Ashwagandha also known as Indian ginseng, is an Ayurvedic herb commonly used in traditional Indian medicine. Ashwagandha, the magical herb, is considered to be a nature’s gift to mankind. For centuries, Ayurvedic medicine has used it to treat people for their day to day woes such as stress, anxiety, exhaustion, lack of sleep et al. And with an abundance of antioxidants, iron and amino acids, it’s no surprise that Ashwagandha is one of the most powerful herbs in Ayurvedic healing. It is classified as a rasayana i.e. rejuvenation in Ayurveda and expected to promote physical and mental health, restore the body and increase longevity. It has been glorified over time for its dual capacity to energise and calm simultaneously.
Benefits and Healing Effects
Ashwagandha contains many useful medicinal chemicals, including withanolides (steroidal lactones), alkaloids, choline, fatty acids, amino acids, and a variety of sugars. While the leaves and fruit have valuable therapeutic properties, the root of the Ashwagandha plant is the part most commonly used in Western herbal remedies.
Medical researchers have been studying Ashwagandha for years with great interest and have completed more than 200 studies on the healing benefits of this botanical. Some key examples of the healing effects of Ashwagandha are:
- Protects the immune system
- Helps combat the negative effects of stress
- Improves learning, memory, and reaction time
- Reduces anxiety and depression without causing drowsiness
- Helps reduce brain-cell degeneration
- Stabilizes blood sugar
- Helps lower cholesterol
- Offers anti-inflammatory benefits
- Enhances sexual potency for both men and women
- Increases testosterone levels hence a very popular supplement in the gymnasium for men.
How Can Ashwagandha be Taken?
Ashwagandha root is available in the market either in powdered form, dried form, or fresh root form. You can make a tea of Ashwagandha by boiling the powder in water for 10 minutes. Use just under a teaspoon of the powder in one cup of water. You could also take Ashwagandha root powder, along with a glass of hot milk before going to sleep.