Top health benefits of Ashwagandha – Ashwagandha has always been highly appreciated in Ayurveda and other traditional medicinal practices for an eternity now. Because of its tremendous medicinal properties, it can treat a variety of health problems ranging from lowering blood sugar levels to fighting the symptoms of anxiety & depression. It is one of the oldest and important herbs in Ayurveda that has been used for over 3,000 years now. Here, we have brought some of the top health benefits of Ashwagandha.
Withania somnifera, commonly known as Ashwagandha, Indian ginseng, winter cherry is basically a plant from the nightshade family native to the Indian subcontinent. It is a small shrub with pale green flowers, leaves, and red berries, tuberous root (carrot or ginger-shaped). Because of its distinctive horse like the smell, it is called Ashwagandha (a Sanskrit name for horse smell). It is also known to impart the horse like strength and vitality to people who regularly consume it.
The list of health benefits of Ashwagandha
The list of benefits that Ashwagandha provides is quite long. Starting from preventing arthritis, asthma, hypertension, to boosting the immune system, ashwagandha’s benefits does not seem to end at any given time. If you are yet not aware of what this horse herb can do to your health, then we have here compiled the list of best advantages of Ashwagandha.
Reduces high blood sugar levels
Ashwagandha’s roots and leaves are highly beneficial to reduce blood sugar level which is why it is a common remedy for diabetes in Ayurvedic medicines. It has anti-diabetic and anti-hyperlipidemic properties that significantly reduce the blood sugar levels in a diabetic person. Not only this, it helps in maintaining the blood sugar levels in a healthy person as well.
Helps in fighting cancer
If various studies and researches are to be believed, then Ashwagandha surely has proved to be a potent medicine against Cancer. It works by reducing the growth of new cancer cells and killing the pre-existing cancer cells. However, these tests are yet to be performed on humans, but by far the data looks promising to treat several types of cancer.
Maintains Cholesterol Levels
Ashwagandha root has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that are eventually good for your cardiovascular health. It also helps in strengthening the heart muscles that make you overall fit and healthy. Also, because of the presence of hypolipidemic properties, it helps in reducing the blood cholesterol levels in the body.
Ashwagandha for stress and anxiety
Ashwagandha is beneficial to improve both mental and physical health. Regular consumption of this magical herb results in the reduction of anxiety and even depression. You can either consume it in the form of supplements, capsules, powder or anything. Below mentioned are some of the other advantages of Ashwagandha for reducing stress and anxiety.
- This herb helps in lowering the cortisol levels in the body which eventually helps in relieving stress.
- It helps in inducing soothing and calming effects on the body.
Ashwagandha for increasing fertility in men
Apart from increasing the testosterone levels, it also helps in improving the semen quality. As Ashwagandha plays an important role as an aphrodisiac it improves the semen quality by increasing the sperm count and motility. This is the major reason, why Ashwagandha has been in use since centuries by males to please their female partners.
Treats erectile dysfunction
Are you suffering from erectile dysfunction? Well, it is one of the most common sexual disorders among men worldwide because of the poor lifestyle we have adapted. Intake of Ashwagandha in any form is helpful in improving libido and sexual health. Though, there are no side effects when taken in the right dosages. But it is advisable to use it under the recommendation of a health expert.
Ashwagandha for immunity
Various intrinsic factors like stress, inflammation, poor lifestyle, lack of sleep show negative effects on immunity. Regular intake of Ashwagandha will not only help in boosting immunity but will also work on these intrinsic factors as well. It works by improving the activity of natural killer cells, which are responsible for fighting the infection in the immune system.
Are there any side effects of using Ashwagandha?
We all aware of the fact that moderation is the key to success and it could not be truer when it comes to the consumption of Ashwagandha. Though this herb isn’t capable of causing serious side effects careless consumption can do harm to your overall health. Below mentioned are some of the side effects of Ashwagandha.
- Pregnant women should avoid consuming this herb as it possesses abortifacient properties.
- Excess consumption can lead to health problems like diarrhea, upset stomach etc. to name a few of them.
- If you suffer from diabetes, asthma, depression, insomnia, anxiety then the use of this wonder herb should be in caution.
Conclusion
So, if you are suffering from any of the aforementioned health problems, then Ashwagandha will surely help in treating it from the roots. We hope this might have helped you in brushing up your knowledge about the advantages of Ashwagandha. Therefore, go ahead and now start consuming it in any form but in the right dosage.