Remarkable Effect of Ashwagandha In Stress Resistance, Memory Enhancement & Energy Rejuvenation

Native mostly to the dry regions of India, Africa and Middle East, this small evergreen shrub called as Ahwagandha holds great importance in the realm of natural, alternative healthcare.

Ashwagandha – A Brief Introduction

Ashwagandha is Sanskrit name for the smell of a horse. That is primarily because of how its root smells, and its ability to impart us the strength and vitality as that of a horse. Its botanical name is Withania somnifera, but people fondly refer to it as the Indian ginseng or the Winter Cherry.

Importance of Ashwagandha in Ayurveda

This ancient medicinal herb of Ashwagandha has long been used by Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of healthcare and wellbeing. Its usage goes as back as 5000 years, as people in the past relied heavily on the incredible healing and health promoting properties of this herb. Even nowadays, this Ayurvedic staple can be found as an important ingredient in a number of Ayurvedic medicinal preparations. While the Ashwagandha leaves are also loaded with healing properties, it is mostly the roots and berries of this plant which are used for preparing modern medications.

Health Benefits of Ashwagandha

Some of the major health concerns addressed by ashwagandha include stress, fatigue, poor memory, reduced libido, sleeplessness, endurance issues, among others. Regular use of ashwagandha works as an effective and evidence-based herbal remedy to offer relief from these symptoms. At the same time, it also boosts our energy levels and imparts some much required rejuvenation. That is perhaps why it is also known as the “King of Ayurvedic Herbs”. Apart from some important vitamins and amino acids, it contains other healthy chemicals, which allow ashwagandha to offer some incredible range of benefits.

Let us zoom in on some of these.

• It protects and improves our natural immunity
• Keeps stress at bay, while reducing anxiety and depression, minus any drowsiness
• Improves brain functions such as learning, memory and reflexes
• Regulates blood sugar and cholesterol levels
• Exhibits anti inflammatory, antioxidant and analgesic properties
• Improves libido  among men and women
• People use the paste obtained from its root for topical application on various skin conditions such as ulcers, boils and infections.

Ashwagandha for Stress Resistance

Ashwagandha is believed to contain certain chemicals with the potential to calm our brain, bring down the blood pressure, inhibit inflammation, and support the immune system. It also reduces our cortisol levels, or the “stress hormone” which is released by our adrenal glands in response to a stressful situation. Besides, its anxiolytic properties offer some promising relief from stress and anxiety.

Ashwagandha is a powerful nerve tonic. Besides, it also demonstrates incredible adaptogenic properties. Adaptogens are basically a combination of vitamins, herbs and amino acids, substances that alter our response to various stressful situations and changing environments. These stress triggers, whether physical or emotional, have the potential to wreak havoc on our health and lifestyle. Constant exposure to such stressors can expose us to some chronic lifestyle conditions such as hypertension, cardiac issues, depression, etc. Adaptogens, on the other hand, help us cope with both the external as well as internal stress triggers, and keep stress-related disorders at bay.

Ashwagandha for Mind and Memory

Ashwagandha also contains some potent antioxidants which fight the free radicals and therefore prevent them from damaging our nerve cells. In fact, people who take ashwagandha supplements on regular basis have reported significant improvements in their reaction time, task performance, general memory and attention.

Ashwagandha for De-Stressing and Energy Rejuvenation

Ashwagandha is your “go-to” herb when it comes to de-stressing after a long, taxing day. Aptly known as a ‘Rasayana’, its natural properties not only boosts up both physically and mentally, but also increases  stamina and as well restores balance in our body.

How to Include Ashwagandha in our Routine

Just like any other herb, the dosage of ashwagandha also primarily depends on the problem at hand. It is usually available in the form of powder or liquid extract. The best means to consume it is by adding some honey or ghee to it. On the other hand, you could also try ashwagandha capsules readily available in the market.

Related Blogs:

Ashwagandha – Ayurveda Restorative Healing Herb

2 Healing Herbs – Punarnava And Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha – The Less Known Health Benefits