What is Ashwagandha?
One of the foods of ancient Indian medicine, Ashwagandha is best known as "Indian Winter cherry" or "Indian Ginseng". You may have heard of Ashwagandha churna, a fine powder that can be mixed with water, ghee, or honey. This powder is very popular for its healing effects, which we will discuss in the next section of this article.
Before that, let’s understand a little bit about what makes Ashwagandha so special by reviewing five interesting facts about it.
Ashwagandha is a evergreen tree that grows in India, the Middle East, and parts of Africa. Every single part of a shrub is a great help in one way or another.
The name Ashwagandha is derived from the Sanskrit words "Ashwa", meaning horse and "Gandha", meaning fragrance. An Ayurvedic Scholar Charaka (100 BC) is quoted as saying - ‘A person gets a long life, regains youth, acquires a sharp memory and understanding and is free from disease, a bright complexion, and the power of a horse.’
According to Indian tradition, Ashwagandha is considered Rasayana, meaning that it helps to prolong life.
Modern medicine classifies ashwagandha as an adaptogen, which means it helps the body adapt to stress. The remedy is best known for its rejuvenating and therapeutic properties.
Ayurveda also classifies medicine as Bhalya - something that enhances energy and Vajikara - something that promotes healthy sexual performance.
These simple facts about Ashwagandha highlight why Ayurveda is recommended. In the next section let's look at how the various parts of this plant are used as medicine.
How is Ashwagandha used as a medicine?
We have mentioned how much of the entire Ashwagandha shrub is of great benefit. So, let’s start with the well-known use of Ashwagandha as churna. Did you know that this famous Ashwagandha churna (also used as a paste in combination with water, ghee or honey) is prepared from the roots of a shrub?
The list of benefits of this powder is endless. The most common use of powder is to relieve conditions such as leucoderma, constipation, insomnia, rheumatism, mood disorders, goitre etc. The prepared paste from the powder is also used on the joints to obtain relief from inflammation and pain.
Although there are many varieties of Ashwagandha, Nagori Ashwagandha is the highest of all Ashwagandha species. For maximum benefits, only fresh ashwagandha powder should be used.
Other parts of the shrub are also very useful.
For example, Ashwagandha leaves, although bitter in taste, are rich in iron and can be eaten as a herbal tea. They help reduce conditions such as anemia and blood loss due to difficult times. Herbal tea prepared from Ashwagandha leaves also serves as a powerful tonic and relieves fever and painful inflammation.
The flowers are astringent, depurative, diuretic and aphrodisiac. The seeds are anthelmintic (helps eliminate insect worms) and are mixed with astringent salt and rock to remove white spots on the cornea. Ashwagandharishta (Ashwagandha health tonic) prepared from its seeds is used to treat hysteria, anxiety, memory loss, syncope, etc.
Isn't it wonderful to know how useful a single shrub can be. Let's take a quick look at the science behind this to get a better idea.
What exactly makes ashwagandha so beneficial?
Ashwagandha's essential chemical ingredients provide you with its unique healing properties. It works like this - All plants have many special things called phytochemicals. In simple terms, because plants cannot move around, these phytochemicals are there to perform certain functions. Some phytochemicals act as antibodies, responding to an invading immune system. Some are there to prevent insects from eating them as the plant will not be able to defend itself. Some phytochemicals help the plant to grow faster and stronger.
When used, these chemicals can interact with those that open the way for our bodies and can have a profound effect on our bodies. What makes ashwagandha so special is that it contains a lot of these phytochemicals, which makes it very useful and positively affects various systems in our bodies.
Now, let’s take a look at the many health benefits of Ashwagandha. We will also talk about how you can use Ashwagandha to treat certain conditions. Let's get started.
Ashwagandha health benefits
Asthma is a respiratory illness that can cause shortness of breath, cough, chest tightness and chest tightness. If you suffer from asthma, Ashwagandha can be a natural remedy for your condition. There may be many factors that can cause asthma such as dust, pollen, stress, anxiety, environmental pollution, etc. Various ayurvedic texts have mentioned various treatments for asthma in children and adults. It involves the use of ayurvedic herbs and herbs and major changes in lifestyle. Ashwagandha roots when eaten regularly, reduce stress which helps with respiratory diseases like these.
