Ashwagandha also called as ‘Winter cherry’ or ‘Indian ginseng’ has seen an increasing role as a miraculously used herbal medicine in Ayurveda for over 5 millenniums now. The beauty of this Superherb is that its roots, stem, leaves and fruits are all found to be equally beneficial. They have countless health benefits. Scientific research is now also recognizing the medicinal properties and healing power of Ashwagandha. The scientific knowledge gained so far has acknowledged Ashwagandha to be an anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, anti-biotic, anti-stress and anti-oxidant remedy. It is known for curing cancers and Alzheimer’s. Ashwagandha is recognized as ‘Rasayana’ in India and can cure both physical as well as mental disorders. In the following section, we have covered up 12 health benefits of this medicinal herb.
1. Hair growth
There is well-documented evidence that Ashwagandha can help improve blood circulation to the scalp and ensure healthier and longer hair. The stimulation of melanin due to application of Ashwagandha can help to retain the natural colour of your hair and prevent greying of the hair at an early age. Given its nourishing properties, it can help you fight hair fall and hair loss, and thereby provide strength to your hair. Adding some Ashwagandha to your shampoo, conditioner and hair oil can help prevent hair breakage.
2. Scalp Conditioning
Ashwagandha stimulates and refreshes the skin thereby helping with the troubled scalps. This essential elixir can help you in the formation of dry scalp saving it from the environmental damage by conditioning it. It’s moisturizing properties leave your scalp healthy removing any kinds of dandruff from the skin. Application of this medicinal herb on the scalp can bring refreshing effects inside out. The herb is effective in all types of scalp and can help fight skin and scalp infections like eczema, psoriasis, etc.
3. Rejuvenation
Studies have revealed that including Ashwagandha in any form of consumption can help you find relaxation from your fast-paced life, thereby, helping you with good sleep, lack of anxiety disorders and a strong immune systems. It helps in rejuvenating the skin, mind and the body. It acts as a natural toner due to the hydrating effects it leaves on the skin. The hematopoietic property of Ashwagandha assists in increasing the red blood cells (RBC) count and improving blood circulation, thereby, rejuvenating the body and the mind.
4. Mental well being
The fragrance of Ashwagandha is soothing and refreshing. It helps with the reduction of stress hormones, aids in fighting depression and anxiety and ensures an overall mental well-being. It helps to promote your nerve cells and protects the brain from all kinds of harms. And if that wasn’t all, Ashwagandha also helps with good-sleep and mental alertness.
5. Cleansing and moisturizing skin
The herbal properties of Ashwagandha are anti-septic that can help in getting scrupulously pure and clean skin removing all the dirt and impurities, opening the clogged pores, and leaving the skin soft and shiny. Application of Ashwagandha on the skin helps your skin to glow due to the presence of vital proteins that not only hydrate but also moisturize your dry skin and heal your rough skin.
6. Rich in anti-oxidants
The anti-oxides’ present in this magical herb prevent cellular-damage and helps your skin to stay young and fresh over a long period of time. Ashwagandha is popularly included in anti-ageing products as it can help with fine lines, blemishes, acne, and wrinkles. It also aids in blood circulation and thereby bringing radiance and glow to your skin naturally. It has also been found useful for treating pimples.
7. Strengthens the skin
The anti-inflammatory properties of Ashwagandha can help in reducing acne, tightening the skin, reduce eye bags, swelling, and provide richness and strength to the skin. Herbal face packs made with Ashwagandha are a great investment for a naturally glowing skin. Known for its anti-ageing properties, Ashwagandha increases the life span of the healthy skin cells and supports skin renewal and repair mechanism of the skin.
8. Prevents cancer
Research has found that the application of Ashwagandha can aid and prevent skin cancers as it can stop the propagation of cancerous cells. Research suggests that it could help in tiredness and fatigue during chemotherapy among cancer patients.
9.Reduces stress and improves moods
Research has shown that the root extracts of Ashwagandha can stop sending stress signals to the brain and thus help in reducing stress, anxiety, insomnia and depression. This therapeutic herb helps in the reduction of cortisol levels in the blood which could be effective against stress. Experimental scientific research holds evidence of the effectiveness of this herb in fighting depression. Besides, the herb is a mood-uplifter and an energizing fatigue-fighter.
10. Safe and widely available
Given its 100s of benefits, Ashwagandha is not known for any side-effects if consumed in the right quantities. This evergreen herb has it all in store for us. The herb is widely available across the dry areas of India and the North and Northeastern parts of the country. The herb is safe to use and promotes physical and mental well being.
11.Builds immunity
Immunity refers to the resistance of the body against various diseases and infections. The consumption of Ashwagandha is known to increase white blood cells production, platelets and red blood cells count in the body thereby giving a boost to the overall health and immunity of the recipient. The calming anxiolytic effect of Ashwagandha could offer heightened energy levels. The healing properties of this herb can facilitate the repair of cuts, bruises and healing of skin infections.
12. Hypothyroidism
Ashwagandha is proven to lower the TSH (Thyroid-stimulating Hormone) levels and in raising the thyroid levels among those facing Hypothyroidism. Being considered as the king of herbs Ashwagandha has proven effects on various hormonal dysfunctions.
It can be concluded that Ashwagandha is a time-tested Rasayana of Ayurveda, i.e, a mental and physical healer. It has been used as a household remedy by Indians since age-old times. Given its benefits and the effectiveness of Ayurveda, more researchers are getting interested in studying the herbal properties of this gift of nature to mankind. The herb’s benefits extend to all ages of people from children to adults and the old. It may be essential to include this herb in diet and skincare routines.
