Ashwagandha is one of the oldest medicinal herbs which has the history of over 3000 years in Ayurveda.
Scientific name: Withania Somnifera
Common Names: Ashwagandha, Indian Ginseng and Winter Cherry
Somnifera means "sleep inducing" in Latin. Ashwagandha is a combination of the Sanskrit words Ashva, meaning horse, and gandha, meaning smell, reflecting that the root has a strong horse like smell.
Though it is used as medicinal herb in Ayurveda there is no conclusive clinical evidence that it is effective for treating any ailment. Ashwagandha plant is a small shrub with yellow flowers that's native to India and North Africa. Extracts or powder from the plant's roots or leaves are used in Ayurveda for different medicinal purposes.
But here are the top 5 benefits of ashwagandha that are backed by science and practiced:
Reduces the levels of Cortisol Cortisol is a steroid hormone known to be released, in response to stress and low blood-sugar concentration, by adrenal gland in the body. Cortisol can weaken the activity of immune system. Unfortunately, in some cases, the cortisol levels can rise and lead to high blood sugar levels and increase of fat storage in abdomen. Studies shows that ashwagandha can help reduce the cortisol levels in the body, thus Also regular exercise and workout can reduce the bodily stress to certain limit.
Increases the energy levels Ashwagandha, as the name itself says it all. It increases the energy levels like horse. It may have powerful effects on testosterone levels. In a study, men who received ashwagandha for stress experienced higher antioxidant levels and better sperm quality. After 3 months of treatment, 14% of the men's partners had become pregnant.
Reduces Inflammation Cortisol prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation. Inflammation refers to your body's process of fighting against things that harm it, such as infections, injuries, and toxins, in an attempt to heal itself. Thus, ashwagandha reduces the levels of cortisol when taken a daily dose of 125mg - 5g for 1-3 months.
Helps fight cancer Ashwagandha has anti cancer properties. In the lab, ashwagandha has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects and relax the central nervous system in animals. Other experiments suggest it can enhance immune cells and impair or kill cancer cells. Withaferin - a compound in ashwagandha- is believed to promote the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) inside cancer cells, disrupting their function. Animal studies suggest that it may help treat several types of cancer, including breast, lung, colon, brain, and ovarian cancer. Although no evidence suggests that ashwagandha exerts similar effects in humans, the current research is encouraging.
Widely available and safe for most of the people Ashwagandha is a safe supplement for most people, although its long-term effects are unknown. Those on medication for thyroid disease should be careful when taking ashwagandha, as it may increase thyroid hormone levels in some people. However, consult an health practitioner before use, if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, have a medical condition or are planning any medical procedure. Discontinue the use and consult a health practitioner, if any adverse reaction occurs. The recommended dosage of ashwagandha depends on the type of supplement. Extracts are more effective than crude ashwagandha root or leaf powder. Remember to follow instructions on labels. Standardized root extract is commonly taken in 450–500-mg capsules once or twice daily. You can consume it with a glass of warm milk everyday before 1 hour of going to bed.
It’s offered by several supplement manufacturers and available from various retailers, including health food stores and vitamin shops.
You can buy the organic ashwagandha from below shared link.
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