We have heard a lot about ayurvedic medicines and herbs that are filled with lots of health benefits. Although there are not enough studies that are carried out on serval herbs, in India, Theses herbs are being used for ages, and many people have noticed the benefits of ayurvedic herbs. Ashwagandha is the most powerful herbs in Ayurveda medicine, Ashwagandha is known for its immense benefits. Also, there are many misconceptions and rumors regarding this powerful herb.
Some of the Questions Regarding the Ashwagandha
- What is ashwagandha?
- Benefits of ashwagandha?
- Ashwagandha Dosage and how to take it?
- Ashwagandha and Weight Loss?
- Ashwagandha Side Effects?
What is ashwagandha?
The Indian Ayurvedic System started three thousand years ago and Ashwagandha is part of it since there. The word Ashwagandha has been derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Ashwa’ which means horse and ‘Gandha’ mans a smell. The Combination of two different words reflects that the herb has a strong horse-like odor. Its biological species name is Withania Somnifera, and Somnifera means ‘sleep-inducing’ in Latin. Ashwagandha is an aid to get a good and deep sleep.
Ashwagandha is considered the most important herb in the ayurvedic medicine system. Ashwagandha helps in managing stress, anxiety, and diabetes due to its Rasayana (rejuvenator/tonic) and Vata balancing properties. Each part of an Ashwagandha plant has it’s own use the roots, leaves, seeds, and fruits are used for various treatments.
Aswagandha is planted in the drier region of India, Nepal, China, Yameen. The herb or plant prefers dry stony soil with the sun to partial shade. As a tomato, Ashwagandha belongs to the nightshade family.
Benefits of ashwagandha?
1.Can reduce Cortisol Levels
Cortisol is also known and identified as a stress hormone given that your adrenal gland releases in the response of stress, as well as your blood sugar levels, get very low.
In some cases, the cortisol level can become so chronic which can lead to high blood sugar levels and increase fat storage in the abdominal area especially in men, and an increase in the thigh and hip fat in females.
Various studies have shown that ashwagandha can reduce cortisol levels.
One of the studies was a group of adults that were suffering from chronic stress, and those who supplemented with ashwagandha had significantly reduced cortisol levels. Those taken highest does experience a 30% reduction in cortisol levels.
2.Can Help in reducing stress and anxiety
Aswagandha has the best ability to reduce stress.
Aswagandha blocks the stress pathway in the brain by regulating chemical signals in the nervous system.
Also, various studies show that it can reduce symptoms in people with stress and anxiety disorders.
In the study of 6 weeks, 88% of people who have taken an ashwagandha have reported a reduction in stress and anxiety, compared with the placebo which is 50%.
3.Can Reduce Ageing.
Ashwagandha has an antioxidant property.
It helps in reducing grey hairs as it increases the production of melanin in the hair cells.
4.Increase in Muscle Mass and Strength.
In Ayurveda the Ashwagandha is known as balavardhan and mamsavardhan.
Many studies and researchers have proven that Ashwagandha root can improve body composition and muscle growth.
As we know it reduces cortisol levels as result the other hormones get regulate especially the male hormone testosterone, due to these changes we get an increase in strength and muscle mass.
Ashwagandha Dosage and how to take it?
Ashwagandha is available in various forms in the market like roots, tablets, and powder. While ashwagandha tablet can be consumed as any other tablet but the root and powder need to be added to the diet. Traditionally, ashwagandha Is taken in its powder form it is mixed with honey or ghee, or milk. But there are also some ways that we can consume or include it in our diet.
Ashwagandha is used for various problems and its dosage varies according to it but to give raw information of dosage it’s around 250mg – 5gms.
Aswagandha dosage according to your problems.
Ways to consume ashwagandha
1.Ashwagandha Tablet
Take a 1 tablet or as prescribed by a doctor with the lukewarm milk or water after having food twice a day.
2.Ashwagandha Capsules
Take a 1 capsule or as prescribed by a doctor with the lukewarm milk or water after having food twice a day.
3.Ashwagandha Powder
Take half a teaspoon of Ashwagandha powder with milk or honey. Else prescribed by a doctor.
Avoid Honey in case of High blood sugar levels.
To know more ways to consume ashwagandha powder check 5 Ways to consume Aswagandha powder
Ashwagandha and Weight Loss?
Chronic stress an important factor for increasing weight in both males and females and ashwagandha has proven benefits that it can reduce stress in return all hormones get to regulate.
Ashwagandha has natural antioxidants, which help in boosting overall health and promotes fat loss.
Ashwagandha improves the immune power which leads to weight loss.
Hypothyroidism is a major fact for increasing weight and being overweight. Aswagandha decreases the thyroid-stimulating hormone and increases thyroid hormone levels.
The group of 52 adults was suffering from chronic stress and they were supplemented with ashwagandha root extract for 4 weeks and there was a magnificent change in three-factor serum cortisol, body weight, and body mass index. The outcome of this study suggests that Ashwagandha root extract can be used for body weight management in adults under chronic stress.
Ashwagandha Side Effects?
Ashwagandha is likely unsafe for Pregnant and breast-feeding women. There is some evidence that it can lead to miscarriage. There is no evidence found regarding breastfeeding but to stay on the safer side it’s better to avoid it.
Ashwagandha might low your blood sugar levels, this could interfere with your diabetes medication and cause blood sugar levels to low. If you are suffering from diabetes, monitor your blood sugar level closely.
Ashwagandha might low your blood pressure low, this could interfere with your low blood pressure medication and cause blood sugar levels to low. It might help in high blood pressure but needs to monitor closely. If you are suffering from blood pressure, monitor your blood sugar level closely.
Ashwagandha can irritate the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. In the case of Stomach ulcers don’t use ashwagandha.
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