Ashwagandha – A Nutritional and Spiritual Powerhouse
A famous of the healing plants, Ashwaganda, also known as Indian Ginseng, although they are not botanically related. This herbal addition to your health is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine, and roughly translated means ‘the power of a horse’. This is why we call it a nutritional powerhouse – its potency and effect on the body is almost second to none. Unlike some herbs, its growth is not restricted to the Middle and Far East – Ashwagandha can be found in parts of the United States and other regions as well as its indigenous upbringing in Northern India and Africa, as it is not dependent on certain climatic conditions.
Ashwagandha’s nearest relative is the tomato plant, but the fruit of this herbal treat is actually small, about the size of a miniature grape or a dried raisin! All parts of the plant can be used, including the leaves and fruit, but it is the root that holds the most therapeutic properties.
Under Ayurvedic principles, Ashwagandha is considered as ‘rasayana’, or ‘rejuvenating’ and is used to treat stress, insomnia, anxiety and mood, amongst other illnesses. It is a calming, influential and life-balancing herb, and is a natural herbal remedy as opposed to using chemical tranquilizers or similar products. In fact, this all-purpose herb has been used in anti-depressants and tranquilizers! It will also award its recipients strength and vitality in physical attributes, but also clarity of thought and peace of mind, enabling an individual to cope with the stresses and strains of this modern world.
Why use Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha is truly an all-purpose herb, it feeds the body from inside and out, as well as maintaining a clear mind and active brain.
The main rejuvenating aspects of Ashwagandha are:
- Combats stress, both physical and mental and aids in regulating sleep patterns, thereby reducing levels of cortisol, the stress hormone.
- Aids strength, stamina and endurance levels
- Full of antioxidants, it protects, nourishes and promotes healthy cells, particularly the brain and the nervous system
- Encourages relief from hormone imbalance and can assist women during the menstrual cycle
- Ashwagandha’s antioxidant properties fight off the free radicals present in the air which cause both infections and skin damage. It also encourages the production of the necessary skin oils to lubricate the skin to prevent dryness and ageing.
- Boosts your overall immune system to promote good general health
- Stimulates natural hair growth and a healthy scalp
- Ashwagandha has anti-inflammatory and healing properties – it will aid in the repair of dry skin, swelling and small lesions
- Relieves joint pain and muscle soreness
Additionally, it is believed and still currently under extensive scientific studies, that Ashwagandha can alleviate blood pressure problems and stabilize blood sugar levels. So far, there has been significant and proven research into the abilities of Ashwagandha.
Based on Ayurvedic principles from thousands of years ago, Ashwagandha is used either alone or with other herbs to promote all-encompassing health benefits. It can be taken with tea, milk or even just a spoonful of honey. Other methods of ingesting are with amla juice, which is rich in Vitamin C, and along with Ashwagandha, has antioxidant properties that will assist in fighting off every day illnesses such as colds and coughs