Ayurveda means “the science of life” and was introduced in 1500BC. Ashwagandha is a key herb of Ayurveda that is multipurpose. Ashwagandha benefits can be seen all around the world. Before the discovery of chemicals, people used Ayurveda and its key herbs, which include turmeric, brahmi, ginger, and more. It is beneficial for the body from both inside and outside. It also has anti-inflammatory properties. Moreover, it is found in Asia, Africa and Europe. From roots to fruits, everything about Ashwagandha is useful for our body.
What is Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha, scientifically known as Withania somnifera, has been used for over 3,000 years. It is a useful herb in Ayurveda. Ayurvedic texts describe it as a “rasayana,” a tonic that promotes overall well-being. It is beneficial for health, skin, and hair. The roots and fruit of Ashwagandha are used to treat diseases. It promotes the health of the human body. It reduces stress and anxiety and enhances performance. Moreover, Ashwagandha is famous for its purpose.
Ashwagandha Benefits on Health
Ashwagandha is a multipurpose herbal medicine that is famous for its health benefits. It is beneficial for treating skin and hair and for overall health. Let’s see the benefits of Ashwagandha:
1. Reduces stress and anxiety
Ashwagandha helps reduce stress and anxiety by maintaining the production of cortisol, a stress hormone. Supplements containing Ashwagandha are beneficial for the body as they lower the stress level. They also improve mood and reduce the symptoms of anxiety. The adaptogenic properties help adapt to stress, making it less harmful to the body.
2. Improves brain health
Ashwagandha improves focus, memory, and attention. Older people should take supplements of it to enhance their memory power. Moreover, it also promotes relaxation and improves sleep quality by reducing stress and anxiety. It leads to an improved sleep cycle. Adding Ashwagandha to our supplements can be beneficial as it improves brain health.
3. Maintains heart health
Ashwagandha benefits include maintaining overall heart health. It maintains the body’s sugar level, lowers blood pressure, and maintains heart rate. Ashwagandha may help lower LDL cholesterol and raise HDL cholesterol. Moreover, it could improve heart health. Stress is one of the major risk factors for heart disease, so reducing stress levels benefits heart health.
4. Reduces Cancer Risks
Ashwagandha reduces the risk of cancer. It has an antioxidant property known as Withaferin, which helps block tumour growth. The herb extract of Ashwagandha is also beneficial for reducing cancer. Moreover, it reduces all types of cancer, such as cervical, breast, lung, thyroid, and more.
5. Increases Sperm Health
Ashwagandha improves health by increasing sperm count, motility, and testosterone levels. However, the effect may be modest, and individual results can vary. It also increases semen volume, sperm contractions and Luteinizing hormones.
6. Reduces dandruff
Ashwagandha reduces dandruff on the scalp. Malassezia globosa, a fungus, causes dandruff. So, it contains some properties that affect and reduce dandruff. By reducing dandruff, it strengthens the hair and improves its quality. It makes hair smooth, silky, and shiny. It also reduces hair loss.
7. Improves skin health
Ashwagandha has some anti-inflammatory properties. It contains compounds which helps in reducing inflammation. However, it contributes to treating skin conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis. It is rich in antioxidants that can protect skin cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Forms of Ashwagandha
There are many forms of Ashwagandha present in the market. It is present in the form of supplements such as:
1. Powder
The powder is made from the roots of Ashwagandha. It involves washing and drying the roots and leaves well. The powder can be mixed with water or milk and is digestible. Additionally, you can add honey to make it taste good. It can be rich in active compounds, commonly used for stress, anxiety, and sleep issues.
2. Capsule
The preserved powder of Ashwagandha can be taken in capsules. The dosage is pre-measured and easy to swallow. The extract offers consistent potency, suitable for those who dislike the taste.
3. Liquid Extract
The concentrated ashwagandha root extract is dissolved in alcohol or water. The measured dose can be taken with water or juice added. It is beneficial as it absorbs faster than powder or capsules and is more potent than other forms.
Side effects of Ashwagandha
The major side effects of Ashwagandha are as follows:
1. It harms pregnant, breastfeeding, thyroid patients and patients undergoing surgery.
2. Intake of large doses can cause vomiting, stomach upset, diarrhoea and more.
3. The packed Ashwagandha can contain harmful metals that cause damage to the liver, kidneys, immune system, reproductive system, and more.
Final Words
Ashwagandha, the key herb of Ayurveda, is useful for the body. Ashwagandha benefits in maintaining heart, hair loss, cancer risks, and sperm health. It is present in many forms, including powder, capsule, tincture, liquid, and more. Moreover, it has some side effects, so it is important to consider them.
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