Indian ginseng, Withania somnifera, poison gooseberry, winter cherry or Ashwagandha is a dense, hairy, erect, grayish-tomentose herb or medicinal herb, which has a strong antioxidant activity and well known for its aphrodisiac property. The word Ashwagandha is a combination of two Sanskrit words ashva, means horse, and gandha, means smell and reflects the plant smells like horse and is renowned for imparting vigor and vitality like that of a horse. Aswagandha grows well in dry and sub tropical region and usually can be grown in fields without paying much attention on irrigation. The height of Ashwagandha typically ranges from 1.4 to 1.5 meters. As it is a medicinal plant so should be grown without applying chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Organic manures such as vermi compost, green manures etc. might be good options.
Ashwagandha found plenty in Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Maharashtra in India. The crop requires dry seasons to grow and 20° C to 35° C is most suitable for Ashwagandha cultivation. Leaves of this plant are dull green, elliptic, typically up to 4 to 5 inches long. The flowers are small, green, bell-shaped and appears bright red after ripening. Withania somnifera or Ashwagandha is among the best herbs used in ayrurvedic and unani medicinal system that nourish and improve nutritional status of the body. The plant, mainly powdered root and leaves have been used for centuries in traditional Indian medicines.
Possible health benefits of Ashwagandha
Prevents hyperglycemia
Ashwagandha has been proven to increase the production of a hormone named “insulin” (released from the pancreas which converts Glucose in the form of Glycogen) and this is how Ashwagandha lowers blood sugar lever and prevents the onset of Diabetes.
Prevents cancer
Recent researches has proven that Ashwagandha contains Anti-Carcinogenic properties so it can be used to develop medicine for treating cancer, which will lead to be effective in the reduction of cancer cells and also check the growth of Neoplasm (new cancer cells).
Lowers cholesterol level
Ashwagandha control the level of Cholesterol and triglyceride in the bloodstream. Triglyceride are the main type of fat found in human blood obtained from various dietary fat and oils, triglycerides are not harmful as such but high amount of triglyceride will definitely lead to High cholesterol and many other heart related illnesses-atherosclerosis, arrhythmia, stroke etc.
Helps in wear and tear inside the body
Ashwagandha is well known for its alkaloids, choline, amino acids, fatty acids, sugars, and withanolide A, withanolide D, withaferin A (steroids) constituents, and thus contains healing property. It prevents the neurons (brain cells) from degeneration and thus improves mental function. In case of healing injuries and pain relief, this herb can be a healthy option.
Boost Immunity and fertility
Withanolides in Ashwagandha is effective in fighting foreign material (infectious agents) by boosting our immune system. It also help those suffering from insomnia (sleeplessness), the most common problem nowadays due to hectic lifestyle and over stress. It also improves sleep disturbance, anxiety, mood swings, drowsiness, lack of concentration etc. By reducing stress level it increases the production of testosterone hormone in males thus improve fertility, sperm growth in man and overall reproductive health. For females, regular usage of this magical herb can reflect positive effect in menstrual disturbance, cramps etc.
Maintains cortisol level
Ashwagandha maintains cortical (stress hormone) level, secreted from adrenal gland. cortical is basically a hormone that control blood glucose level, electrolyte balance, regulates metabolic activities, reduce inflammation and strengthen memory.
Good for bones and skin
Ashwagandha is also beneficial in many bone deformities like Arthritis (both rheumatoid and osteo arhthritis) and reduces fluid retention known as “oedema” in the joints. Due to its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties Ashwagandha protect skin from various infections, acne, wrinkles, tanning, scars etc. and imparts natural glow to the skin. It also improves collagen (a type of protein) for slowing down ageing. The powder of Ashwagandha has to be mixed with face pace pack.
Treats cough and throat disease
Ashwagandha is useful in treating cough and many throat problems such as tonsils, strep throat etc. as it acts as an expectorant due to its antiasthmatic property.
Improves nephrotic health
Withania somnifera is effective in oliguria or anuria as it is diuretic in nature.
Improves Gastric health
Ashwagandha powder is carminative and anthelmintic and therefore it improve digestion and used to treat stomachache, constipation and worms and other gastrointestinal disorder.
(Broadly speaking) – Health benefits of Ashwagandha
- Act as adaptogen
- Aids in Diabetes
- Contains anti carcinogenic properties
- Maintain cardiac health
- Improve psychological health
- Improves fertility in both male and female
- Reduces inflammation and cholesterol.
- Build strong cognitive ability
- Boost immunity
- Contain carminative and anthelmintic properties
- Improves pulmonary health
- Reduces oxidative stress
- Contain tannins and flavonoids
- Rich in antioxidants
Dosage of Ashwagandha
There is no such evidence to suggest the exact dose of Ashwagandha but based on previous researches it is advised to be taken 125 mg to 1,250 mg daily in the form of powder mixed with equal quantity of water. In case of diabetes thyroid disease, lupus or any chronic illness, one should consultant the doctor before taking it.
Side effects
Ashwagandha is no doubt good in many ways but as we know excess of everything is bad, over consumption can cause acidity, heartburn, sour throat, gastritis, peptic or intestinal ulcer, etc. For a pregnant lady, it is advised not to take this herb as it is renowned to cause early onset of menstruation.
