Ashwagandha uses and benefits are so numerous that it is one of those miracle plants that nature has gifted to mankind. And the Ayurvedic line of healthcare was quick to understand the benefits that this plant could give mankind and harnessed its abundant goodness into several medicines, used to treat a variety of ailments including anxiety, depression, stress, exhaustion and insomnia.
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One of the Ashwagandha uses is as a ‘rasayana’ or something that rejuvenates because it increases one’s longevity by promoting not only physical health, but also mental health. Variously beneficial plant that it is, it can both calm and energize as is needed, thus truly proving itself a miracle plant.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Indian Ginseng or Winter Cherry is a small shrub with yellow flowers and red fruits that is native to India, North Africa ad the Middle East. Typically, it is the berries and fruits from which extracts are taken for use in medicines. They can be taken in the form of powder or tablet too.
Ashwagandha Uses and Benefits:
- Aswagandha has an abundance of antioxidants, iron and amino acids, which makes it an excellent fighter against several ailments.
- Aswagandha has effective anti-inflammatory, anti-ageing and hormone balancing properties. It also boosts immunity, eases joint pain, and provides relief from insomnia.
- The active agent called ‘withanolides’ is an ‘adaptogen’ which helps the body cope with stress and depression, and also improves memory and concentration.
- These withanolides also help with symptoms of debilitating diseases like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases.
- Aswagandha leaves are crushed and used topically to heal wounds, skin sores and reduce swellings.
- This miracle herb improves general well-being, gives energy, increases stamina and endurance and even acts as an aphrodisiac, improving sexual health.
- Ashwagandha also helps out in beauty treatments, with its antioxidant properties which protect the skin and keeps it firm and youthful. As an ingredient in shampoos, Ashwagandha improves circulation in the scalp, reduces greying, and strengthens the hair.
So all said and done, Ashwagandha truly deserves its name as a miracle herb because it helps with all aspects of well-being including the physical, mental and the aesthetic and Ayurveda has effectively made use of all its medicinal properties to improve health and well-being.
