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| Ashwagandha |
Ashwagandha happens to be one of the most powerful healing herbs in Ayurveda and tradition system of medication. It has long been known to cure a variety of conditions. If we break apart, Ashwa means Horse and Gandha stands for smell. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), therefore, is an herb that's believed to impart the power and strength equivalent to that of a horse, and it also escalates our overall vitality.
Ashwagandha for Immune Support and as Adaptogen
Ashwagandha has been used since the inception of Ayurvedic Healthcare Science and is commonly known as winter cherry or Indian Ginseng. It is considered an adaptogen, which means that it is an Ayurveda herb for improving physical abilities as well as administering stress and energy balance inside the body. Ashwagandha, besides being considered as an energy tonic for your body, is also believed to strengthen your immune system; sourced from natural herbs. Ashwagandha is believed to be essentially a tonic formula, derived from natural herbs, which helps in revitalizing your tissues, muscles, nerves and bones.
How to take Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha is available in capsules and powder form. It can also be used as oil for applying on painful joints, muscle spasm or back pain. This extremely therapeutic herb is usually consumed in the form of supplements as powder or tablets. Ashwagandha extract is normally sourced from the root of the plant, and is known to deliver a host of scientifically proven medical benefits. This herb is a powerhouse of essential nutrients such as fatty acids, steroidal lactones, iron, amino acids, alkaloids and various other anti-oxidants. However, thanks to one of its active ingredients known as Withanolides, Ashwagandha also acts as an needed adaptogen for our body. That's what makes it a great supplement to regain any lost physical energy and as well enhance our immune system, besides keeping various forms of stress at bay.
Varied Benefits of Single Herb
Traditionally, Ashwagandha was recommended mainly in order to regain the lost strength after having suffered from an illness. However, it is also incredibly useful in fighting the symptoms of fatigue, anxiety etc. It helps rejuvenate the body right from the root, and also makes our inner immune system stronger in order to make it capable to fight diseases on its own. Let's have a look at some of the major benefits Ashwagandha brings on the table for us:
· Strengthens our immune system - It is known to increase the count of white blood cells in our body that are naturally said to keep us immune from various diseases. The more the number of white blood cells, the better equipped we are to fight various forms of diseases, infections and allergies.
· Promotes the growth of nerve cells – Ashwagandha acts as a great source of memory enhancer and is best recommended for kids and adults alike for enhancing our concentration power and thinking capabilities. This results in reduced chances of suffering from some serious neuro-degenerative diseases, including Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease.
· Helps relax our muscles - By acting as a mild sedative, Ashwagandha supplements are known to offer relief to sore muscles. The herb acts right against various kinds of joint cramps and inflammation, and is also advised to those suffering from arthritis.
· Major stress buster - By inhibiting a high level of cortisol in our body and brain, the Ashwagandha supplements are known to help us combat stress and the symptoms that follow, such as anxiety, insomnia, fatigue etc. Try consuming one tsp of Ashwagandha powder with a glass of warm milk before going to bed at night, and you will know the difference.
Ashwagandha Healthcare Benefits
Some of healthcare benefits of Ashwagandha are -
· It is a proven energy booster. It also helps in improving chronic illness and pain management for arthritis patients
· It helps in regulation of blood sugar in your body
· It also helps to reduce insomnia or unhealthy sleep cycles. The species name is somnifera- in use meaning to support sleep
· It is also believed to reduce psychological stress, especially anxiety by helping relax your nervous system
· It also has anti-oxidant properties which help in hydration of your skin cells and help retain youthfulness
· It helps sharpen memory and intellect
· It has properties to protect you from cardio-vascular and thyroid- with its stimulation properties
· In Ayurveda, it is especially beneficial for people suffering vata and kapha Doshas.
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About the Author:
Dr Sonica Krishan is Author and Speaker in the areas of Healthy and Joyous Living through Ayurveda, Meditation, Yoga and other Contemplative practices. She is a leading Ayurveda Professional in India. She is also Health Writer, Columnist, Editor, Ayurveda Consultant and Holistic Healing Coach. Dr Sonica is open for National as well as International Collaborations with interested people / institutions in fields of Ayurveda, Meditation and Yoga.