Benefits of Ashwagandha on the Human Body

In Ayurveda, a branch of alternative medicine based on the practice of natural healing, Ashwagandha is one of the most essential herbs known for its medicinal qualities. It has been used for centuries to boost energy levels, enhance concentration, and manage stress. While its scientific name is Withania somnifera, it’s popularly known as ‘winter cherry’ and ‘Indian ginseng’. A native to India and Southeast Asia, Ashwagandha typically looks like a small shrub bearing yellow flowers that grows around four to five feet tall. It is grown on an industrial scale in different states of India, such as Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Gujarat, and Rajasthan. Extracts made from its leaves and roots are used for treating various conditions like fertility problems, poor immunity, anxiety, stress, skin diseases, diabetes, and more.

Ashwagandha is a popular herb used as a Rasayana (anti-ageing and immunity boosting tonic) in the Indian Ayurvedic system of medicine. Its name means ‘smell of a horse’ as ‘Ashwa’ refers to a horse and ‘gandha’ stands for smell in Sanskrit.

Therapeutic Effects of Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is an ingredient used in many Ayurvedic formulations prescribed for a variety of diseases and also as a general tonic (Rasayana) to increase energy. It is highly beneficial in improving overall health and longevity and prevents diseases in the young, elderly, and pregnant.

Acharya Charaka included it in Balya (strength), Vrishya (controls aging) and Rasayana (immunity booster and anti-ageing) properties and suggested it as a substitute for Kakoli and Kshirakakoli (immunomodulatory herbs).

People have been using the roots and orangey-red fruit of Ashwagandha for medicinal purposes for around 100 years. Almost every part of the plant, including the leaves, seeds, and fruits, are used for treatment purposes since all these parts have some healing properties.

The Medicinal Value of Ashwagandha

1. Immunomodulatory Effects

Ashwagandha is known for its immunomodulatory properties and strengthens the immune system by improving the activity of immune cells like natural killer cells and macrophages. It leads to increased red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in the human body. In addition, regular intake of Ashwagandha is shown to increase immune system components, balance immune responses, and may be even effective in diagnosing bacterial and viral infections, COVID-19, and asthma. Its adaptogenic properties support the body in managing stress, which can otherwise weaken immunity.

2. Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Ashwagandha is well-known for its anti-inflammatory qualities in Ayurveda. The herb contains withanolides that are bioactive compounds responsible for offering anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Due to this particular benefit, Ashwagandha is considered to be a natural alternative for managing conditions like osteoarthritis, delivering relief from pain and swelling in the joints.

3. Antioxidant Benefits

Antioxidants are compounds that inhibit oxidation (oxygen binding). Oxidation is a biochemical reaction that can generate free radicals, which can damage skin cells due to chain reactions. Ashwagandha prevents this oxidation and helps to protect against cellular damage caused by free radicals. Ashwagandha is also linked to enhancing cognitive functions like attention, reaction time, reasoning, and problem-solving abilities. A PubMed study by the National Library of Medicine states that the herb could improve the cognitive functions in older adults with moderate cognitive issues and schizophrenic patients. 

4. Anti-Aging Ability

Ashwagandha possesses great potential for enhancing skin health and rejuvenation is one of them. As you grow old, it is natural for your skin to lose elasticity that results in visible signs of aging like wrinkles, fine lines, or jowls. In addition, direct exposure to the harmful UV radiation also speeds up the aging process. Studies have shown that Ashwagandha may help boost the production of elastin and collagen that tighten the skin, making you look youthful again.

5. Stress-Relieving Capability

Another distinguishing property of Ashwagandha is its mood-soothing and calming effects. This potent herb is known to eliminate any kind of stress, especially emotional or physical. Being a powerful adaptogen, it improves the body’s adaptability to stress. A study reported by the National Library of Medicine observed 58 adults over an 8-week period. Participants who consistently consumed 250 to 600 mg of Ashwagandha extract showed reduced levels of cortisol, the stress hormone in contrast to those who received a placebo.

Types of Ashwagandha Formulations and Their Benefits

There are a wide variety of Ashwagandha formulations available today and each is used to treat and manage various diseases. Below mentioned are some of the most popular products and their benefits.

1. Ashwagandha Churna

It is a powdered form of Ashwagandha plant’s roots.

Benefits For Men

The formulation is typically prescribed for developing or improving men’s sexual health. The Churna has powerful spermatogenic properties that are extremely beneficial for treating Oligospermia (low sperm count), Hypospermia (low volume of semen), Asthenospermia (sperm motility or mobility), Teratospermia (abnormal sperm shape), and boosting sperm production. The Churna, being a natural antioxidant, also increases the production of male hormones like testosterone and luteinizing hormone. Moreover, it can treat conditions like erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation effortlessly.

