Benefits of Ashwagandha on the Human Body

Benefits of Ashwagandha: Ashwagandha is widely used in ayurvedic medicines and is also known as winter cherry. Astonishingly, it is considered one of the most valuable plants in the traditional Indian systems of medicine. It is beneficial for building immunity, female reproductive system, male reproductive system, insomnia patients, and so much more.

Ashwagandha is a popular herb used as a Rasayana (anti-ageing and immunity boosting tonic) in the Indian Ayurvedic system of medicine. It got its name because of the smell of its root, its roots smell like that of a horse, and ‘Ashwa’ is referred to as a horse.

The Ashwagandha plant is a small evergreen shrub 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. 

Benefits Of Ashwagandha In Ayurveda

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 as a substitute for Kakoli and Kshirakakoli (immunomodulatory herbs).

Medicinal Properties Of Ashwagandha

People are using the roots and orangey-red fruit of Ashwagandha for medicinal purposes for around 100 years. Different treatments use different parts of the plant, including the leaves, seeds, and fruits because all these parts have some medicinal properties within them.

Immunomodulator

Ashwagandha has immunomodulatory properties, which are used to improve or normalize the immune system by boosting the immunity in such a manner that an individual of any age can boost their immunity and stay healthy and safe during any pandemic (such as this Corona Pandemic) or any other infection or virus time period. So, including it in your daily routine for enhancing immunity can be beneficial.

Please note, the duration of Ashwagandha’s daily consumption should not be more than three months.

Anti-inflammatory

This property reduces any type of inflammation in the body, be it redness, swelling, or pain. Anti-inflammatory factors obstruct specific matters in the body that cause inflammation. This is the reason that it shows good results for Arthritis patients.

Antioxidant

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.

Rejuvenator

Rejuvenation is the reversal of aging, which includes repair of the damaged cells that are associated with aging or replacement of damaged tissue with new tissue. Rejuvenation can be a life extension and these rejuvenating properties of Ashwagandha help to reduce the signs of aging.

Anti-stress

This property of Ashwagandha prevents or eliminates stress and especially emotional or physical stress. Being a powerful adaptogen, it improves the body’s adaptability to stress.

Health Benefits Of Ashwagandha Formulations

Ashwangandha’s different formulations have different uses and treat various diseases. So, here we are jotting down some of the most popular products and their benefits in varied treatments.

Ashwagandha Churna

It is a powdered formulation of the ashwagandha plant (mainly the roots). 

Ashwagandha 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 intensifies 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.

Ashwagandha Benefits For Women

Apart from 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. Also, 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 and consumption of foods that improve fertility may be beneficial when an individual is trying to conceive.

Dosage: It is usually taken 1 tbsp (3gms), two to three times a day for adults. It is to be taken with warm milk and on an empty stomach in the morning or at night before going to sleep.

Ashwagandha Tablet

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

Benefits Of Ashwagandha Tablet

Cures Pain and Inflammation 

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

Boosts Bone Health

This tablet formulation is highly beneficial for improving overall bone health. It supports bone health, 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). 

Promotes Heart Health

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

Dosage: The ideal dosage for an adult is 2 tablets twice a day with normal water or warm milk.

Ashwagandharishta

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

Benefits Of Ashwagandharishta

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 and fatigue and enhances the vitality of the body. 

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 reduce various symptoms of anxiety, which includes restlessness, uneasiness, 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. 

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. 

Dosage:  The general dosage of Ashwagandharishta is 15 ml, i.e., 3 tbsp twice a day mixed with equal quantities of water or as suggested by your consultant. The dosage is 1 tbsp twice a day for children.

Ashwagandha Avaleh

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

Benefits Of Ashwagandha Avaleh

Improves Under-Weight Conditions

The Avaleh effectively calms the Vata doshas and aggravates the Kapha Doshas, hence it can be consumed to improve skeletal and muscle mass and works great for healthy weight gain. It provides nourishment to the body, balances under-the-skin fat, and enhances the strength of bones. Consuming it on a regular basis along with milk will surely give marked results in a month. 

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. 

Also Read: Ayurvedic ways to improve digestion

Beauty Benefits

It is a natural antioxidant and thus treats oxidative free radical damage caused by sun rays. It is also an effective and well-known anti-aging remedy to obtain youthful skin and treat wrinkles, fine lines, spots, and dark circles. Moreover, it reduces acne and pimples and offers smooth and glowing skin. 

Dosage: The adequate dose for an adult is 1-2 tbsp (6 to 12 grams) twice a day. It should be taken 1 hour before meals or 2 hours after meals with milk.

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. In a way or another, Health benefits of Ashwagandha is good for every human body part from head to toe. Inculcating it in our daily lifestyle can be a great start to healthy living.

Please make sure to consult a doctor before any consumption, to confirm the dosage and duration as per your body type.