Withania somnifera, commonly known as Ashwagandha means “horse like smell” in Sanskrit.
Ashwagandha has been used for upwards of 6,000 years in Ayurvedic medicine, especially for its tonic and adaptogenic abilities.
According to Ayurvedic texts was believed to give you the strength and virility of a horse.
The medicinal benefits of Ashwagandha are amazing! With so many of us leading hectic lifestyles, this is the perfect answer to helping to fight against chronic stress , the demands of work and life.
Ashwagandha Plant
Ashwagandha Flower
Ashwagandha Root
Common Name: Ashwagandha (Indian Winter Cherry, Indian Ginseng)
Latin Name: Withania somnifera L.
Family: Solanaceae
Areas of Origin: India, northern Africa and the Middle East
Botanical Description: A small woody shrub/herb which grows to about 2’. Dull green leaves with yellow-green flowers that surround a reddish-orange berry.
Parts Used: Roots,Leaves
Uses: Good for the immune system, chronic stress, fatigue, lower back pain and sciatica; helpful for rheumatoid arthritis
Actions: Sedative, Antiviral, Anti-inflammatory, Diuretic, Immuno modulater, Adaptogenic, Tonic, Antispasmodic, Hepatic, Neuroprotective,Anti- anxiety,
and Anti-depressant properties
Preparations: Tea (infusions), extract, capsules,Tablets, Food
Taste: Sharp, bitter, earthy, slightly sweet
Safety: Avoid during pregnancy.
Contraindications (Plant-Medication Combinations): May potentially increase the effects of pentobarbital and barbiturates. Avoid with dioxin medications.
In Ayurveda. Ashwagandha is regarded as a hypnotic and sedative throughout its entire range of distribution. It has also been scientifically proven to help protect brain cells caused by stress similar to Ginseng.
In India Ashwagandha is used as a pre meditation herb because it calms the body and clarifies the mind, it has been traditionally used for libido, fatigue, mental problems, concentration, memory, general debility, nervous and sexual debility, headaches, rejuvenation and recovery from prolonged illness.
Now, research suggests that the Ayurvedic herb can be an effective therapeutic and preventive drug against COVID-19 caused by the novel coronavirus.
1) Boost immunity :-Ashwagandha is well-known for its ability to reduce stress and anxiety. Ashwagandha is an adaptogen that allows your body to cope with physical and mental stress more easily. This can improve the immune system and ensure overall health. It is also used in tranquilizers and antidepressants drugs.
2) Anti-inflammatory : - Ashwagandha contains anti-inflammatory properties, which helps to reduce inflammation. Ashwagandha promotes the activity of natural killer cells - immune cells that defend your body against infection or injury, helping you stay healthy.
3) Anti-bacterial :- Kills harmful and disease-causing microorganisms:
Since herbs have antibacterial properties, this can improve the ability of the macrophage cells to destroy or kill harmful and disease-causing microorganisms.
4) Protect Lungs :- Ashwagandha can protect the lungs from inflammation, which is one of the main side effects of COVID-19 infection. Inflammation of the lungs causes excessive production of cytokines and proteins that activate immune cells. Ayurvedic experts claim that this herb has anti-inflammatory properties that can inhibit this process.
5) Balance Blood sugar level :-Ashwagandha can lower blood sugar levels as it help to improve insulin sensitivity and increase insulin secretion.
6) Improve Heart health:-Ashwagandha helps to lower cholesterol and high blood pressure, which improve heart health.
7) Improves Sexual function and fertility :- Ashwagandha is used to restore male libido, cure impotence and increase male fertility. It is widely used in southern Asia as a male sexuality tonic.
8) For better sleep : - Ashwagandha have a mild sedative effect on the central nervous system and in animal studies it has been shown to be a muscle relaxant. If you are stressed or cannot sleep well, then ashwagandha is the herb for you. It’s a muscle relaxant and also has a mild sedative effect on the central nervous system. It helps fight stress and allows for a better sleep too. The ability of this herb to stabilize moods and encourage adrenal recovery is highly valued by many herbalists.
Ashwagandha Tablets
9) Improves Thyroid Function :- Ashwagandha has been shown to regulate thyroid and adrenal hormones toward healthy levels. With regard to thyroid hormones, Ashwagandha has demonstrated a remarkable potential to counteract the effects of both over-active AND under-active thyroid glands (Panda and Kar, 1999).
10) Relives Adrenal Fatigue :- Ashwagandha restore adrenal hormone levels to a healthy range,
11) Anti-aging:- Premature aging is theorized to be the result of oxidative stress related to chronic nervous tension. Ashwagandha has been demonstrated to possess incredibly powerful anti-oxidant properties, as shown by a reduction in measures of oxidative stress after consumption of Ashwagandha. It thus seems plausible that Ashwagandha acts as a factor which promotes longevity by combating the effects of aging, environmental toxins, and poor nutrition.
12) Neuro-protective:- Ashwagandha extract has been experimentally demonstrated to promote healthy brain function and prevent deterioration. Studies have shown that consumption of Ashwagandha promotes the healing of damaged neural synapses (the junctions between nerve cells which are essential to healthy brain function). Ashwagandha has been suggested as a potential treatment for neuro-degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's.
13) Helps to fight Cancer :- Ashwagandha helps in the prevention of certain types of cancer - such as breast, colon, lung, brain and ovarian cancer. The withaferin, a bioactive compound in ashwagandha, has been shown to stop tumour cell growth in animals and in test-tube studies.
14)Reduces Brain cell Degeneration and improve memory :- Ashwagandha improves brain function, memory and the ability to perform tasks.
15) Anti-Oxidant :- Ashwagandha also have antioxidant properties and play a role in anti-aging and help treat Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease.
Ashwagandha is considered safe and well-tolerated in small to medium doses for most people. However, pregnant women should avoid using Ashwagandha as there’s evidence that the herb might cause miscarriages.
Ashwagandha is used most of the time to increase vitality and boost energy, especially after recovering from chronic illnesses. Many researchers have shown that it might be a promising prevention for cancer, and also an alternative treatment to certain types of bone cancers. Other studies claim to slow down tumor growth. It boosts the immune system and increases white blood cell counts in several studies.
Ashwagandha may also have antioxidant properties and may play a role in anti-aging and help treat Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease.
