Health Benefits of Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is known as Indian ginseng or winter cherry. It's scientifically known as Withania somnifera. This is a type of herbal medicine commonly used in Ayurveda. It's known to be one of the most important herbs in Indian alternative medicine. They believe in the natural healing process and use Ashwagandha for this practice.
The roots and berries of Ashwagandha are believed to have medicinal properties. It can be seen as having yellow flowers and originally came from India and Southeast Asia. As part of the class adaptogens, Ashwagandha is known to be beneficial to health. The plant extract from the roots and leaves is used to treat different health issues.
Health Benefits of Ashwagandha
For thousands of years, it's believed that Ashwagandha has been used to improve someone's health. It's still true up to this day since it's part of the Ayurvedic treatments. This medicinal shrub is said to help with focus and concentration. It also improves energy levels and can relieve stress. Below are the other health benefits that you can get from Ashwagandha.
1. Maintains Cholesterol Levels
Ashwagandha has anti-inflammatory effects which maintain cholesterol at safe levels. It can also reduce triglycerides in your body. This will prevent the development of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack or stroke.
2. Prevents Cancer
It is believed that Ashwagandha has anti-cancer properties. This herbal medicine can slow down the growth of cancer cells. It can also kill them by inducing apoptosis which programs the death of cancer cells in the body.
3. Healthy Heart
Ashwagandha root extract can improve cardiorespiratory endurance. In short, it can make your heart stronger and healthier. It can decrease blood pressure and maintain healthy cholesterol levels. This helps to lower your risk of developing heart disease as you age.
4. Prevents Rheumatoid Arthritis
Another benefit of Ashwagandha is that it can prevent you from suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. It's an analgesic which means that it's a natural painkiller. The anti-inflammatory properties of this herb can also relieve its symptoms. It was proven by the study conducted on a small group.
5. Build Muscle Mass and Strength
Ashwagandha not only helps to improve muscle mass but also makes you stronger. According to a study, the group who took this herb gained more muscle mass and improved their strength. They also showed significant weight loss in those who took a placebo.
6. Improves ADHD
When children with ADHD were given Ashwagandha, it helped them to gain more control and increased their attention span. It's safer for kids as well since it's natural than giving them pills.
7. Slows Down Aging
One of the best health benefits of Ashwagandha is it can slow down the aging process. It prevents hair from graying out and also improves the melanin synthesis of your hair cells. This herb contains antioxidants to prevent health issues that usually happen as we age.
Can I Take Ashwagandha Daily?
It's safe to take Ashwagandha daily but you also have to avoid overdoing it. As mentioned, Ashwagandha has a lot of health benefits. However, it also contains dirt, heavy metals, and other contaminants. It's important to make sure that it's properly processed to get its purest form.
If taken for a long time, Ashwagandha may have some side effects. Although it's unknown, it's best to prevent finding it out. It's safe to take it orally for no longer than 3 months. For large doses, you might suffer from an upset stomach, vomiting, and diarrhea. Liver problems might also occur if consumed for longer periods in large doses.
Ways of Taking Ashwagandha
Now that you know the health benefits of Ashwagandha, it's time to know how to take it. There are different ways that you can take this herb to have its health benefits. It's available in powder, tincture, capsule, tablet, and tea. It's recommended to try Ashwagandha tea first. Let it become a part of your diet and hydrate your body as well.
Another method that you can take Ashwagandha is in its raw or powder form. Add and mix it to your food to incorporate it into your diet seamlessly. Just make sure not to put it in too much heat since it can lose its health benefits. Don't cook it along with your food and just add it once it's ready. That will ensure that its therapeutic effect is still intact.
Ashwagandha and the Body
Ashwagandha is safe to consume since it's not toxic. It comes with many health benefits and has been used in Ayurvedic treatments for a long time. However, you have to consider different factors before taking this herb and making it a part of your diet.
Medication
If you're taking medication, it's best to consult your doctor before taking any herbal supplements. Adding them to your diet can be counterintuitive to your existing medication. Ashwagandha may affect your medication.
Dosage
It's crucial to learn about the right dosage before taking Ashwagandha. Experts suggest that taking it in a large dosage will no longer be beneficial for your health. If you take about 300 ml of Ashwagandha it can't be absorbed by the body. It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other side effects. Taking it in small doses is recommended to keep it balanced.
Special Conditions
If you're pregnant, taking Ashwagandha may be unsafe for you. It's also important to reconsider if you're breastfeeding. For those with a thyroid condition or who need to go under surgery, it's best to hold off taking this herb in the meantime. If you have allergies to nightshades, Ashwagandha is not for you. Talk to your doctor if you have a medical condition to check if it's safe for you to try this herb.
Summary
Studies have proven that Ashwagandha can reduce stress and anxiety. It will also be helpful to people who are suffering from insomnia. As long as you don't have an existing medical condition, Ashwagandha will be beneficial for you. It's generally safe and effective for most people. But it's best to consult your doctor before adding it to your diet and stay safe.
