagandha can successfully reduce symptoms of anxiety and neurosis in patients. It acts like GABA to reduce anxiety and panic attacks.

9. Antioxidants

Ashwagandha contains compounds which possess strong antioxidant properties. It destroys free radicals in the body which pose one of the major reasons for several diseases in the body. This helps prevent the growth of tumors and other debilitating diseases in the body.

10. Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Ashwagandha possesses significant anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it very beneficial for treating osteoporosis. It eases the pain and disability associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Ashwagandha oil, when applied to the areas affected by rheumatic inflammation, can provide quick relief.

11. Cancer

Recent evidence suggests that ashwagandha has the potential to inhibit cancer cells. Ashwagandha extract disrupts the cancer cells ability to reproduce – a key step in fighting cancer. It also possesses anti-antigenic properties which prevents the cancer from forming new blood vessels to support its unbridled growth. It also normalizes the immune suppressing effects of chemotherapy.

12. Infections

The roots of ashwagandha have antibacterial and antifungal properties which are beneficial for warding off infection. Extracts of ashwagandha can relieve pain and secretion in women caused due to vaginal infections. It also helps to cure uterine infections and inflammation.

13. Blood Sugar Levels

Ashwagandha helps to regulate blood sugar levels which aids in suppressing sugar cravings. This makes it very beneficial in treating type 2 diabetes.

14. Food Poisoning

The anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties of ashwagandha protect against potentially dangerous bacteria called salmonella, an organism associated with food poisoning.

15. Strength and Vigor

Ashwagandha restores strength and vigor in those lacking in dynamism and energy. It stimulates the immune system and promotes the healthy functioning of the organism. It is extremely useful for patients suffering from rheumatic fever or tuberculosis.