Benefits of Ashwagandha Archives | Dr. Vikram Chauhan's Blog

Top 7 Health Benefits Of Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera)

Ashwagandha is very well known in the world of medicine. It is also called Withania Somnifera or Indian ginseng. This herb has been used for years in Ayurveda which is an ancient science of medicine, as well as Chinese medicine.

Withania Somnifera is a perennial shrub from the nightshade or Solanaceae family. The herbal root has been traditionally used as a tonic as well as a sedative but recent studies shows that the leaf extract contains a compound which is known as Withanolides which have been found to carry regenerative properties on brain-cell synapses in mice and in human cell lines.Withania Somnifera can easily be found in India (especially Madhya Pradesh), Bangla Desh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and in some parts of northern Africa.

Height: It can grow beyond 170 cm but is usually 30-60 cm.
Shape: It has a central stem and is a stout and upright shrub.
Branches: Star-shaped branching and all the branches are covered in fine hairs.
Leaves: Ovate and alternate, up to 5cm wide and up to 10cm long.
Flowers: Green outer-covering layer along with yellow petals on the inner side.
Fruit: Red berries enclosed in papery protective covering (calyx).
Roots: Long and fleshy tubers.

Ashwagandha has huge range of health benefits. It has immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-stress, sleep-inducing and anticonvulsant properties. The known biologically active components in Ashwagandha are alkaloids, saponins, iron steroidal lactones and choline. It also rich in fatty acids which are of 18 different types and several phytosterols and polyphenols.

The roots, berries and leaves of ashwagandha are being used from several years for medicinal purpose. Ashwagandha is also available in the powdered form or in the form of capsules.

1) Relieves Stress

According to a study which was carried out in 2012, it is proved that ashwagandha is highly beneficial in reducing stress and its side effects. People suffering from stress disorders who took ashwagandha had lower levels of stress hormones [cortisol].
Ashwagandha give wonderful results in both acute as well as chronic stress. It acts as a tonic and helps your body to adapt to stressful conditions and strengthens the nervous system as well as the adrenals. It refreshes the body as well as mind and also improves the quality of sleep. It is believed that it is doing wonders nowadays.

benefits-of-ashwagandha

2) Stimulates Brain Power

According to a study carried out in 2012, it is proved that ashwagandha is effective in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. There are several chemicals present in ashwagandha which help in improving the production of the main transmitter of neural signals i.e., acetylcholine. This in turn improves the cognitive abilities which includes concentration, thinking and memory.
It helps in stimulating the growth of parts of the neural cells which are already damaged due to some reasons and thus helps in reducing the risk of age-related mental illnesses like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.
Start taking an ashwagandha supplement so as to protect your brain from degeneration but only after consulting your doctor. Do not take it without consulting a doctor.

3) Protects Against Cancer

According to some studies, it is proved that ashwagandha helps in prevention of cancer. It also helps in preventing or stopping the growth of cancer. It is high in antioxidants. Its anticancer properties helps in treating almost all types of cancer, it acts by restricting the growth of cancer cells which make it beneficial for the cancer treatment.
Its components are doing wonders in preventing the growth of many types of cancer cells like colon, breast, leukemia, melanoma, lung, prostate and sarcoma.
Along with this, it also enhances the effects of chemotherapy and radiations against cancer cells. It also protects the healthy cells against damage from several cancer therapies.

4) Improves Immunity

Another wonderful benefit of ashwagandha is that it helps in boosting the immune system. It helps in increasing the white blood cell production, as it is rich in antioxidants. It also improves the functioning of the immune system so helps in the treatment of several autoimmune disorders.
It gives better overall health and decreases the chances of getting sick more frequently. Plus, when you feel weak and sick, ashwagandha can give you more energy and helps in recovery after illness.
Intake of at least 1 cup of ashwagandha tea regularly will keep your immune system strong.
Ashwagandha tea is not recommended to patients who are suffering from high blood pressure.

5) Fights Depression

Its antidepressant properties make it wonderful for the treatment of depression and stress related disorders, Ashwagandha has stress relieving properties which make it more effective to treat anxiety and depression.
According to a study carried out by researchers at the Institute of Medical Sciences at Banaras Hindu University in India, it is found that ashwagandha stabilizes the moods in patients with behavioral disturbances and anxiety.
Ashwagandha does not leads to drowsiness, which is a major adverse effect of many other prescribed medicines. It should be taken through orally but under the guidance of a doctor so as to control depression and anxiety.

6) Works as a Natural Aphrodisiac

Ashwagandha acts as a powerful aphrodisiac. According to a study carried out in 2013, it is believed that ashwagandha has spermatogenic properties and it can increase sperm count along with semen volume and sperm motility. Ashwagandha can be also taken in the form of capsules.
Add half teaspoon of ashwagandha powder into a glass of warm milk and drink it two times a day.
Another option, take 300-500 mg capsules, twice daily for at least about a month.

7) Treats Arthritis

Ashwagandha is also very effective in treating rheumatism and osteoarthritis due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Its anti-inflammatory properties are because of the alkaloids, saponins and steroidal lactones present in the ashwagandha.
It is beneficial in inflammation as well as pain in the joints and especially morning joint stiffness. It also promotes energy, strength and vitality that are essential factors so as to lead a normal life when suffering from health problems especially like arthritis.

