What is Ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha is one of the most important medicinal herbs in Ayurveda. It is traditionally known as an adaptogen because of its adaptability with the properties of the organism. It suits the human body and will work in wonder if taken in a prescribed dosage. Ashwagandha is not only famous in India but also in Europe and USA. Ashwagandha supplements, capsules, powder and seeds are available in the supermarkets as well as with online retailers. This article will provide details about Ashwagandha Benefits, its Dosage, and its side-effects.

Different Names of Ashwagandha

Hindi- ashgandh, nagori asagandha Bengali- dhuppa Modern Arabic- marjan Arabic- ubad Persian- meheman Telugu- penneru,vajigandha Tamil-  amukkara, amukira , asuragandi. Malyalam- amukkuram,trittavu, ayamodakam. Kannad- keramaddinagaddi , kanchuki Marathi- dorgunj askandha, tilli, ghoda English-  ayurvedic ginseng, indian ginseng, siberian ginseng, winter cherry, strykhnos, Clustered, winter cherry Gujarati- asod, ghoda ahan, ghoda akan Sanskrit- ashwagandha, palasparni, pivari, turagi  

How Ashwagandha Benefits in Health

• Ashwagandha in Anxiety and Stress related problems.

Ashwagandha has some calming effects on anxiety symptoms. It helps reduce anxiety levels more as compared to the drug Lorazepam. Lorazepam is a sedative and a medication for anxiety. A study was conducted in the year 2012, where 64 volunteers were randomly asked to take Ashwagandha or a placebo twice a day for 60 days. The Ashwagandha capsule contained 300 mg of a concentrated root extract. Group of people who were taking Ashwagandha showed some quick reduction in anxiety levels after 2 months relative to the group taking a placebo. (1)  

• Ashwagandha in Arthritis and Joint problems.

Ashwagandha acts as a pain reliever on the nervous system. It helps prevent the pain signals from being sent to the nervous system. It has some anti-inflammatory properties which can be very useful for treating arthritis. Research indicate that Ashwagandha is a natural and very powerful anti-inflammatory substance. In a clinical test conducted over 77 RA patients, they were given 3 grams of Ashwagandha orally 3 times a day daily with milk, 75% of people found some good improvements in their symptoms.(2)  

• Ashwagandha in Heart and Cardio-Vascular

Ashwagandha has many benefits related to heart health. It can treat High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol, Chest pain, Heart disease. Ashwagandha, when combined with other Ayurvedic Herbs, can also improve muscle strength and endurance. A random clinical study was conducted on over 100 participants, Ashwagandha not only helped reduce stress and anxiety, it also reduced cardiac risk factors as well. (3)  

• Ashwagandha in Alzheimer and neurodegenerative

Ashwagandha can slow down or prevent loss of brain functions in the people who have diseases like Huntington’s, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. As and when these diseases progress Brain functions, its parts and its connective paths gets damaged and can lead to loss of memory. A research carried out at the National Brain Research Centre (NBRC) suggests that Ashwagandha might reverse the effect of memory loss and improve the cognitive abilities. This research was conducted on mice with Alzheimer. (4)  

• Ashwagandha in Cancer and Tumour causing problems.

Ashwagandha can help stop the growth of cancer-causing cells. This herb has a potential of slowing the cancers in humans including Lung, Breast, Kidney, and prostate. Tests conducted on 13 constituents, 10 constituents showed anti-cancer property difference against the four different cancer lines. The effectiveness depends on the dosage level.(5)

• Ashwagandha in maintaining the Cortisol levels.

Cortisol is also called as Stress Hormone. Unknowingly cortisol level may get elevated which can lead to high Blood Sugar level and increase fat storage in the abdomen. Ashwagandha helps reduce the cortisol level and thus maintaining its balance in our body. A clinical trial was conducted with 98 mixed subjects, each were given either 2 or 4 125 mg doses of Ashwagandha daily. This study lasted 16 months and showed a 14.5 % reduction in stress and anxiety. (6)  

• Ashwagandha in Aphrodisiac 

Ashwagandha is not only a herb but also a powerful libido enhancer in men. An aphrodisiac is also called as a love drug.  It is also used to treat Erectile Dysfunction. Use of Ashwagandha increases the quality and strength of Sperms. A study was conducted on 75 normal, healthy and fertile men. Another group of 75 men in the infertility group has also experimented. Ashwagandha has proved successful as an antioxidant, and also improve the sperm count and motility. (7) )   [caption id="attachment_25223" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Ashwagandha[/caption]

How Ashwagandha benefits for Men and Women

How Ashwagandha benefits for Men

One of the main benefits of Ashwagandha can be seen in the fertility of Men. Ashwagandha increases the production of serum that is responsible for producing the Testosterone Hormone in men. Some other benefits include:

• Balancing Body Mass and Body Weight.
• Enhancing the proper functioning of Brain which helps in maintaining the hormonal functions in balance.
• Increases muscle strength.

 

How Ashwagandha benefits for Women

Ashwagandha helps Women for its Hormone balancing effects. During a menopause, use of Ashwagandha can reduce the menopausal effects like anxiety, Hot Flashes, and Mood. It also helps in:

• Increasing fertility
• Increases the energy levels
• Decreases stress-related conditions
• It can increase sexual desire and satisfaction

 

How Ashwagandha benefits in Healthy Skin

Ashwagandha has also proved beneficiary for healthy skin. It simulates DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) which is also known as androsterone. DHEA is a precursor to both testosterone and estrogen which in fact simulates the production of natural oils in the skin. Ashwagandha helps to provide rich and vital compounds for a healthy skin. It promotes many useful proteins such as hyaluronan, elastin. Ashwagandha can also be used as a skin toner with dried ginger and lemon.  

How Ashwagandha benefits in Healthy Hair

Ashwagandha is used in various Shampoos to help keep your hairs healthy. Ashwagandha is said to improve the scalp circulation and strengthen the hair. It is also beneficiary in removing dandruff from hair. Ashwagandha is also said to reverse the greying of hair. It stimulates the production of Melanin which is the pigment responsible for giving color to hair.  

Dosage of Ashwagandha

The dosage of Ashwagandha depends on age and criticalness of your health condition. For dosage, a person should have to consult a professional before taking any amount of Dosage. This is a naturally available herb so instructions should be read before consuming it. Ashwagandha supplements Ashwagandha supplements are more effective than the powder itself. But as this can be found easily, people use its plant. Ashwagandha as a Plant Just boil a few dried roots of Ashwagandha for 10 to 15 minutes and then infuse this with tea. Ashwagandha as a Tablet Ashwagandha can also be taken in a tablet form. It should be taken in a gap of 1 month. It shouldn’t be taken continuously for months. Ashwagandha in powdered form Its powdered form should be taken between 450 mg to 2 grams depending on the severity of the disease.  

Side effects of Ashwagandha

There can be few side effects due to over intake of this magical herb. It should be taken at a regular interval and for a specific period of time.

• High Dose of Ashwagandha can lead to intestinal problems.
• This herb is not at all recommended for pregnant women’s or for people suffering from thyroid.
• Ashwagandha is considered as a sedative so it is recommended to consume it in the evening.
• Ashwagandha activates the immune system so a person suffering from autoimmune diseases like lupus or sclerosis should avoid taking that.
• A person having diabetes should have to check their blood sugar levels regularly if that person is taking Ashwagandha regularly.
• It is always best to consult a professional before taking Ashwagandha along with your regular course of medication.

 

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