Health Benefits of Ashwagandha
(WITHANIA SOMNIFERA)
Ashwagandha is a Sanskrit word, and the binomial name given to ashwagandha is “Withania sominifera (WS)” which means “odor of the horse”. It is believed that whoever consumes this herb will gain horse-like strength and vitality. It is an incredibly healthy medicinal herb. Ayurveda has been using ashwagandha for around 3,000 years and being an adaptogen, ashwagandha helps us to better handle stress, and it can also lower down your blood sugar levels, balances cholesterol level and help fight symptoms of anxiety and depression. As a broad-spectrum remedy in India for centuries, Ashwagandha is mentioned as the “Queen of Ayurveda”.
Health benefits of ashwagandha
- Stress Buster and supports energy levels: The modern society is suffering from chronic stress and ashwagandha is one such herbal blessing to those battling with stress. Ashwagandha is known to reduce the high level of cortisol, ‘the stress hormone’. It possesses anti-stress properties and it had been administered to induce a soothing and calming effect on a person. As an adaptogen, it supports the health of the adrenal glands, prevent fatigue and enhancing energy levels. Ashwagandha is associated with the increase in serum T4 (thyroxin), which helps to enhance thyroid function, promoting energy levels, and improving mood and immune function.
- Improves Brain function and enhances memory:Ashwagandha promotes antioxidant activity that protects nerve cells from harmful free radicals. It reduces brain function problems and enhances memory caused by injury or disease. The active constituent of ashwagandha crosses the blood-barrier and acts as a therapeutic agent for a stress-induced neurological disorder. It improves brain function, memory, reaction times and has the ability to perform tasks.
- Ashwagandha for skin:The herb is packed with the goodness of antioxidants and fights with the damaging free radicals produced through harmful UV rays from the sun. You can get rid of dark spots, wrinkles, aging, etc.
- Ashwagandha for hair:Ayurveda suggests using ashwagandha to treat hair or scalp ailments. Its ability to improve blood circulation to the scalp which helps your hair follicles gets more nutrients, resulting in stronger and thicker hair. It also brings down the cortisol level by reducing the impact of stress on your body and thereby reducing hair fall and breakage. Ashwagandha boosts the production of hair melanin that gives your hair its natural color.
- Supports a healthy immune system
- Calms mental processes
- Fosters healthy sleep patterns
- Benefits a healthy reproductive system in both males and females
- Supports sustained energy levels, strength, and vitality, including physical activity
- Supports a healthy back and joints
- Promotes thyroid health
- Promotes healthy functioning of the adrenals
- In Ayurveda, Ashwagandha is referred to as balya, which means giving strength in conditions like general debility. It is known to improve energy,
- increase stamina and endurance
- The rejuvenating properties of Ashwagandha make it very effective in treating insomnia. It calms the nervous system, eases stress and gets rid of sleeplessness. Traditionally, it is used as a powder mixed with honey and warm milk for calming vata and regulating your sleep and wake cycles. You can also have a cup of hot milk mixed with 1 teaspoon of powdered Ashwagandha before bedtime.
- Rejuvenation and longevity:Ashwagandha is just what you need to consume when stressed. This herb has natural properties to calm you down and boost your stamina. It also restores balance in your body. This is why the herb is called rayasana in the Ayurveda tradition, which translates to a ‘herb that rejuvenates.’ It also powerfully stimulates the immune system, increases disease-fighting white blood cell production and elevates levels of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, two of the most powerful antioxidants and health-promoting substances known to man, which also have a lot to do with the herb’s longevity properties.
Source : SKM Siddha