ASHWAGANDHA - THE HERB THAT KEEPS GIVING

Ashwagandha often dubbed as the all healing herb of traditional medicine is one of the most known herbs in Ayurveda, quite possibly losing out the top spot in the popularity contest only to Turmeric.


It is recently being touted as an answer for the rampant Coronavirus. A study is being carried out to determine whether the herb can be used as an alternative to hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) as a potential Covid preventive. This is mainly due to the fact that Ashwagandha is known to boost immunity.


Belonging to the same family as tobacco, this yellow flower bearing small shrub is classified as an adaptogen -something that can help your body manage stress.

 

Commonly known as “Indian Winter cherry” , it has been proven to help in building muscle, reducing anxiety and even improve libido. Ayurvedic texts state that this herb can be used both as a tonic and as a sedative.

A body builder who is looking to put on some muscle would find Ashwwagandha beneficial as it is capable of improving muscular health, regeneration and repair.
The name Ashwagandha is Sanskrit for “smell of the horse”, which refers to both its distinct smell and the ability to increase strength. What more, it aids in improving the health of the heart by reducing cholesterol.

Also, Ashwagandha supplements may have powerful effects on testosterone levels and reproductive health as studies show that it helps in increasing sperm count and motility.

The role it can play in improving mental faculties cannot be understated as well. It has a Cognition Promoting Effect and is useful for improving memory of children and in treating the elderly who suffer from loss of memory.

It was also found useful in neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s, Huntington’s and Alzeimer’s diseases.

This herb which is a native of the Indian subcontinent and north Africa, can also lower blood sugar levels by facilitating increased secretion of insulin.


People who suffer from insomnia are often prescribed a supplement rich in Ashwagandha as the herb along with other ingredients such as nutmeg would appease any anxiety and help one fall asleep. Ashwagandha lowers the levels of stress hormone , cortisol secreted and thus is majorly used in treating patients suffering from chronic stress.

Ashwagandha is a safe supplement for most people, but certain individuals should not take it without consulting a physician, especially pregnant and breastfeeding women.

This also includes people with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and type 1 diabetes.

People on medication for thyroid disease should be cautious while consuming Ashwagandha, as it may increase thyroid hormone levels in some people.

Thus, Ashwagandha is a real potent regenerative tonic due to its multiple pharmacological actions like anti-stress, neuroprotective, antitumor, anti-arthritic, and analgesic.

In conclusion, with so much to offer, it is clear why Ashwagandha is widely heralded and is certainly one of the most powerful herbs in Ayurvedic healing.

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