11. Treating ulcers
Various studies suggest that ashwagandha may be a natural remedy for ulcers. Gastric or peptic ulcer: It is an ulcer that can develop from damage to the lining of the stomach. Depression — both mental and physical, can also increase the risk of ulcers. Ashwagandha can not only cure but also reduce the risk of ulcers. Studies also show that Ashwagandha alone, or in combination with other herbs can reduce stomach acid levels in the stomach, thus preventing the formation of painful ulcers.
12. Increased strength
In our fast-paced modern life, it is only natural to feel a bit tired and weary. An unhealthy lifestyle and diet can reduce your energy level and make you feel tired. If you have trouble coping with your daily activities or feel powerless, ashwagandha should be your go-to solution. Ashwagandha enables the body to store and retain vital energy throughout the day to promote sound sleep and peace at night. It also enhances your ability to exercise and work.
13. Treatment of Vitiligo
Vitiligo is a disease that causes the loss of skin color in blotches. It occurs when cells produce pigment that dies or stops working. Treatment can help reduce symptoms, but this condition cannot be completely cured. Ashwagandha can reduce this condition to a great extent if eaten regularly.
14. Fighting diabetes
Fighting diabetes is difficult as you need to change your lifestyle and add new medications to your daily routine. The most serious part of it is the side effects of all the pills you take. However, Ayurvedic medicine should be treated without leaving any side effects. They are known to cure the disease completely and give you a healthy body and mind.
In the case of diabetes control, Ashwagandha works by regulating the body's insulin production. It stimulates insulin secretion in the blood by promoting lower blood sugar. This ensures that less harmful sugar is stored in your body. Therefore, blood sugar levels remain low when using Ashwagandha extract for a significant amount of time. Ashwagandha can also affect the body's overall metabolism to enable better removal of waste and for life. It has been found to be most effective in people with Type 2 diabetes.
15. Improve thyroid health
The thyroid gland is the organ at the back of your neck. Before talking about how ashwagandha can treat the thyroid, it is important to understand the different types of thyroid disorders. Hypothyroidism is a thyroid disease characterized by low levels of thyroid hormone, and in contrast, hyperthyroidism is linked to high levels.
By increasing T3 and T4 levels in the thyroid, Ashwagandha may play a role in controlling hypothyroidism but worsening the symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Therefore, it is recommended that you consult your doctor before taking ashwagandha to treat thyroid-related disorders.
16. Helps to lose weight
Are you always worried about gaining weight? Ashwagandha can help you lose and maintain your weight. While ashwagandha is also available in capsule form, it is advisable to use it in powder form made from dried ashwagandha leaves.
You can mix one teaspoon of ashwagandha powder in a glass of milk and add honey to it. You can also add cardamom to improve taste, increase metabolism and promote better digestion.
This list covers some of the known benefits of adding Ashwagandha to your diet and to your daily makeup. While we have talked about many benefits, this list is not exhaustive. Next, let's talk briefly about how Ashwagandha benefits your hair, skin and why it is useful for both men and women.
Ashwagandha Hair Benefits:
Ashwagandha has strong anti-inflammatory properties, which help keep the scalp healthy. Ashwagandha powder is a rich source of flavonoids which also contain fatty acids, glucose, potassium, tannins, and nitrate. Tyrosine, an amino acid present in Ashwagandha stimulates the production of melanin and prevents the loss of melanin in the hair.
Postpartum hair loss has also been reported and is often used in shampoos to help improve scalp circulation and strengthen hair. Promoting sebum production promotes healthy hair growth by stimulating DHEA.
There are various ways to use ashwagandha to benefit your hair. This includes the following -
Drinking - Ashwagandha can be taken orally through additives or as a refreshing tea.
Applying - Another way to use it is to apply directly to the hair follicles and hair. Create a powder paste with warm water and apply the magic potion directly on your skin and hair. Simply apply the attachment to the parted hair and massage the hair and scalp with your hands. Cover your scalp with plastic paint and towel for 30-45 minutes before washing thoroughly and styling as usual.
Adding - Just adding powder or drops of oil to your shampoo will help you reduce irritated or burning scalp while improving blood circulation to the skin which helps in healthy hair growth.
Benefits of Ashwagandha skin
Ashwagandha is a high-quality food that promises beautiful, glowing skin and healthy nails. Ashwagandha has high levels of antioxidants that fight aging symptoms such as wrinkles, dark spots, fine lines and features. It also contains alkaloids that work in the nervous system to reduce anxiety and stress, which directly affect the health of our skin and hair.
