Withania somnifera, or more commonly known as Ashwagandha is a type of shrub that is rather famous in the field of Ayurvedic Medicine. More commonly found in the dry regions of India, it is known to grow during late rainy seasons and has plenty of use, not only in the field of medicine but also in culinary arts. Its berries are known to be good substitutes for rennet which is an essential ingredient in making cheese. Health wise, there are plenty of benefits one could get from the plant, and here are some.
Immune System
The plant contains properties that help enhance the cells in the body which help eliminate bacteria and other harmful elements, thus boosting the immune system. It also provides smooth transition of the oxygenated blood in the body, strengthening it for you to be able to fight against fatigue and weakness often associated with anemia.
Anti Inflammatory
The ashwagandha contains anti inflammatory properties. In fact, there are plenty of studies which tell that using the plant helps reduce inflammation caused by osteoarthritis, pain, and other disability.
Anti Oxidant
The bio chemical compounds found in Ashwagandha possess anti-oxidant properties. It is proven by a series of laboratory tests and experiments, and at the same time protect the body from oxidative damage.
Anti Ageing Capacity
The Indian shrub is also known to be good anti-ageing agents. It helps moisturize and keep the cells as healthy as possible, replenishing your body with good cells and reduce cell degeneration.
Diabetes
It also helps reduce the rate of diabetes risk, as it helps dilute blood sugar in the body to keep them under normal level. It is also thought to increase sedative effects, and could potentially induce abortion, so it is best thought to seek a medical professional’s advice before use.
Depression
Ashwagandha has anti-depressant capacities due to the presence of bio molecules that help influence brain chemistry. This will promote a more cheerful attitude in you and help lessen the fatigue you are apparently feeling.
Athletic Performance
The shrub is also known for boosting testosterone levels in the body. It is one of the reasons why most athletes prefer taking this herb, as it also promotes strengthening of the muscles and coordination of the body.
Dementia
A recent research explains that toxic substances released in the brain called beta-amyloid laques potentially induce neurodegenerative conditions. It is found that the ayurvedic medicine Ashwagandha has the property to help prevent such plaques from forming, and may potentially become a good medicine against Alzheimer’s, Dementia, and other similar ailments.
Anxiety
This Indian shrub is also known to help reduce anxiety induced by stress. It is because the plant is known to help influence the neurotransmitters in the brain which affects your mood. This helps promote a calming effect in you.
Cancer
It was found through various researches that Ashwagandha is known to help slow down the process of some cancer cells, making it a potentially effective treatment for eliminating the deadly disease once and for all.
Aphrodisiac
In the ancient times, Ashwagandha is being prescribed in India by Ayurvedic practitioners as an aphrodisiac. It was said that they help improve a person on matters related to sexual activities and infertility issues. Up to present, some still use this plant as a supplement for improving sexual activities and to increase pregnancy rate amongst couples.
About the Author: Rajkumar Jonnala Blogger and Content Writer with very much experience in the field of dental implants industry.
Vanu says
March 8, 2012 at 7:21 AMInformative
Swati Murti says
November 5, 2012 at 2:23 PM🙂
Coral Crue says
March 9, 2012 at 7:21 AMthe root and leaves are highly beneficial
Swati Murti says
November 5, 2012 at 2:24 PMyup, they are 🙂
Coral Crue says
March 9, 2012 at 7:21 AMthe leaves and roots are very beneficial. good post as always
Sarah says
November 2, 2012 at 5:18 PMThis time of year it is important to boost the immune system. It’s good for that alone.
Swati Murti says
November 5, 2012 at 2:24 PMyup, you are right, Sarah 🙂
Anonymous says
February 13, 2013 at 3:53 PMis powder form of it with same benefits
Swati Murti says
February 18, 2013 at 4:42 PMyes 🙂
Anonymous says
March 16, 2013 at 5:12 PMdoes it help sub hypothyroidism?
Swati Murti says
March 17, 2013 at 6:05 AMno idea!! you should go to a doctor for treatment!
Anonymous says
March 20, 2013 at 7:33 AMIs it good for improving memory?
Thanks
Swati Murti says
April 29, 2013 at 11:37 AMi am not sure!!
Swt Palak says
June 17, 2013 at 6:49 AMIn which place this plant is available in jalandhar?
Swati Murti says
June 18, 2013 at 10:47 AMhi…sorry, i have no idea if the plant would be available in jalandhar! but, you can ask for it in any ayurvedic shop or patanjali shops!
Herbalhills says
November 28, 2013 at 7:36 AMGreat Blog!! Ashwagandhahills is really good for health. Your thought processing is wonderful. The way you tell the thing is awesome.
herbalhills
Espalda Plateada says
November 28, 2013 at 6:06 PMBuenas, os dejo un enlace sobre el Ashwagandha, sus propiedades
y donde conseguirlo.
http://goo.gl/9TkprS
Hasta otra!
jacob smith says
July 10, 2014 at 8:51 AMThis comment has been removed by the author.