Ashwagandha is one of the oldest herb in India existing from last 2500 years. Due to it’s proven benefits, ashwagandha is known as Indian ginseng. It is said that Ashwagandha makes you fit like a horse, it treats hundreds of ailments and the science experiments have proved it.
The uses of ashwagandha are innumerable and it’s benefits must be reaped well in time. The botanical name of Ashwagandha is ‘withania Somnifera’. It can be consumed in tablets or in powder forms. The medicinal use of Ashwagandha root is said to be superior to that of the leaf extract. Thus it is advised to consume the ashwagandha root powder to enjoy all its benefits. We have curated the benefits of ashwagandha that have been proven by scientific case studies and experimental trials.
Table of Contents
Proven Benefits of Ashwagandha
1. Improves muscle mass and strength
Ashwagandha has been proven to improve muscle mass and strength. It has also been noted that it increases the speed of muscle contraction and thus the overall speed of the person.
2. Improves concentration
This use of Ashwagandha is a boon for the students and all those who need more concentration power. In the clinical trial, after just 14 days of consumption, not just concentration but attention and coordination improved as well. So, almonds are not the only concentration boosters after all.
3. Stress Buster
Ashwagandha is the new stress buster and enhances the mood as well. It can become a lifesaver for depression patients, the only downfall is that it takes time to work.
4. Restores Natural Hair Color
This one is what everyone is waiting for, a miraculous herb to restore the natural hair color. They say that it improves the hair color but the study was conducted for one year of consumption of 3gm ashwagandha powder every day. So it’s a game of patience, to have a comparatively faster herb that restores natural hair color, read this article.
5. Ashwagandha use improves Blood count
All the blood cell count improves, thus the increased hemoglobin readings, proper white blood cell count and the platelet count also improves. The cell rejuvenation increases thus keeping the body young and away from diseases.
6. Improves Sleep
Ashwagandha improves the quality of sleep thus making you feel more restful and ready for your daily challenges. After knowing the reason behind your lack of sleep, you can curb them as well along with the consumption of ashwagandha.
7. Effective in neurological disorders
Ashwagandha is also effective in the treatment of neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s and alzheimer’s disease etc. Ashwagandha has become the ray of hope in the treatment of neurological disorders, though more research is going on in this area.
8. Anti Cancer Effect
Ashwagandha has the antitumor effect which is great news for carcinoma patients. The consumption of this Indian Ginseng can actually prevent the tumours from growing in your body. This herb boosts immunity as well, thus improving general well-being.
9. Beneficial in uterine fibroids
Yes, Ashwagandha is beneficial in the female reproductive system disorders as well. It has shown its effectiveness in the uterine fibroids treatments. This may eliminate the need for the surgical interventions for the removal of uterine fibroids.
10. Memory booster
Ashwagandha is a proven memory booster. Along with some memory boosting exercises, you can improve your memory with this amazing herb.
11. Anti- inflammatory, relieves pain
Ashwagandha use is not limited to just brain functions but it also has miraculous benefits for joint pain due to its anti-inflammatory properties. If you are suffering from arthritis then make friends with Ashwagandha for a steady improvement.
12. Anti-aging
The benefits of Ashwagandha are for cosmetic purposes as well, it is the most affordable anti-aging herb nowadays. It contains antioxidants which destroy the aging responsible free-radicals thus giving you a more younger looking skin. Refer to this skincare guide if you are in your 30s.
13. Helps in Hypothyroidism
The inactive or less active thyroid gland results in a disease known as hypothyroidism. The lesser secretion of the thyroxine hormones results in many symptoms such as fatigue, weight-gain, dry skin etc.
14. Flavonoids produce anti-diabetes effect
Flavonoids play a great role in providing the benefits of ashwagandha fully. The flavonoids present in the ashwagandha herb produce an anti-diabetic effect which in turn proves as a boon for all the people suffering from diabetes. Have it after taking your physician’s advice and have easy control on your sugar levels everyday.
15. Improves Sexual function and fertility
This is quite well-known benefit of ashwagandha. It is a natural aphrodisiac as it boosts the testosterone levels. It improves sperm count, semen volume, and even sperm motility. This can be a simple solution to all the male infertility issues.
Precautions
Do ask your doctor first before starting ashwagandha powder along with your recommended medications. It is advised not to take it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Ashwagandha Root powder is believed to be more potent than the leaf extract. Don’t forget to thank mother nature when you reap ashwagandha benefits.
References
- Sandhu Jaspal, et al. “Effects of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) and Terminalia arjuna (Arjuna) on physical performance and cardiorespiratory endurance n healthy young adults.” Int J Ayurveda Res. 1, no 3 (July-Sept 2010):144-149.
- U Pingali, et al. “Effect of standardized aqueous extract of Withania somnifera on tests of cognitive and psychomotor performance in healthy human subjects.” Pharmacognosy Res. 6, no 1 (January 2014):12-8.
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3252722/
