The scientific name of ashwagandha is Withania somnifera. Also it is known as “Indian Winter Cherry” or “Indian Ginseng”. This plant is cultivated in India but also it is cultivated in other countries such as Nepal, China and Yemen. This plant has many health benefits such as bolster your memory, enhance your nervous system and boost your brain power. Also it can help to maintain a reproductive balance and a healthy sexual equilibrium. In the Ayurveda the ashwagandha was one of the most fundamental and prized herbs which has been utilized as a rejuvenator or rasayana for nearly millennia. A rasayana is a term which is used for any herb that can boost the physical and mental health while at the same time it can increase the satisfaction or happiness and it can promote a youthful state. It is rich in fatty acids, glucose, potassium, nitrates, tannins, iron and antioxidants. When you consume it in high doses, then can lead to diarrhea or produce abdominal cramps. It has diuretic powers, which means in some cases can cause lesions on your kidneys. People who suffer from multiple sclerosis should not consume ashwagandha because it can make this condition worse.
Ashwagandha benefits
Prevents premature graying of hair: This plant can boost the production of hair melanin. This is the pigment which can give your hair its natural color and when this production is boosted, then you can see fewer grays.
Boost brain power and enhances memory: There are some studies conducted on animals in which are shown that ashwagandha has a positive effect on the brain functioning and memory ailments induced by trauma, disease or sleep.
Stimulates hair follicles: This herb is part in some herbal shampoos and leave – in conditioners. It can stimulate the hair follicles which mean that it will help to maintain the sheen and health of your hair.
Ashwagandha uses
Soothes skin inflammation: It has potent anti – inflammatory properties. Ashwagandha has a component known as withanolides. The extracts of these compounds can help to inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria which is responsible for many different inflammatory skin infections.
Decreases cortisol levels: People who are under a lot of stress, have a high cortisol levels in their blood which can cause damage to their skin. When you are using ashwagandha, then you can keep your cortisol levels in check.
Treats keratosis: In the Ayurvedic medicine, ashwagandha was used as a natural treatment for people who suffer from keratosis. Keratosis is a condition in which the affected person can find non – cancerous keratin growths on his skin, making his skin rough and dry overall. You can consume 3 grams of ashwagandha with water two times per day to rid of the keratosis.
Promotes wound healing: This is a very effective home remedy for healing wounds. When you apply it, ashwagandha acts as a curative poultice which can accelerate your body’s therapeutic effects. You should chop off ashwagandha roots and then grind them. You should mix them with some distilled water to create a smooth paste. Also you can use ashwagandha oil instead of the powder.
Combats signs of aging: This herb is rich in antioxidants. It will to fight against the damaging free radicals that are produced via exposure to harmful UV radiation from the sun. Ashwagandha can give you a relief from the fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots. Also it can help to prevent the skin cancer. You can mix a teaspoon of ashwagandha powder with some rose water to form a paste. You should apply this home remedy as a face mask. Let it stay there for fifteen minutes and then rinse it off.
Ashwagandha for Alzheimer’s: There are some studies in which are shown that semi – purified ashwagandha root extract can reverse the progress of Alzheimer’s disease.
Ashwagandha for menopausal support: This herb can help you to get a relief from the pressing symptoms of menopause such as depression, low libido, memory lapses, a sluggish metabolism, sleep troubles, mood swings and anxiety.