Top 10 Health Benefits of Ashwagandha Powder -Withania somnifera

Abstract

Ashwagandha is considered as the one of most potent herb in Ayurveda. It is comprised of two sanskrit words (Ashwa – horse and Gandha – smell because its roots smell like horse urine). This describes that herb has strength of a stallion and traditionally given to strengthen immune system of people after illness. Ashwagandha is also known as Indian Ginseng because of its rejuvenating properties though there is no co relation between ginseng and Ashwagandha. Benefits of Ashwagandha are countless for human health.

Geographic distribution – This herb is found in all over parts of country. Ashwagandha is also cultivated in various botanical gardens of India due to its medical importance.

Morphology

Size : This herb is small woody shrub which can grow from 150-200 cm in height.
Leaves : Leaves are simple, alternate or sub opposite and ovate, up to 10 cm long.
Flowers : Flowers are greenish- yellow, found in flowered clustered in axils and 4-6mm in diameter.
Fruits : Red berries enclosed in a green enlarged calyx.
Roots : Roots are stout, long tuberous, fleshy, whitish brown and aromatic.

Classification

Sanskrit names : Ashwagandha, Balada, Kamrupini, Gandhpatri , Vajini
Common names : Winter cherry, Indian ginseng
Scientific name : Withania somnifera
Family : Solanaceae
Plant parts used : Whole plant parts

Ashwaganhda benefits : Ashwaganhda is loaded with amazing properties which are quite useful to treat the various health complication. In ayurveda, Ashwagandha helps to pacify the vata dosha and also considered as the brain tonic. By knowing health benefits of Ashwagandha this herb is used in formulation of Ashwagandha powder. Ashwagandha powder is an amazing formulation of Planet Ayurveda. This herbal powder is completely safe for use and free from any color, preservatives, starch and chemicals.

Health Benefits of Ashwagandha Powder

1. Anti – cancerous properties

Ashwagandha is considered as the anti-cancer herb. Component present in the Ashwagandha helps to slow down growth of several type of cancer cells. Use of this herb is good in the treatment of breast cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, leukemia and sarcoma. It is good to reduce the adverse effects of radiation and chemotherapy without interference with tumor cell killing activities. It helps to stop the angiogenesis – in which there is formation of new blood vessels that feed cancer. It also protects the normal cells from damage of conventional cancer therapy.

2. Anti-stress properties

Aswagandha is considered as nerve tonic. It helps to maintain the both physical health and mental health. According to Ayurveda, Ashwagandha helps to pacify the the vata dosha which is related to brain health. It helps to calm the nervous system thus provides the relief in anxiety, stress, depression and various other mental disorders. It is good to treat the insomnia and sleeping disorders in people.

3. Increases the body’s stamina and strength

Ashwagandha helps to enhance the body’s stamina as it helps to balance the adrenal hormones which are involved in the physical activities. These hormones help to reduce muscles and joints pains while doing physical activities so as it helps to maintain the same energy levels. This is reason use of Ashwagandha is quite good for athletes.

4. Antimicrobial activities

Ashwagandha is a loaded with antimicrobial activities. It helps to increase the body’s immunity to fight against the foreign bacteria, viruses and fungal infections. It is quite good in the treatment of various infections like respiratory tract infections, skin infections, gastrointestinal and urogenital infections.

5. Cardio – protective properties

This herb is known to be quite good to support the good heart heath due its cardiovascular properties. It helps to strengthen the heart muscles. It helps to maintain the healthy blood pressure and good cholesterol levels in body. Moreover Ashwagandha helps to dilate the vessels and maintain the proper blood flow in body.

6. Anti-diabetic properties

Ashwagandha also packed the anti-diabetic properties because its helps to maintain the good blood sugar levels. It has been found that regular use of Ashwagandha is quite effective to manage the problem of diabetes.

7. Anti-inflammatory properties

Ashwagandha possesses anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to provide the relief in all type of joint, muscles and various other body pains. Ashwagandha is loaded with phytochemical compounds like alkaloids, saponins and steroidal lactones which have anti-inflammatory properties.

8. Healthy hair

Ashwagandha offers its benefits for good hair health. It provides the strength to hair and also improves the blood circulation in scalp. It helps in production of melanin pigment that is responsible for hair color. Use of this herb is also effective to get rid from dandruff.

9. Aphrodisiac properties

Aphrodisiac properties of Ashwagandha help to improve the vitality and fertility and. This help is known to be quite beneficial to enhance sexual desire. In the case of men it helps to improve the quality and production of semen. Where as in case of women it helps to balance the hormonal imbalances.

10. Stimulation of thyroid gland

Benefits of Ashwagandha are also very useful to improve the thyroid health. Being an adptogenic herb it helps to manage the both hypo and hyper thyroid complications. Furthermore it is helpful in the proper functioning of thyroid hormones.

Contact Planet Ayurveda Support Team to provide you the costing/ordering and delivery information at costing.planetayurveda@yahoo.com or Call at 0172-521-4040 (India), +91-172-521-4040 (Outside India) or Whatsapp at (+91) 842-749-4030.