What is Ashwagandha – The herb of vitality

by Vishakha Gujar   

Ashwagandha, which translates to “the smell of horse” in Sanskrit referring to its distinctive smell and ability to increase strength and sexual vigour, is a small, hairy, shaded herb found mostly in Southern Asia. This root herb, also known as the Indian Ginseng or Withania Somnifera has numerous benefits for the body and mind.

Ashwagandha, a herb that is now gaining popularity globally has been a herb of immense importance in the ancient Ayurvedic classics and has been used in practice for five thousand years. With its amazing healing properties, the root is classified as one of the best herbs to maintain and promote vitality. 

The tastes of this plant are sweet, bitter, and astringent and it has hot potency. The herb is one of the most effective medicinal plants on the globe as it reduces Vata and Kapha Doshas. Also, it is extremely nourishing and easy to digest. The doshas in the dominance of Air and Earth. 

Ashwagandha

Some exceptional properties of Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha helps in Increasing and Improving sperm count

In Ayurvedic practice, Ashwagandha is widely used as an aphrodisiac, increasing sperm count and potency of sperm. It gives excellent results in azoospermia, oligospermia, and other problems related to male infertility. Ashwagandha is also used to improve and support female libido and sexual health.

Menstrual disorders, cramp relief, and pregnancy

Ayurvedic doctors use this medicinal plant to treat menstrual disorders and maintain a healthy pregnancy. Furthermore, it eases pain and cramps caused due to increase in Vata dosha and provides effective relief. 

Applying the paste of this herb can cure lacerations and pain in the vaginal region. In the post-partum period, this herb also has benefits in enhancing the quality and quantity of breast milk. 

Ashwagandha helps to overcome stress, anxiety, depression 

The Latin Name of Ashwagandha is Withania Somnifera where Somnifera means “sleep-inducing”, also it is a terrific adaptogen, meaning it helps the body manage stress, both physically and mentally. 

This herb with its remarkable Vata maintaining properties show significantly positive results in mental and neurological disorders like anxiety, depression, ADHD, Alzheimer’s disease, atrophy of the brain tissues, parkinsonism, etc 

Anti-ageing, Rejuvenation, and  Immunity

The ayurvedic community refers to Ashwagandha as a Rasayana since it has rejuvenating properties. The root, with its antioxidant and adaptogenic properties delays cell degeneration, maintains and nourishes the rasa dhatu, ultimately acting as an excellent rejuvenator and immunity enhancer. 

Ashwagandha root powder along with milk and sugar is an easy recipe to look younger and stay fit!

Increasing muscle tone and bone density

It plays a vital role in increasing muscle tone and bone density. In addition, serving it with ghee and honey helps with weakness, osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. Also, consuming it with milk helps with acute rheumatoid arthritis.

Using the oil made out of these herbs for massage helps with musculoskeletal diseases and in general weakness.  Moreover, applying the paste of Ashwagandha to the extremities helps with inflammation caused due to general weakness. 

For cough, cold, and other respiratory disorders

Chronic respiratory disorders which include long-term symptoms like cough and cold, lead to extreme weakness and pallor. For conditions caused due to tuberculosis, emphysema, and COPD(Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder), Ashwagandha would be the perfect drug of choice. Moreover, this drug can deal with general weakness caused due to long term fever. 

Other than that, Ashwagandha acts to reduce blood sugar levels, cortisol levels, cholesterol levels, Inflammation, and Signs of depression.

It has amazing benefits for healing wounds locally and internally. It also acts as an excellent heart tonic. The root actively supports Agni which also supports the gastrointestinal system. Additionally, it is known to support the growth and nourishment of children.

With that said, Ashwagandha supplements help us to fight our everyday struggles with harmful external and internal agents like stress, bacteria, and burnouts. 

Indian Ginseng is a very effective way and smart choice to improve your vitality and quality of life. If you’re interested to know more about other adaptogenic herbs in Ayurveda, you can also check out Brahmi.

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