Those who are familiar with Ayurvedic medicines are bound to have heard of ashwagandha. It is a powerful herb for healing and has been used since ancient times. It is usually associated with its well-known restorative and rejuvenating benefits.
As tradition follows, ashwagandha has been prescribed as a nerve tonic and adaptogen, which is an agent which helps the body adapt to various emotional and physical stressors. It has been used in India for centuries in order to treat conditions such as weakness and debility in old age, constipation, stress, joint inflammation, hormone balance, and more. Sometimes, pastes are made from the ashwagandha root powder, and when applied to affected skin, it can treat boils, ulcers, and other infectious skin conditions.
This plant belongs to the same nightshade family as the tomato, and it is seen as a plump shrub with oval leaves and yellow flowers. It also bears red fruit about the size of a raisin. It looks a little something like this:
Why Use Ashwagandha?
If you can relate to some of these symptoms, you should try out ashwagandha. We’ll tell you how later down below:
- Stress
- Difficulty concentrating
- Poor memory
- Anxiety
- Fatigue
- Poor immune system
- Low libido
- Low mental and physical endurance
- Joint pain
- Neurological conditions
Ashwagandha has been known to alleviate these symptoms and provide relaxing relief. Now let’s discuss not only what this magical herb can prevent, but also its benefits.
Ashwagandha’s Healing Effects
Containing many useful medicinal chemicals, including withanolides, alkaloids, fatty acids, amino acids, choline, and a variety of sugars, ashwagandha’s root is primarily used in Western herbal remedies.
Medical researchers have been studying ashwagandha for years with great interest and have completed more than 200 studies on the healing benefits of this botanical. Some key examples of the ashwagandha health benefits are:
- Lowers cholesterol
- Combats the effects of stress
- Wards of frequent illnesses
- Improves learning, memory, and reaction time
- Stabilizes blood sugar
- Reduces anxiety and depression (without any side effects, a bonus compared to prescription medicine!)
- Contains anti-malarial properties
- Reduces brain-cell degeneration and improves cognitive function
- Enhances sexual potency
- Decrease pain and swelling (inflammation)
- Reduces side effects of medicine used to treat cancer and schizophrenia
- Treats ADHD
- Reduces asthma
So how can you incorporate ashwagandha into your diet?
Ashwagandha is normally taken as a fine powder mixed in honey or ghee. In western countries, it typically is ingested in capsule form. The typical recommended dose is 500 to 1,000 mg. For people who have insominia or anxiety, it would help to have a cup of hot milk that contains a teaspoon of powdered ashwagandha or an ashwagandha capsule before bedtime.
I always love writing about nature’s gifts! It makes me feel closer to nature and more grateful for Earth’s sweet treats. What is your experience with trying ashwagandha?
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