How does Ashwagandha work -
Soothing: Ashwagandha softens and protects dry, rough skin.
Vomits: Chemicals called anti -ides help to clean up dirt and grime, which can prevent pores and acne.
Healing: An aqueous mixture of ashwagandha can be used as a cream to treat cuts, abrasions, and skin infections.
Prevents aging: Ashwagandha increases DHEA, which precedes both testosterone and estrogen. It promotes the production of essential proteins for healthy skin hydration. DHEA and estrogen help keep skin young by rejuvenating collagen generation and increasing natural skin fat. It also lowers cortisol levels and prevents stress from aging the skin.
For healthy and light skin, mix 2 teaspoons of Ashwagandha powder with 1 teaspoon of dried ginger and one teaspoon of dried lemon peel. Boil the mixture together in 1 cup of water and add the mixture when it has cooled slightly. So when you have it- the secret of healthy skin under your nose.
Another way to reap the benefits of Ashwagandha with your skin is to use a facial pack with Ashwagandha powder. You can use the Kama Ayurveda package of Nimrah Anti-Acne to treat acne and blackheads, reduce scars, improve skin tone and correct inflammation.
Benefits of Ashwagandha Men's
Traditionally, Ashwagandha has been used to treat male diseases. Its ability to promote and regulate testosterone production in the body is one of the most important benefits of male ashwagandha.
Maintaining healthy testosterone levels is important for men's health. It can even help with terrible Andropause, or "mid-life crisis". For men who suffer from sperm count and mobility, Ashwagandha has been shown to improve and maintain male fertility rates.
In a recent study of men with low sperm counts, Andanolides found in ashwagandha improved sperm count by about 167%. In addition, they also observed improvements in sperm quality and antioxidant levels.
We just learned about the ashwagandha's ability to reduce stress levels.
Not surprisingly, in a study of men between the ages of 22 and 45, this remedy was helpful in almost all cases of stress-related infertility. It even helped some of the participants get pregnant successfully with their partners. Although it has not been shown to be a 100% cure for male infertility, the results of these studies are promising.
As always, consult a doctor first if you are considering using ashwagandha to improve fertility. Finding the root cause will help you decide which treatment is best for you.
Some studies have shown that Withaferin-A, found in the leaves of ashwagandha, can help treat prostate cancer. Inhibition of greater growth in cancer cells was found in patients who used ashwagandha more than those who did not. It cannot be seen as a cure, but in combination with medical care and the support of cancer specialists, ashwagandha can help improve recovery rates.
Benefits of Ashwagandha for women
Stress plays a key role in regulating sensitive reproductive hormones that affect fertility, libido, and healthy menstruation. As mentioned above, Ashwagandha's role in reducing stress is closely linked to the support and strengthening of women's reproductive health.
Ashwagandha improves communication within the endocrine system - strengthening the adrenal glands, lowering cortisol, and increasing blood production. Increased blood flow and regulated hormones have a positive effect on libido and menstrual health and can help improve fertility.
It also prevents the problems associated with menopause: During menopause, your body experiences hormonal imbalances, which can cause high fever, anxiety, depression, sleep problems, etc. It works on the endocrine system, thereby reducing these symptoms. If you are approaching the end of your period, you should start using this remedy regularly.
It helps to improve your sexual capacity: Another reason why Ashwagandha is called the magic pot is that it frees you from stress, improves your mood, and increases blood flow, thus acting as a sexual stimulant. The sexual benefits of this remedy are explained in Kamasutra, an ancient document on human sexuality. The benefits are also evidenced by various studies.
Benefits of Ashwagandha for Children
Having seen the many benefits of this magical remedy, it is not surprising that Ashwagandha can be of great benefit to children and adolescents. As ashwagandha is an immunomodulator, boosting the immune system is one of Ashwagandha's favorite things for children and adults alike.
Studies show that it does this by increasing the levels of white blood cells and platelets in the body. It also assists the body in the production of antibodies, thereby enhancing the response to a Studies show that it does this by increasing the levels of white blood cells and platelets in the body. It also assists the body in the production of antibodies, thus improving its response to the health threat. For this reason, in India, children were exposed to the well-known Ayurvedic tonic known as Chawanprash. Ashwagandha is one of the many ingredients used to prepare it.
