Ashwagandha is one of the most ancient and important herbs of Indian medicine in Ayurveda which is a traditional form of alternative for medicines based on the principles of Indian natural healing. It is commonly known as ‘Indian Ginseng’ and ‘Indian Winter Cherry’. Ashwagandha chura is a finely sieved powder that can be mixed with water, ghee, or honey for better healing effects that we will learn about in this article.
People are using ashwagandha for thousands of years to relieve their stress and improve concentration along with increase energy levels.
In Sanskrit “Aswagandha” is known as ‘smell of the horse’ which refers to the scent of the herb and the potential of it to increase the strength. The plant ashwagandha is a small shrub with yellow flowers that is native to India and Southeast Asia. The extract or powder of it is very beneficial in treating a variety of conditions.
Ashwagandha Health benefits
Ashwagandha has lots of health benefits as it is an ancient and ayurvedic medicine that India believes in. Let’s see a few of the ashwagandha benefits.
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- Helps in Anxiety: Ashwagandha is classified as an adaptogen and this means that it helps the body to adapt to stress. It boosts brain function which results in fighting against the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Several studies that are related to humans have shown that ashwagandha can reduce the symptom of stress and anxiety disorders in people. It also helps with insomnia. You can even try traditional ayurvedic oil with Ashwagandha as one of the key ingredients to massage your body to get relief from the day-to-day stress of life. In the ancient Ayurvedic text of Sahastrayogam, it is recommended that Ayurvedic Sugandhadi Oil is one such ingredient that alleviates stress, exhaustion, tension, and body ache.
- Inflammation: Inflammation is a normal response of the body to conditions like trauma, infection, and toxins. Under any normal condition body, will produce an anti-inflammatory response that restores balance. Ashwagandha is one of many Ayurvedic herbs that has proven to be effective in reducing inflammation. Ashwagandha herbal tea is very helpful in relieving inflammation.
- Preventing and healing acne: Antibacterial and antimicrobial properties are present on Ashwagandha roots which protect the skin from acne and infections. The collagen in the skin boosts and prevents it from aging. If you are suffering from acne then you should try the face packs with Ashwagandha power which helps in acne. The Ashwagandha powder benefits in treating pimples, blackheads, reducing scars, repairing inflammation, and improving skin tone.
- The health of Heart : The properties of Ashwagandha benefit the heart which includes providing treatment for high cholesterol, chest pain, high blood pressure, and other heart diseases. For maintaining a healthy heart you should include ashwagandha powder benefits in your diet.
- Treatment for Alzheimer’s : Ashwagandha inhibits the production of beta-amyloid plaques. The plaques that are considered lethal to brain cells grow in the brains of people with neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s. A protein in the liver that clears amyloid from the brain is boosted by Ashwagandha.
Ashwagandha powder benefits
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- Helps in Insomnia : If you are going through insomnia then ashwagandha is the best cure for it. It possesses sleep including properties that are beneficial for those who are suffering from sleeplessness. For better sleep have a cup of warm milk with ashwagandha powder to help you unwind and sleep better.
- Treats Asthma : A respiratory disorder that causes shortness of breath, wheezing and chest congestion is Asthma and if you are suffering from asthma then Ashwagandha can be a natural cure for your condition. The roots of Ashwagandha when consumed on regular basis can reduce stress which in turn helps with respiratory diseases such as this. It also increases your overall ability to exercise and work.
- Weight Loss : Ashwagandha powder benefits you in reducing and maintaining your weight. You can mix one teaspoon of ashwagandha powder in a glass of milk with some honey and drink it. You can also add some cardamom which will improve taste, promote better digestion and metabolism.
Ashwagandha Benefits for skin
Ashwagandha promises beautiful and glowing skin with healthy nails. The high level of antioxidants helps in fighting the signs of aging like dark spots, fine lines, blemishes, and wrinkles. The alkaloids in the ashwagandha ease the anxiety and stress within us which directly impacts our skin and hair health.
Let’s see how ashwagandha powder benefits work:
- Moisturizer : Ashwagandha in any form helps in soothing and protecting the dry and rough skin.
- Cleanses : Ashwagandha has a compound in it which is referred to as withanolides help to cleanse the dirt and impurities that prevent clogged acne and pores.
- Healing Power : Ashwagandha mixed with a fluid can be used as a substitute to the cream which treats bruises, cuts, and skin infections.
- Prevents aging : Ashwagandha incites the production of vital proteins for healthy skin hydration and it also boosts DHEA that helps in maintaining the skin youthful and increases the natural skin oils.
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Ashwagandha side effects and Precautions
- An excessive dosage of ashwagandha powder can cause uterus contraction, miscarriages, or premature baby birth. So it is advisable to take a proper prescription from the doctor before consuming it.
- The consumption of ashwagandha in heavy quantities can lead to abortions.
- Stomach upset, diarrhea, and vomiting can happen if ashwagandha is taken along the medicines of anti-anxiety.
- If you are suffering from low blood pressure it is advisable to ignore the intake of Ashwagandha as it lowers the level of blood sugar.
- If a patient is suffering from a stomach ulcer the consumption of Ashwagandha can irritate them.
- If a patient is supposed to go for surgery it is advisable not to take Ashwagandha as it can interfere with the central nervous system.
We have covered some of the well-known Ashwagandha benefits that you can include in your diet and in your daily cosmetics.