Benefits For Women

Besides improving male fertility, Ashwagandha Churna also helps in treating female sexual issues. It is a powerful uterine tonic and can cure the inflammation in the lining of the uterus. In addition, it maintains hormone levels within the blood, strengthens the female reproductive organs, and enhances the maturation of the eggs into the follicles. Regular use of this powder formulation along with consumption of fertility-improving foods may be beneficial when an individual is trying to conceive.

2. Ashwagandha Tablet
 

It is a solid form of the Ashwagandha plant, which is prepared by churning it into a fine powder and then setting it up in the form of tablets.

Benefits of Ashwagandha Tablet

1. Cures Pain and Inflammation 

The bioactive ingredients of Ashwagandha contain a potent anti-inflammatory property, which is known to be the ultimate pain reliever, reducing inflammation of the cells. It improves the immune cells, i.e. WBC that combat infection, by slowly and steadily decreasing the inflammation.

     2. Boosts Bone Health

This tablet formulation is highly beneficial for improving overall bone health. It reduces the risk of fracture, maintains the overall body balance, and provides the body with a strong and perfect skeletal structure. It also increases bone and muscle mass and treats conditions like osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and fibromyalgia (wider muscle pain). 

     3. Promotes Heart Health

Ashwagandha is used to boost heart health by lowering high blood pressure, managing cholesterol, easing chest pain, and preventing heart diseases. 

  3. Ashwagandharishta

The decoction, also known as Aristha in Ayurvedic terms, is prepared by boiling several herbal drugs or some specific decoction herbs like Muesli, Haritaki, Arjuna, Chitrak, Pippali, Haridra, and reducing the water content up to 1/4th of its original content. 

Benefits of Ashwagandharishta

1. Improves Immunity

It is the most powerful formulation that holds high value in improving the general stamina and energy level of the body. The active ingredients, such as Ashwagandha and other herbs used in this formulation, reduces weakness, fatigue, and enhances the vitality of the body. 

     2. Prevents Anxiety and Depression

Ashwagandharishta is extremely useful for treating different types of psychotic problems like depression and dementia. It normalizes the Vata and Pitta doshas in the body which in turn keeps the serotonin level under control and helps to manage various symptoms of anxiety, which includes restlessness, uneasiness, and cold hands and feet.

The potent anti-depressant qualities of the decoction also assist in reducing irritability, relaxing the mind, and improving energy and stamina. 

     3. Treats Insomnia

The anti-stress and anxiolytic properties of Ashwagandha help in calming the mind and body. It helps the mind to get rid of troubling thoughts, reduces mental fatigue, and improves sleeping patterns. 

Like the Churna, the decoction of Ashwagandha also plays a vital role in enhancing the reproductive health of both men and women. It is capable of treating various disorders related to infertility and improves libido (sexual desires) in men too.

    4. Ashwagandha Avaleha

It is a semi-solid sweet and sour preparation of Ashwagandha just like a jam. Ashwagandha Avaleha is cooked by adding jaggery or sugar and boiled till the correct consistency is obtained. Other herbs such as Dalchini, Tejpatra, Elaichi, Nagkesar, and Shudh Jaiphal are added to enhance its taste and herbal properties.

Benefits of Ashwagandha Avaleha
 

1. Improves Underweight Conditions

The Avaleha effectively calms the Vata doshas and aggravates the Kapha Doshas, hence it can be consumed to improve skeletal and muscle mass. It provides nourishment to the body, balances under-the-skin fat, and enhances the strength of bones.

     2. Boosts Stamina and Immunity

Like all other Ashwagandha formulations, the jam of this magical herb is also beneficial against general weakness and debility. It reduces anxiety and stressful conditions by improving adrenal health. It also enhances the body’s immunity and prevents infections due to the attack of germs. 

     3. Beauty Benefits

Being a natural antioxidant, Ashwagandha Avaleha is known for treating oxidative free radical damage caused by sun rays. It is also an effective anti-aging remedy to regain youthful skin by eliminating wrinkles, fine lines, spots, and dark circles. Moreover, it reduces acne, pimples and offers smooth and glowing skin.

Conclusion

Since the traditional times, Ashwagandha – the magical herb - has been quoted in several Ayurvedic textbooks as the ‘Queen of Herbs’ because of its immense health benefits. The potent herb is beneficial for every part of the human body, from head to toe and it is suggested in several studies and researches too. Moreover, Ashwagandha now comes in various forms, including powder, tablets, and jam, making it easier to incorporate in your daily routine. Embrace a healthier living and keep concerns like stress, anxiety, and diabetes at bay effectively with the power of Ashwagandha. Healthybazar brings you an extensive variety of targeted Ayurvedic medicines for skin, eyes, ear, nose, and more. Explore top-rated Ayurvedic medicines from the best brands at cost-effective prices.