Ashwagandha, biologically called ” Withania Somnifera “, and commonly known as ” Indian Winter Cherry “ is a herb, which has several medical properties & uses as per Ayurveda.
Mostly, it has been used for treating Stress & Anxiety. But, it has lots of other health benefits too.
Currently, Swami Ramdev ( Founder of Patanjali ), has also stated that some Ayurvedic herbs like Tulsi, Giloy & Ashwagandha have potential to fight with the novel coronavirus, i.e Covid-19. According to Swami Ramdev, when coronavirus enters the body, it multiplies and infects more & more cells. Hence, these virus disturbs the whole system of human body.
According to him herbs like, Ashwagandha, Tulsi & Giloy is 100% effective in breaking this chain of infection causing virus.
Meanwhile, a group of scientists from Indian Institute of Technology ( IIT ) Delhi, in collaboration with AIST, Japan, have also found the Ashwagandha, may hold strong potential in fighting Covid-19.
However, the clinical trials are still going on, to get more clarity on this.
Though, Ashwagandha act as an adaptogen, that means it can help to manage stress, and also provides numerous other benefits for our body and brain.
Therefore, there isn’t any harm to give it a try.
So, let’s discuss about some Benefits, Uses & Side-Effects of it.
Benefits of Aswagandha :
1. Helps Reduce Stress :
Cortisol is known as the stress hormone. In a controlled study of 64 adults, with a history of chronic stress, the group that supplemented with ashwagandha for 60 days, improved all tested parameters of chronic mental stress and reduced serum cortisol by 27.9%. Hence, the study shows that using it can actually helps to reduce stress.
2. It may help reduce Anxiety & Depression :
In the same 60 days study, those in the Ashwagandha group reported a 69% average reduction in anxiety and insomnia, compared to 11% in a placebo group. In that study, it has been also reported a 79% reduction in severe depression. And at the same time, the placebo group reported only a 10% increase.
3. Reduce Blood Sugar Level :
Several studies have found it has benefits for metabolic health. A test-tube study found that it increased insulin secretion and improved insulin sensitivity in muscle cells.
4. ADHD :
Ashwagandha has shown positive impact in attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder in children too.
5. Balance Hypothyroidism :
Ashwagandha helps to lower TSH and increase thyroid hormone levels.
6. Reduce Signs of Ageing :
Due to its antioxidant properties, it helps to reduce the symptoms and progression of some health problems that causes pre-mature ageing. For example, it helps to reduce hair greying as it increases the production of melanin in the hair cells.
7. Boost Immunity Against covid-19 :
A recent research conducted by the scientists at the IIT-Delhi has found that Ashwagandha contains bio-actives that interact with SARS-Co-2. This herb contains a natural compound called withanone ( Wi-N ), that can block the replication process of the novel virus and treat the condition.
8. Works as a strength booster :
In a study to determine a safe and effective dosage for Ashwagandha, healthy men who took 750-1250 mg of pulverized Ashwagandha root per day gained muscle strength after 30 days (4). In another study, those who took Ashwagandha had significantly greater gains in muscle strength and size. It also more than doubled their reductions in body fat percentage, compared with the placebo group (20).
How to Use Ashwagandha:
You can have Ashwagandha in several forms and ways.
- Either you can mix 1 teaspoon of ashwagandha powder in milk and let it shimmer for 7-8 minutes. You can have this milk at night before going to bed. You can add little honey in to it too.
- Or you can also have 1 teaspoon of Ashwagandha powder, with some lukewarm water too.
- You can also have Ashwagandha tablets once or twice in a day, with warm milk or water too.
Minimum you should take this for atleast 1 months to see some positive effects on your body.
Side-Effects :
1. Do not use it if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. There isn’t enough reliable information about it, that is it safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding? Better to avoid.
2. If you have diabetes, monitor blood sugar regularly, as it might lower blood sugar levels.
3. Ashwagandha can fluctuate blood pressure. Better to keep an eye on your blood pressure.
4. Avoid it if you have an issue of Ulcer.
You can purchase Ashwagandha Capsules here : https://amzn.to/3jATGfo
You can also read our another article on Giloy – Immunity Booster, Fights Covid-19 & Many More here : https://tossthelife.com/?p=2909
Till Than, Spread Love & Kindness
Happy Health 🙂