Ashwagandha is also helpful in helping children develop sharp memory and strong retention powers as they grow older. Many years ago, Ayurvedic experts discovered that Ashwagandha is an excellent memory enhancer. Improves the child's ability to understand and store information.
Ashwagandha can be used to restore the energy and stamina needed by children by increasing their appetite and providing food, reducing stress and building a stronger mind.
Benefits of Ashwagandha powder when consumed with milk
According to Ayurveda, it is best to use Ashwagandha with milk. Why?
In Ayurveda, Anupama (car) is the treatment system. It is a car that serves vegetable action. It forms an important part of Ayurvedic medicine. The herb or oushadhi works best when given in a suitable vehicle after considering the patient's stage and strength and definitely the disease.
According to the Ayurvedic text, Charaka Samhita, milk is good for the mind and body. It tastes good and has a cool energy and a good digestive effect. Its overall effect is pleasing to the mind and body.
Ayurveda considers milk as the leading vehicle (Anupama) of seven body systems. Milk is best for blood, bone, plasma and the reproductive system.
According to Ayurveda, milk has different effects on the body depending on when you eat it during the day. Milk eaten in the morning increases energy, body weight and appetite. Milk taken in the afternoon increases appetite and may also help to reduce the size of kidney stones. Milk taken at night relieves various pains and pains.
Ashwagandha and milk have similar properties, both are considered stimulants and are therefore a good combination. Taking ashwagandha with milk can give very strong results in cases of starvation and tuberculosis. It helps to gain muscle strength, manage weight and prevent malnutrition.
Scholar Sushruta has also shown that Ashwagandha works with milk and acts as a clyster that cures medicine for Vata problems and unexplained bleeding.
How to prepare Ashwagandha with milk?
Put 4 cups of milk and 10 grams of ashwagandha powder in a pan. Boil the mixture until its appearance turns a thick paste. Then take it out of the fire. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes. You can add 1 tsp of sugar to this. This ashwagandha milk recipe is helpful when eaten on an empty stomach as the empty stomach condition provides better absorption of the active ingredients of ashwagandha. Just make sure you are not lactose intolerant or milk does not lead to acid in the empty stomach.
Dosage and how to eat Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha root powder can usually be used in daily doses of 120 mg to 2g in combination with other preparations. However, it is recommended that you consult your doctor before starting this treatment. Pregnant and lactating women are advised not to consume Ashwagandha as abortions have been reported with ashwagandha.
Reducing Stress and Anxiety: Most benefits are linked to doses of 500-600 mg per day taken for at least one month.
Lowering blood sugar levels: Ashwagandha can help lower blood sugar levels. The benefits seem to start at doses of at least 250 mg per day.
Increasing Reproduction: Five grams of ashwagandha per day can increase fertility in men in three to three months.
Improving Muscle and Strength Growth: Daily doses of 500 mg of ashwagandha can provide an increase in muscle mass and strength in eight weeks. While most studies are focused on men, other studies show that women can benefit from the same benefits.
Reducing Inflammation and Helping to Fight Infection: Supplements containing at least 250 mg of ashwagandha or 12 ml of ashwagandha extract offer many benefits.
Memory Enhancement: Using 500-600 mg of ashwagandha root extract per day can enhance various aspects of memory.
Security note:
Although Ashwagandha is considered safe to use, still, pregnant or breastfeeding women, as well as people with diseases, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and type 1 diabetes, may need to avoid it.
Ashwagandha can also interact with thyroid, blood sugar and blood pressure medications.
People taking these medications should consult their doctor before prescribing medication.
Side effects of Ashwagandha:
Ashwagandha is considered to be well tolerated in small to medium amounts. However, there were not enough long-term studies to evaluate the possible side effects.
Pregnant women should avoid using ashwagandha as it can cause premature delivery. Although ashwagandha supplements are usually well tolerated when taken for a short time in standard doses, mild to moderate side effects such as headaches, drowsiness, and stomach upset have been reported. Frequently, reports of allergies and rapid heartbeat have been reported.
However, be aware that ashwagandha can lower blood pressure and blood sugar, and increase thyroid hormone levels.
The conclusion
I hope this article has provided you with useful information on the benefits and uses of the magic remedy - Ashwagandha. You can start using Ashwagandha topically as an oil or face pack to get all of its benefits on your skin. However, remember to consult a doctor before taking this ancient ayurvedic medicine. Keep in mind the safety note and side effects as well.
