The Use of Ashwagandha in Ayurveda: The benefits behind the plant
Ashwagandha has a long history in traditional medicine. It is a shrub that grows in India, Middle East, specific parts in Africa and known in India as a ginger ginseng because of its rejuvenating properties, even though botanically, ginseng and ashwagandha aren’t connected to each other. Ashwagandha has been used in Ayurveda for thousands of years for numerous purposes.
As well as being an ancient herb, it’s also known for being an adaptogen - containing a combination of amino acids, herbs and vitamins that can help the body manage stress.
Ways of taking Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha can be taken as a powder, a tablet , or a liquid extract, with or without food, and at any time of the day, even right before bed.
Various parts of the ashwagandha plant are used for medicinal purposes, but it’s ashwagandha extract – which is an extract of the plant’s roots – that is found in most supplements.
More traditional Ayurvedic treatments use the entire dried root of the ashwagandha plant, which is turned into powder and usually steeped in milk. More modern ashwagandha supplements are ashwagandha extracts that are labelled as Withania Somnifera extract.
Ashwagandha extracts are more refined than ashwagandha powder and can be created using water or chemicals.
Benefits of Ashwagandha
May help reduce stress and anxiety
Ashwagandha is perhaps best known for its ability to reduce stress. It’s classified as an adaptogen, a substance that helps the body cope with stress.
Curiosity: Ashwagandha may be effective for reducing stress and anxiety symptoms. However, more research is needed to form a consensus on appropriate forms and dosing to address stress and stress-related disorders.
May benefit athletic performance
Research has shown that ashwagandha may have beneficial effects on athletic performance and may be a worthwhile supplement for athletes.
May reduce blood sugar levels
Limited evidence suggests that ashwagandha may have some benefits for people with diabetes or high blood sugar levels.
Ashwagandha benefits on skin
The constant use of ashwagandha can boost haemoglobin levels and red blood cell count. What this means is more oxygen is delivered to each and every cell of your body. So you will have more energy and stamina and glowing, rosy skin.
May reduce hair fall and prevent ageing
If you were not aware, stress can increase hair fall by up to 10 times. It takes hair follicles from growing phase to the resting phase,which leads to greater hair fall. Stress also increases androgen levels which shrink the hair follicles and cause male and female pattern baldness.
From stress, fungal or other microbial infection or harsh products. And this can affect hair growth. There are numerous underlying inflammation in the hair follicles. Ashwagandha reduces inflammation, boosts immune function and improves blood flow to the scalp – which brings more oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles.
Ashwagandha also rejuvenates hair follicles. Research shows that ashwagandha can increase the production of two powerful antioxidant enzymes in the body: superoxide dismutase and catalase. These not only promote stronger and healthier hair, but they also help preserve hair colour by getting rid of hair whiting free radicals.
Disclaimer: I am a professional celebrity facialist who has also mastered and enjoys all things Ayurvedic. I recommend and advise everyone to check their GPS before taking on any diet or supplements. The blog is a mere reflection of what works for me and general knowledge I have decided to share with my public.