We are always concerned for our health and want to avoid trips to the clinic. For this, we always go for homemade remedies.
Ashwagandha and Ginseng are two famous herbs that are remedial in nature. People often take it in their foods or as supplements to alleviate stress, anxiety, etc. So, choosing an herb that best suits your medical condition is the priority here.
Let’s look further to see what these two herbs have to offer.
Ashwagandha – What To know
Ashwagandha is part of Ayurvedic medicine and one of India’s homemade remedial solutions. Used as a tonic, it offers a wide range of benefits, such as relief from pain, stress, and anxiety.
Other common medical conditions that it can treat are ulcers, asthma, and bronchitis. You can find it in powder form in the majority of Indian households. Because of its popularity, you can now easily acquire it in any form near your local shop!
Withania somnifera (scientific name), or Ashwagandha, is a perennial shrub that grows 1.5 meters in height. The plant contains important constituents such as alkaloids, steroidal lactones, and flavonoids. This makes the herb therapeutic and gives it anti-inflammatory properties.
Ginseng – What To know
Ginseng is treated as a medicinal herb that contains antioxidants. Another traditional herb that comes in two forms is American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) and Asian Ginseng (Panax Ginseng).
The herb contains two important compounds called ginsenosides and gintonin which are responsible for its medicinal benefits. It has become almost a staple herb in many Asian and American households, providing a variety of uses.
The herb is used to regulate blood sugar, strengthen cognitive abilities, and treat cardiac conditions. Fresh Ginseng also serves as the main ingredient in Korean Chicken soups. Apart from that, it is a staple ingredient in many vegan or medicinal cuisines.
This Or That? – Ashwagandha Or Ginseng
A major difference between the two herbs is their place of origin. Ginseng comes from China, while Ashwagandha comes from India. And both of them have become integral ingredients in home remedies.
Both herbs can be taken in powder form to get the most benefit. But when should I take them? And for what?
We provide a comprehensive guide on which herb to take, depending on your condition and what you need at the moment.
Relieves Stress And Anxiety
Answer: Both
Research suggests that Ashwagandha can be used to reduce high-stress levels, especially in adults. It is a Rasayana herb, which automatically makes it an anti-stress agent.
Another piece of research points to Ginseng being beneficial for treating stress-related anxiety and depression. It is also a known fact that Ginseng controls hormonal changes and boosts immunity. The same research further points to the benefits of the herb pertaining to physiological diseases triggered by stress.
It is because both herbs are adaptogens whose extracts can counter physical and mental stress.
Lowered Cholesterol Levels
Answer: Ginseng
Menopause can compromise cardiovascular health and increase blood lipids. A 2019 study suggests that Korean Ginseng decreases cholesterol and 7-OHC levels and improves sterol metabolism.
Another study suggests that Panax Ginseng (PG) helps improve lipid profiles by reducing LDL cholesterol levels. However, no effects were observed on HDL or triacylglycerides.
Treat Arthritis
Answer: Ashwagandha
Being a part of Ayurvedic medicine, it plays a major role in treating arthritis and other joint pains. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common condition found in the aging population. It has been found that Ashwagandha is known to treat patients with OA conditions.
Meanwhile, the herb can also be used to treat patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. A study points to the effectiveness of Ashwagandha in such patients.
Bring Energy
Answer: Both
There is one prominent similarity between these two substances: they are adaptogens. Apart from maintaining homeostasis in the body, these are used to induce energy. It is because they strengthen our internal systems and improve our performance, just like any other adaptogen out there.
People often use both as a combination in the form of supplements. This combo can fight off fatigue and gives you an overall energy boost.
Memory Retention
Answer: Ginseng
Ginseng holds actoprotective properties (preparations that enhance physical performance). A study points out that P. Ginseng is a natural actoprotector that increases physical and intellectual capacities.
A study conducted by researchers in China suggests that patients with stroke-induced dementia reported improved average memory retention. The positive results shown were due to carefully taking ginseng root extracts for 12 weeks.
Increase Immunity
Answer: Ginseng
Ginseng is an effective home remedy to ‘boost immunity’. In short, it can help ward off microbial attacks and major illnesses by regulating the immune system.
A 2021 study suggests the efficacy of Korean Red Ginseng in increasing the T-cells and B-cells in the human body. T-cells help ward off cancer cells, while B-cells create antibodies to fight off foreign cells in our body.
Aphrodisiac Properties
Answer: Ashwagandha
The herb is a potent aphrodisiac that is used to improve testosterone levels in men. It is because of the presence of withanolides in the herb that it has this property.
The root extract of the herb helps rejuvenate sperm quality and sperm count in men. It also balances hormones in both genders.
Final Thoughts
People are now always on the lookout for home remedies to treat any medical problem. Ashwagandha and ginseng have both become staple medicinal herbs in our households today.
Both herbs have diverse benefits and have been used since ancient times. Ashwagandha is an important herb in Ayurvedic medicine that is used to treat inflammation has aphrodisiac properties, and provides relief from stress and anxiety. Meanwhile, Ginseng boosts immunity, retains memory, and gives us stimulating energy.
