Ashwagandha is a herb primarily prevalent in the Indian subcontinent. Its name is derived from the Sanskrit words “ ashwa” or horse and “ gandha” as smell. Its relevance and uses have been discovered in the scriptures of traditional Indian medicines or Ayurveda and now it is again admired among contemporary users.
Scholarly articles based on clinical studies have highlighted the efficacy of ashwagandha in resisting different life-threatening disorders arising in humans. Scientific research has proven Ashwagandha as expressed in the ancient 5000 years of Ayurvedic medicinal scriptures or Atharvaveda. Extracts of Ashwagandha have shown successful results in altering arthritis, cancer, impotence, cardiovascular and neurological problems. Studies are continuing to know the Ashwagandha benefits.
How Long Has Ashwagandha Been in Use?
As mentioned in more than 5,000 years of ancient scriptures of Rigveda and Atharvaveda, Ashwagandha is identified as the Asvavati.With its scientific recognition as Withania somnifera, its uses have been highlighted in the ancient Ayurvedic books of Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita and Ashtanga Hridaya.
Modern researchers have come across the formulations of Ashwagandha and the dosage for the patients according to the ancient books of Ayurveda.
Based on the ancient formulations, many ayurvedic companies of this contemporary period are preparing medicines for the treatment of different ailments.
Nutrients Available in Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha's phytochemical active components function as nourishing elements for the human body. Phenolic acids, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, withanolides, and flavonoids are the constituents[1]. These phytochemicals in ashwagandha give relief from problems like diabetes, weak neurons, stress and cardiovascular problems.
It helps the man to resist the disorders arising in the environment by improving immunity levels.
It delays the aging process and enhances sexual performance.
One can gain nutrients from every part of Ashwagandha, whether it is root, leaves, flowers and fruits. Therefore, every part of Ashwagandha shrub is used for medicinal purposes.
Ashwagandha Benefits For Health
Researchers have come up with the following uses of Ashwagandha after conducting clinical testing on lab animals and humans.
One can experience the benefits of ashwagandha more in its roots than in its leaves and fruits. The root is dried, ground into powder and used as a part of the supplement.
Verifying the potency of Ashwagandha in medicinal purposes:
Addressing to Rising Levels of Cortisol and Anxiety Problems
Presence of adaptogens in ashwagandha causes the person to counter the stress and anxiety related problems. It has been proven through the clinical research or test done with humans by using both ashwagandha and placebo.
Regulating Blood Sugar Metabolism
There has not been sufficient proof to support the ashwagandha’s efficacy in maintaining balance in the blood sugar levels just like Neem and Amla. But whatever the extent of research may be, it has proven well in altering rising blood sugar, obesity and improving hemoglobin and lowering blood lipid levels.
The limited clinical studies have discovered the withaferin compound in Ashwagandha causes the increasing blood sugar to optimum levels.
Boosting Healthy Body Weight
Studies have confirmed the ability of ashwagandha in enhancing muscle strength and promoting healthy weight due to the presence of amino acids, volatile oils and alkaloids. The research was done on the male participants who had discovered how the dosage of ashwagandha has prevented muscle damage after the workout session and enhanced muscles in the chests and arms.
Stimulating Sexual Performance of Woman
Without any doubt, Ashwagandha is one of the best Ayurvedic medicines for sexual benefits. And as per the responses shared by the women participants in a clinical survey with Ashwagandha dosage, it improves libido, sex drive and orgasm followed with deep inner satisfaction. It helps in balancing hormones in women and brings relief from dissatisfying sexual experience with their partners.
Increasing Testosterone and Fertility
The richness of different phytochemicals helps in bringing relief from the free radicals in the blood and eases the flow of blood into the penis. Offering Ashwagandha to impotent males during the studies has come up with positive results. It has raised the sperm count and its motility. Among the male participants, 14% could make their partners pregnant.
