THE MIGHTY ASHWAGANDHA & HOW IT HELPS

If you’re even remotely close to natural remedies and Ayurveda, Ashwagandha is probably one of the first things you’d have heard about. Ashwagandha, also known as Withania somnifera, holds a significant place in Ayurveda as a revered herb. This small shrub, belonging to the Solanaceae family, is commonly referred to as Indian Ginseng or Indian winter cherry.

THE WHAT

Renowned for its Rasayana (tonic) properties, Ashwagandha stimulates a youthful physical and mental state of health and happiness. Widely cited in various traditional textbooks of Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, and Chinese medicine, Ashwagandha is a potent adaptogen.

It helps normalize bodily functions by acting on the HPA axis and the neuroendocrine system. Ancient Ayurvedic scriptures named this plant Ashwagandha, meaning 'odour of the horse.'

THE WHY

Characterized by three different tastes

Tikta (bitter)
Katu (pungent)
Madhura (sweet),

Ashwagandha possesses Laghu (light) and Snigdha (oily) qualities. It has Ushna Virya (hot potency) and Madhura Vipaka (sweet metabolic property), aggravating Pitta doshas while pacifying Vata and Kapha doshas.

Ashwagandha contains active ingredients beneficial for various bodily functions. Its roots are rich in essential volatile oils, amino acids, and alkaloids, while the fruits and leaves abound in tannins and flavonoids, combating free radical damage and reducing oxidative stress.

THE HOW

1. Leaves

With analgesic and antioxidant properties, Ashwagandha leaves are used to treat viral infections, cough and cold symptoms, fever, and chronic pain.

2. Flowers and Seeds

Ashwagandha flowers possess potent diuretic and aphrodisiac properties, improving fertility and treating kidney problems like kidney stones. The seeds, with anthelminthic properties, prevent and treat infectious diseases and parasitic invasions.

3. Roots

The most crucial part, Ashwagandha roots, are primarily used in various formulations. With potent aphrodisiac, diuretic, anti-helminthic, antioxidant, and anti-depressant properties, they are used to treat neural problems, diabetes, constipation, infertility, skin disorders, and more.

THE (MINDBLOWING) AYURVEDIC BENEFITS OF ASHWAGANDHA

1. Enhances Libido

Acts as a natural aphrodisiac, reducing mental stress and anxiety while stimulating hormones to increase libido, virility, and stamina.

2. Prevents Anxiety and Depression

Useful for treating different types of psychotic problems, it normalizes Vata and Pitta doshas in the body, helping control serotonin levels and reduce symptoms of anxiety.

3. Treats Insomnia

With anti-stress and anxiolytic properties, Ashwagandha calms the mind and body, aiding in better sleep quality.

4. Improves Immunity

Boosts overall stamina, energy levels, and adrenal gland function, reducing weakness, fatigue, and stress levels.

5. Boosts Bone Health

Promotes bone strength, and muscle mass, and treats conditions like osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and fibromyalgia.

6. Improves Underweight Conditions

Pacifies Vata doshas, aiding in healthy weight gain, nourishing the body, and enhancing bone and muscle strength.

7. Boosts Stamina

Useful against general weakness and debility, enhances immunity, and prevents infections.

8. Manages Diabetes

With its hypoglycaemic property, Ashwagandha alleviates blood sugar levels, aids insulin production, and reduces glucose levels.