India has been a land of medicinal herbs for centuries. These herbs have been traditionally used for their naturally healing properties. Since ancient times, these herbs have been used as alternative medicine to cure diseases and sickness. One of the most prominent and beneficial Indian medicinal herbs is ashwagandha. ‘Ashwagandha’ is a Sanskrit term for ‘smell of the horse’, which refers to both the herb’s potential ability to increase strength and its scent. Also known as ‘Indian ginseng’ and ‘winter cherry’, ashwagandha’s botanical name is ‘Withania somnifera’.
Read the entire blog to know all about the health benefits of ashwagandha, an ancient remedial herb!
What is Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha is an evergreen shrub with yellow flowers and orange-red fruit that offers medicinal benefits. Coming from the Solanaceae or nightshade family, ashwagandha is inhabited in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Ashwagandha is an adaptogen that is known for its health benefits when consumed as powders, teas, supplements, or in raw forms. It belongs to the category of ‘Rasayana’ substances that enhance youthfulness and overall physical and mental happiness.
Ashwagandha: Ancient Indian Medicinal Herb
The history of ashwagandha is traced back to around 6000 BC. It is adopted as a natural alternative to medicine not only in India but also by the Chinese medicine system. People use ashwagandha extracts derived from the plant’s leaves or roots to treat a variety of conditions. This adaptogen has been used across the Indian subcontinent to cure ailments related to various stresses and improve body’s adaptability for over 4000 years.
However, contemporary medicinal sciences did not recognize the potential benefits of ashwagandha until the 1940s. It was then that Dr. Brekman from Russia researched about the benefits of ashwagandha as an adaptogen to promote adaptation to stress. The natural medicinal sciences of today are taking advantage of this ancient herb to cure modern ailments with traditional effectiveness. Below mentioned are the key features of ashwagandha.
Features of Ashwagandha
- Ashwagandha is high in anti-inflammatory properties that helps in alleviating chronic diseases. Its anti-inflammatory effect has been confirmed by modern medical science to help prevent chronic fatigue and strengthen immune system. When the autonomic nerves are disrupted, the immune system is weakened, leading to increased inflammation throughout the body. Consuming ashwagandha-rich supplements daily helps prevent lifestyle-related disorders and chronic diseases.
- Ashwagandha helps boost muscle strength and muscle mass. As it is rich in alkaloids and saponins, it activates androgens in the body and boosts physical strength. Alkaloids possess excitatory properties, while saponin boosts sex hormone.
- Ashwagandha is an adaptogen that helps relieve stress. Along with physical strength and stress relief, ashwagandha also promotes resilience to mental stress. It enhances the function of nervous system and brain to improve memory. This natural herb also helps boost mood and reduce depression.
Health Benefits of Ashwagandha
- Ashwagandha for Diabetes Care
Several clinical studies have found that ashwagandha is effective in reducing blood glucose levels and blood fat called triglycerides. One study has also found that it can be effective in lowering blood sugar levels and has the same effect as that of type-2 diabetes medication. Ashwagandha also manages effective functioning of insulin in the body. Satvam Nutrition’s ashwagandha-rich natural diabetes care supplements help manage diabetes in the long run.
- Ashwagandha for Pre-Diabetes Care
Overall, 15.3% of the Indian population is pre-diabetic. Ashwagandha is believed to have the ability to control blood sugar levels naturally. It has a significant impact on reducing blood sugar levels and may be used to avoid diabetes. With appropriate use, this ancient herb can effectively improve insulin sensitivity and boost insulin secretion. Try Satvam Nutrition’s natural Pre-Diabetic Care supplements, enriched with ashwagandha, to reduce the progression of diabetes and help in pre-diabetic condition.
- Ashwagandha for Immunity
Immunity report of 2021 highlights that only 33% of the survey respondents had not fallen sick in a year, thus indicating a strong immune system. It is widely recognized that ashwagandha is helpful in boosting immune system of the body. Satvam Nutrition’s ashwagandha-rich natural immunity booster supplements help keep the body rejuvenated and improve overall immunity.
- Ashwagandha for Sexual Health and Fertility in Men
Consuming ashwagandha supplements has shown to increase testosterone levels and benefit male fertility. One study shows an 18% increase the sex hormone that is involved in testosterone production. Try Satvam Nutrition’s natural male health support supplements for improved fertility and sexual health.
- Ashwagandha for Better Sleep
Research evidence suggests that ashwagandha helps with sleep issues and promotes better sleep. A recent study highlights that consuming ashwagandha for a few months continuously improves sleep quality and promotes mental alertness. Try Satvam Nutrition’s natural sleep restore supplements enriched with ashwagandha and other sleep-aiding ingredients.
- Ashwagandha for Brain Function and Memory
Research has found that ashwagandha could improve cognitive functioning, memory, and attention span. A study highlights that regular consumption of ashwagandha over a period of time enhances information-processing speed, attention, and immediate as well as general memory.
- Ashwagandha for Stress Relief
Ashwagandha is perhaps best known for its stress relieving and soothing properties. It is an adaptogen that helps the body cope with stress and relieve anxiety. Research has also found out that consuming ashwagandha supplements for certain weeks significantly reduces perceived stress and cortisol levels.
Explore the Benefits of Ashwagandha for Holistic Health
Ashwagandha is an ancient herb that offers several medicinal benefits. For centuries, it has been used to cure ailments naturally across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Modern medicinal sciences have also recognized the multifold health benefits of ashwagandha, from reducing stress and offering restful sleep to other physical and mental wellbeing. Taking Ashwagandha-infused supplements regularly can help avail the benefits of this natural remedy for holistic health.
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