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.
Left over wheat grass powder was sleeping in my shelf for a month.
When I was thinking how to use it up, I found this DIY Face pack remedy.
Stories apart, here are the simple ingredients I used for the face
pack.