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Revitalizes Brain and Its Related Nerves
By conducting certain tests on the lab animals, researchers have reported about the positive cognitive responses and relief from poor memory.
Many of us suffer from acute brain disorders during our old age and even after any accident. But the appropriate application of ashwagandha happens to reactivate the neurons and sharpen the brain memory.
Boosts Cardiovascular Wellness
As per the recent studies conducted on humans in the year 2015, specific dosages have helped in cleansing the respiratory system and stimulating easy breathing. Moreover, physically weak and stressed patients have experienced relief from heavy cholesterol, high blood pressure and regular chest pain after using Ashwagandha. Ashwagandha if taken as per the guidance would definitely meet the oxygen requirements in the body and enhance cardiorespiratory capacity.
Effective in Cancer Treatment
Researchers[2] have concluded with the animal studies that Ashwagandha if administered appropriately will stop the growth of lung tumors and different cancer cells.
Scholars are conducting additional research[3] to learn more about ashwagandha, as it has shown promise in treating a variety of human illnesses. We may be able to extract additional advantages of ashwagandha through various clinical investigations.
Furthermore, It is said to be one of the best supplements for alcoholics, and good for acid reflux.
Side Effects of Ashwagandha
One would not be able to gain Ashwagandha benefits if taken in large amounts. There would be possibilities of side effects like :
- Improper Digestion: Don't take it in excess if you want to improve digestion.
- Nausea and Vomiting: Taking excessive amounts may also cause nausea and vomiting.
- Liver Problems: In some cases[4], it may show up with liver failure. Don’t take it if you have a fatty liver.
What Safety Standards Should One Follow Before Using Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha is a natural herb and there is nothing unsafe in using it. However, you must take precautionary measures before taking orally: Always consult with your physician for ashwagandha
There would be risk of miscarriage during pregnancy and breastfeeding would harm the baby.
It may be risky if taken with other medicines without consulting your doctor. Ashwagandha might reduce the healing effects of other medications or cause adverse health effects.
There may be increasing chances of contamination in many herbal or ayurvedic medications which promise 100 % pure Ashwagandha. Expert studies claim about the presence of metals like lead, mercury and arsenic in excess quantities. Hence, without proper research, one should not take the risks of buying any Ashwagandha product or any herbal supplement.
How to use Ashwagandha?
If one goes by the expert’s advice then it should be noted that less than 300mg of Ashwagandha is sufficient enough for any patient.
In small quantities, one can definitely expect good results.
Tablet or Capsule
You can take one with water or lukewarm milk once or twice a day by getting consulted by the doctor.
Powder
Dosages might vary if taken with honey or milk or in form of tea or milk shake
- With milk or honey: You can add ¼ to ½ teaspoon of Ashwagandha powder to it.
- Tea: You must add 1 teaspoon of powder so that it gets reduced to ½ while preparing the tea.
- Milkshake: You can use ghee to cook 4 tablespoons of Ashwagandha and then 1 to 2 tablespoons of honey as per your taste. And then use 1 tablespoon of this whole solution to the milk and use a mixer and prepare a shake.
Likewise, you will come across different recipes using Ashwagandha on the internet to suit your taste and gain different health benefits.
Conclusion
Scholarly articles based on clinical studies have highlighted the efficacy of ashwagandha in resisting different life-threatening disorders arising in humans. Scientific research has proven Ashwagandha as expressed in the ancient 5000 years of Ayurvedic medicinal scriptures or Atharvaveda.
Based on the ancient formulations, many ayurvedic companies of this contemporary period are preparing medicines for the treatment of different ailments.
Researchers have come up with the following uses of Ashwagandha after conducting clinical testing on lab animals and humans. The limited clinical studies have discovered the withaferin compound in Ashwagandha causes the increasing blood sugar to optimum levels.
It becomes necessary to follow the safety protocols including consent from the doctor before using Ashwagandha in powder, tablet, or capsule form. You can check the different Ashwagandha recipes to suit your taste or liking and gain maximum health benefits.
