Ashwagandha Benefits, Side Effects and How to Use

Ashwagandha is very common ayurvedic herb recognised by  a as one of the most effective solution for coping with various health issues.

It is one of the oldest remedy in Ayurvedic medicine used as a natural treatment for relief. Be it stress, anxiety, sleep or performance, your concern, Ashwagandha has a solution for all

To understand more about how ashwagandha can be helpful for you and the benefits it offers, consider reading this blog! 

1. What is Ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha is a well-known and effective Ayurvedic herb, mentioned in books like Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita. It is a popular rasayana often referred to as “Indian Ginseng” or “Winter Cherry.”.

It has its legacy in traditional Indian medicine, particularly in Ayurveda, where it has been used for over 3,000 years.

The name “Ashwagandha” comes from the Sanskrit words ashwa and gandha. Together, it means “smell of a horse,” indicating the herb’s natural ability to impart the strength and vitality of a horse.

2. Key Properties of Ashwagandha and Its Benefits

 

3. Health Benefits of Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is not your regular herb, it’s infused with various healing properties that we will discuss below-

3.1. Helps Reduce Stress and Anxiety

Ashwagandha has adaptogens that help the body deal with stress and anxiety.

These adaptogens support the body’s stress-response system by working with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.

This makes this herb a useful way to naturally manage stress and anxiety levels.

3.2. Manages Sleep Disorders

Insomnia is a common sleep disorder, often caused by a stressful lifestyle.

The adaptogens in this herb help reduce stress and anxiety, which in turn manage insomnia, making it easier for you to get deep, restful sleep.

3.3. Improves Physical Stamina

With the help of ashwagandha, muscle strength, testosterone levels, and creatinine levels can be improved, and cortisol levels and muscle damage caused by exercise can be reduced.

With its Vajikarana property, it can also help to improve stamina. 

3.4. Brings Mental Stability

It helps to get the benefits of mental stability. In various types of mental stability, including psychological health, improving memory and improving attention, this herb works as a problem solver.

3.5. Improves Male Fertility

It helps to improve the quality of men's sperm and increase testosterone levels, a hormone group, and blood circulation, thereby increasing male fertility. 

For this reason, this Indian ginseng is used in the treatment of infertility in men.

The root of this remedy can be used to improve male infertility and erectile dysfunction.

3.6. May Treat Cancer

Ashwagandha can be taken in addition to radiation or chemotherapy, which is a process to treat cancer.

Also, it can reduce the adverse reactions of anti-cancer drugs. It shows anticancer effects against various cancer cell lines.

It also protected the chemical Withaferin from causing chemo-induced neutropenia.

3.7. Helps with Gastrointestinal Issues

It also helps with gastrointestinal problems and maintains gut health by reducing inflammation and improving digestion.

It also reduces the symptoms of digestive problems, including IBS and other digestive conditions.

3.8. Manages Diabetes

Ashwagandha helps with diabetic problems. It significantly increased the insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion of muscle cells, especially during fasting and the after-meal period.

The root powder can control glucose and reduce its secretion.

3.9. Helpful for Arthritis Management

During arthritis, it becomes so helpful. According to studies, Ashwagandha has the power to reduce joint pain or arthritis pain.

A substance called withaferin is found in its leaves and roots, which helps produce prostaglandins, which work to control pain. 

This has a pain relief property that reduces pain from the nervous system, too. 

3.9. Good for Skin Health

Skin problems can also be managed with the help of Ashwagandha. For this, it produces collagen and removes dead skin cells due to its antioxidant capacity.

You can apply its powder mixed with honey or take it as a tea for better glowing skin.

4. Ayurvedic Profile of Ashwagandha

 

5. Nutrition Information of Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha contains many nutrients, including vitamins and minerals. Here we are going to share with you its nutrients value-

6. Common Ashwagandha Names

7. Potential Side Effects of Ashwagandha

Despite being such an effective herb, long-term use of Ashwagandha has some side effects, which we are going to discuss. 

As per the study, it may be safe to use for a short period, such as 3 months, but long-term use may cause some side effects, such as:

• It may upset your stomach.

• It may cause diarrhoea.

• High doses may cause vomiting and nausea.

• Sometimes it also affects the liver, ranging from mild to liver failure.

• You may feel drowsy for some time.

8. How to use Ashwagandha? 

There is no specific data or approved data about how much quantity of herb you should use; however, as per some studies and our ayurvedic expert's recommendation, here are some of the optimal doses of this herb you should take- 

For Stress

• Take ¼ teaspoon of ashwagandha with 2 cups of boiled water and an inch of ginger.

For diabetes

• Take ¼-½ teaspoon of ashwagandha root powder with 1 glass of water mixed with milk and crushed with almonds and walnuts. 

For high BP

• Take ¼ teaspoon ashwagandha powder with a cup of water. 

For male infertility

• Take ¼- ½ teaspoon of ashwagandha with ghee, sugar, and honey once or twice a day for a month.

There is no specific dosage for its use for a normal person; it may vary from person to person, but according to some studies, the most effective dosage of this herb would be between 500 and 600 mg per day, but sometimes taking 120 mg per day can also be beneficial.

9. Precautions to take while using Ashwagandha 

There are some precautions you should follow while consuming this herb:

• Avoid it during pregnancy. Consult a doctor before use.

• In case of thyroid problems, it may affect thyroid hormones.

• In cases of BP or diabetes, it may lower blood pressure or blood sugar.

• Stomach problems: It may cause stomach discomfort.

• Allergic reactions: Avoid taking it if you have any allergy symptoms.

• Make sure you have taken it from a reputable brand.

10. Conclusion

Ashwagandha is a powerful and versatile herb. It helps deal with various health benefits, such as increased stress levels, more energy, greater immune system support, etc.

Using this herb requires responsibility and caution, just like taking any other Ayurvedic supplements or herbs.

It is generally considered side-effect free, but some people, such as pregnant women, people with breast cancer, people with thyroid or autoimmune disorders, and those with underlying medical conditions, should exercise caution when using it.

Always start with a low dose, pay attention to your body's response, and consult a doctor before taking it if you have an actual health problem or are taking other medications.

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