Ashwagandha is scientifically called Withania Somnifera. It is often commonly called as Indian ginseng or otherwise winter cherry. Ashwagandha has endless benefits such that it has been in use for the past 3000 years. It is termed as an exotic herb and helpful to relieve people from stress. It is a natural alternative to a lot of depression/anxiety medications.
Further, the different parts of Ashwagandha including roots, seeds, leaves, etc. come with a lot of medicinal values. It is widely known to help manage stress. The modern medical science makes best use of the adaptogen for its endless therapeutic properties. It is rich in antioxidants, iron, potassium, nitrates, fatty acids, glucose, etc. Ashwagandha has its very own positive effects on endocrine, cardiovascular and central nervous system.
Here is a list of how Ashwagandha helps maintain healthy body
Brings down cholesterol levels
There are several studies that boast of the benefits of Ashwagandha in reducing cholestrol levels. As it is high in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, the heart muscle walls get stronger which in turn aids in maintaining healthy cholesterol levels. Researches and studies say Ashwagandha or Indian ginseng is hypolipidemic which lowers cholesterol levels.
Better stress management
There are a lot of pharmaceutical drugs used for stress and anger management. These toxic drugs can be largely reduced or in fact avoided from use and replaced with Ashwagandha, as the herb aids in managing stress better. It helps by bringing down cortisol levels. Cortisol is nothing but the hormone responsible for stress. Adrenal glands release this hormone when the body is subjected to stress.
Prevents cancer
Ashwagandha is a natural cure to cancer. It has rich anti-cancer properties. Hence it can be used along with radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Ashwagandha inhibits growth of cancerous cells in many different ways. Hence, it can be used against breast cancer, brain cancer, ovarian cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer, etc.
Better eye health
Ashwagandha has rich antioxidants. This makes it an amazing alternative treatment to cataract blindness. Several studies claim the benefits of Indian ginseng that it can perform as cataract static agent that curbs formation of cataract.
Helps prevent heart disease
Ashwagandha or Indian ginseng comes with cardio protective effects. Hence, Ashwagandha aids our body i in recovering from cardiac apoptosis, and helps maintain normal levels of antioxidants in myocardium.
Better immunity
Ashwagandha further comes with a lot of anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. These properties are protective against infections and diseases. Regular consumption of the herb in any form will help produce RBC, WBC, and blood platelets that on the whole promotes better immunity to the body. In addition, there are other beneficial properties of Ashwagandha including thyroid gland stimulation, better libido, improved sexual health, better fertility in men, brings down stress level, seizure prevention, etc.
Prevents infections
Ashwagandha has rich anti-oxidant properties and hence it prevents your body from diseases by protecting from several pathogenic bacteria. Ashwagandha leaves and root extracts have properties that prevent your body from salmonella infection.
Helps combat anemia
There are several studies that claim about the benefits of Ashwagandha in increasing RBC and WBC counts in blood. Our body produces new blood through the process called hematopoiesis. And Ashwagandha has got rich hematopoietic properties. This herb called Ashwagandha can be used to substantially increase red blood cells and white blood cells.
Helps treat adrenal fatigue
Adrenal glands are the one that produce bodily hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. When you suffer with any physical or mental stress, it is referred to as adrenal fatigue. In this condition, production of other hormones like progesterone gets hindered, thus leading to infertility issues and early signs of ageing.
Better physical strength
Ashwagandha aids body by improving tissues, muscle and bone strength which in turn improves overall physical fitness and strength. By consuming Ashwagandha, our body naturally regains and regenerates its original strength and energy, thus preparing itself to perform physical activities.
Dosage
Coming on to the dose of use, the recommended level depends on the patient’s health conditions, age, gender, etc.
Generally, per day, about 4-5 grams of Ashwagandha is allowed per person. It is available in various forms like capsules, Ashwagandha-infused water, etc. In case of capsules, 1 or 2 are allowed per day. To prepare Ashwagandha distilled water, you can add about 2 grams of the herb in boiling water and allow it in sim flflame for about 15 minutes. Filter out the water and let it cool down for about ten minutes. You can drink this water then. About 2 cups of distilled water is allowed per day.
Ashwagandha recipes
Ashwagandha almond powder preparation method.
For this, you require about 2 cups of almond powder and 2 spoons of Ashwagandha powder. Along with this add 1 tsp of ghee or coconut oil. Add all the ingredients except Ashwagandha to a blender and make a smooth mix. To this, finally add Ashwagandha powder. This can be stored for long in the refrigerator.