Withania somnifera is a plant from the nightshade family native to the Indian subcontinent. It’s more commonly known as ashwagandha, Indian ginseng, or winter cherry (not to be confused with Physalis alkekengi).
It is a fairly small shrub with small pale green flowers, simple leaves and red berries. It has a tuberous root, carrot or ginger shaped. It also has a distinct smell, described as horse-like, which is where it gets its name, ashwagandha; Ashwa is Sanskrit for horse and gandha for smell. As one of its qualities is that it’s strengthening, it’s also said to impart strength of the stallion.
Most of the benefits from ashwagandha are from the root and the leaves. The leaves are most commonly used in teas. The root can be taken in many ways but it’s most commonly dried, powdered and taken as a supplement these days. It’s used to treat arthritis, anxiety, insomnia, tumors, tuberculosis, asthma, leukoderma (a skin condition marked by white patchiness), bronchitis, backache, fibromyalgia, menstrual problems, hiccups, and chronic liver disease, stress, focus, stamina and strengthening.
Helps in muscle building
A study trying to determine safe amount of ashwagandha dose for people, found that previously healthy people had an increase in muscle and a reduction of fat. Another study testing its strengthening claims found the same.
Stress and anxiety
Adaptogens are herbs that help the body adapt and adjust to stress, and stress reduction is still ashwagandha’s best known application. The ancient medicinal herb, is perhaps, well-known for its ability to reduce stress and anxiety. Several controlled clinical trials have shown that Ashwagandha can improve symptoms in people with stress and anxiety disorders. Adaptogenic supplementation may provide an alternative to pharmaceutical treatment, as some studies suggest its effectiveness in reducing moderate to severe anxiety. Even in cases of chronic anxiety, ashwagandha has been shown to reduce cortisol levels, and boost individuals’ resistance towards stress.
Boost’s immunity
Our immunity is worn down by several factors daily and in this modern day and age it’s often intrinsic factors, like stress, inflammation and lack of sleep. By improving on all of those and boosting overall physical health and stamina, ashwagandha has improved our immunity significantly. It also was found to improve the activity of natural killer cells, the immune cells that fight infection.
Reduce Inflammation
Chronic inflammation is one of the most widespread causes behind diseases in our modern life. Caused by a number of things, one of its best cures is ashwagandha. It’s been found to reduce a marker of inflammation called C-reactive protein by 36 per cent. It is claimed that Ashwagandha contains anti-inflammatory properties, which means it helps reduce inflammation. Studies have shown that the herb promotes the activity of natural killer cells – immune cells that defends your body against infection or injury, helping you stay healthy.
Improves heart health
It has been found to significantly reduce the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the bloodstream. Both animal and human studies have confirmed this, though the effect is far stronger in animals than it is in humans. Still, it reduced levels of cholesterol by an average of 17 per cent and levels of triglycerides by an average of 11 per cent in a 60-day study of chronically stressed adults.
