Ashwagandha, one of India’s popular ayurvedic medicine, is also known as Indian Winter cherry or Indian Ginseng. It is found in India, Africa, and parts of the Middle East. This is a quite popular medicine these days it does wonder in improving mental health. It contains chemicals that reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and overall calm the brain.
The word “ashwagandha” has a deep meaning. Ashwa is a Sanskrit word, that means horse, and Gandha means smell. So ashwagandha refers to the “smell of the horse.” Ashwagandha is part of a class of plants called adaptogens. Ashwagandha is a traditional medicine that can ingest as teas, powders, supplements, or in its raw form.
We will discuss the following questions that must have been put in your mind. What are the benefits of ashwagandha? Are there any side effects? What precautions should we take care before consuming it and many more? Read on.
14 Health Benefits of Ashwagandha
Maintains healthy heart
Ashwagandha keeps the heart healthy. It increases the VO₂ max level, which is an indicator of a healthy heart. VO₂ max is the maximum (max) rate (V) of oxygen (O₂) your body is able to use during exercise.
Ashwagandha is also used in treating high cholesterol, high blood pressure, chest pain, and various other heart diseases. So, including Ashwagandha in a regular diet is good for the heart.
Relieves stress and anxiety
Ashwagandha is best known for its stress-relieving properties. It helps the body to fight symptoms of anxiety and depression. It helps calm the brain and boost function. Not just Ashwagandha, there are many more foods that help in fighting stress and anxiety. Here is the list of stress beating superfoods.
Prevents cancer
Ashwagandha contains a withaferin compound that induces apoptosis. It is the programmed death of cancer cells. Ashwagandha treats various types of cancer like breast, ovarian, colon, brain, and lung cancer. It prevents the spread of cancer to other organs and prevents the growth of new cancer cells.
Reduces blood sugar
It reduces blood sugar levels. It helps in treating diabetes. The extracts of Ashwagandha stimulate the secretion of insulin sensitivity and insulin production.
Helps in weight loss
Take one teaspoon of ashwagandha powder daily in your diet and see the magic. Properties of ashwagandha help you in reducing and maintaining your weight. Read more food items that help in fast weight loss.
Boosts focus & memory
Ashwagandha reduces oxidative stress. It improves cognition and memory. Taking ashwagandha as a supplement will improve brain functionality.
Aids better sleep
Ashwagandha cures insomnia. Take it with a cup of milk before bedtime for quality sleep. There is a compound present in the leaves, trimethylene glycol, which helps in sound sleep.
Reduces inflammation
Ashwagandha reduces inflammation and helps in keeping the balance in the body. Its anti-inflammatory properties protect the body from infections and trigger the production of immune cells. Ashwagandha helps in building immunity. Discover more Ayurveda herbs that help in building immunity naturally.
Increases muscle mass & strength
Ashwagandha helps in increasing stamina and building muscle mass. If you are doing intense exercise, then it is recommended to take it as a supplement as it increases strength.
Benefits of Ashwagandha for skin & hair
Reduces hair fall
Ashwagandha is a boon for hair. It contains Tyrosine, an amino acid that stimulates the production of melanin in the hair. It keeps the scalp healthy and reduces hair fall. It stimulates the production of sebum which improves the growth of hair.
Helps in glowing skin
Ashwagandha cleans the skin deeply and soothes the skin. Ashwagandha boosts DHEA, which fights signs of aging. It heals the skin and diminishes dark spots, blemishes, and wrinkles.
Prevents & heals acne
Ashwagandha has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. So, if you are acne-prone, then try Ashwagandha’s face pack. It heals acne and reduces blackheads and scars. It boosts collagen production in the skin.
Fertility Benefits of Ashwagandha for Men & Women
Boosts fertility & testosterone in men
Along with women, it is also beneficiary for men’s reproductive health. It increases the testosterone level in men and improves sperm quality. As per a study, ashwagandha treatment significantly increased sperm concentration, semen volume, and sperm motility in men with low sperm count.
Improves sexual function in women
It can help women who are experiencing sexual dysfunction. If you take Ashwagandha on a regular basis, it results in improvements in achieving orgasm, satisfaction, and sexual arousal.
What are the Side Effects of Ashwagandha?
- Consult with your doctor first before taking ashwagandha because if you are undergoing any other medications, it may enhance or weaken their effects.
- Do not take ashwagandha if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. It is maybe unsafe at that period.
- If you are allergic to nightshades or grass, you will not be able to tolerate the ashwagandha.
- The other side effects may be vomiting, miscarriages, sedation, diarrhea or upset stomach.
How to Take Ashwagandha
It is available in the market in form of powder, tablets, and capsules. But only after talking to your doctor, you can take the prescribed capsule or tablet or add the prescribed quantity of powder to your tea, or milk or sprinkle it on salads, or smoothies.
Disclaimer: The information on this site is provided solely for educational reasons and is not intended to replace the medical treatment provided by a healthcare professional. Because each person’s needs are different, the reader should check with their doctor to see if the material is appropriate for them.