For centuries, people have relied on herbs and natural remedies to cure their healthcare needs. In modern times also, people prefer Ayurvedic herbs as remedies because they are more accessible, have long-lasting effects and are safe to use. Today, we are going to talk about one of the most powerful and effective herbs, Ashwagandha which is best known for relieving stress and anxiety. But the benefits of Ashwagandha are not only limited to this, it has a plethora of other benefits as well.
What Is Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb which is used in traditional Ayurvedic medicines. It has been an extensively researched herb that is being used for over 2500 years. Belonging to the nightshade plant family, it is also known as Indian Ginseng or Winter Cherry. In Ayurveda, Ashwagandha is considered Rasayana which means it rejuvenates the person both physically and mentally.
It is believed that every part of the Ashwagandha plant is useful in one manner or the other. Its roots and leaves are the most beneficial parts of the plant and are used in many Ayurvedic medicines. There are many ways to use its roots but the most common way is to make the powder of the roots and take it as an immunity supplement.
Now that we know what Ashwagandha is, let’s talk about its benefits and how to use it to maximise its efficiency.
Benefits Of Ashwagandha
Research shows that Ashwagandha is beneficial in treating many conditions with much efficacy including Arthritis, Insomnia, Diabetes, Nervous Breakdown and many others. Let’s take a look at the healing properties of Ashwagandha and its benefits:
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Boosts Immunity
Rich in amino acids, peptides, lipids and bases of nucleic acids, Ashwagandha is recognised for its ability to boost immunity. It is investigated as an immunomodulatory agent and is very effective in fighting infection and making the immune system stronger. The immune-stimulatory activities of Ashwagandha effectively span both adaptive and innate immunity.
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Relieves Stress And Anxiety
The calming properties of Ashwagandha help in reducing stress and anxiety. Many studies found that Ashwagandha has an incredible effect on cortisol levels. Cortisol is a stress hormone and its high levels cause stress and anxiety in a person, Ashwagandha reduces these stress hormones and significantly helps those suffering from stress, anxiety and depression.
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Increases Muscle Strength
For years, Ashwagandha is used for increasing muscle strength. It is scientifically proven that people who take Ashwagandha as a supplement have greater muscle size, strength and mass. The consumption of Ashwagandha reduces muscle soreness, inflammation and pain. Along with these benefits, Ashwagandha is a classic treatment for relieving fatigue and boosting energy.
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Heart Health
Ashwagandha is an outstanding herb that keeps your heart healthy and happy. It increases the VO2 max levels in the body which means your body can take the maximum amount of oxygen even during exerting physical activity. The root extract of Ashwagandha may enhance a person’s cardiorespiratory endurance and lead to better heart health. Improving cardiac health, Ashwagandha is a panacea for all heart diseases. It helps in lowering blood pressure, easing chest pain, lowering high cholesterol levels and preventing any major heart diseases.
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Balances Blood Sugar Levels
Ashwagandha battles High levels of blood sugar quite effectively. It regulates the body’s insulin levels and is also helpful in lowering blood glucose levels and triglycerides. Some studies show that Ashwagandha is also prescribed as a medication for type 2 diabetic patients. Improving the overall metabolism of the body, Ashwagandha regulates insulin sensitivity and inflammatory markers in humans.
Things To Keep In Mind Before Taking Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is undoubtedly beneficial in many ways for the body. It is also considered safe for most people. However, it still has some side effects such as vomiting, diarrhoea and upset stomach. It is always advisable for the following people to take a consultation with a doctor before starting the consumption of Ashwagandha:
- People who are on prescribed medications or suffering from any disease should consult with their doctor first before taking any kind of Ashwagandha supplement.
- Women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or have thyroid should avoid taking Ashwagandha.
- Those people who have undergone any kind of surgery or have allergies to nightshade plants should also avoid taking Ashwagandha.
- It might be possible that you experience some side effects like vomiting or an upset stomach. This means that your body cannot take the high dosage and you need to reduce the quantity of your Ashwagandha dosage.
Final Words
A revered herb, Ashwagandha is one of the important parts of the Indian Ayurvedic system. For years people are using it to treat various diseases. It is one of the best stress relievers. For ages, Ashwagandha is curing people naturally and making Ayurvedic medicine more effective. So, maybe it’s the right time to try Ashwagandha and benefit from its healing properties.
