According to Charaka, the father of Ayurveda had quoted on the health benefits of Ashwagandha—
‘One obtains longevity, regains youth, gets a sharp memory and intellect and freedom from diseases, gets a lustrous complexion, and strength of a horse.’
Ashwagandha is a panacea of most ailments and is known for its rejuvenating and therapeutic attributes.
Ayurveda also considers the herb as Bhalya – something which increases strength and Vajikara – something which increases healthy sexual functioning.
Here we have outlined Top 7 Proven Health Benefits of Ashwagandha:
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Easing Anxiety:
Ashwagandha is known as an adaptogen, meaning that it can help the body adapt to stress. It can improve brain function and help deal with the symptoms of depression and anxiety. Several studies have proved that this herb can minimize the symptoms associated with stress and anxiety.
This is because of its ability to reduce a stress hormone called cortisol, according to several studies.
The medicinal herb can help lower levels of cortisol. Some studies have found that the daily doses of 125 mg to 5 grams for 1-3 moths can lower this stress hormone (cortisol) by 11-32%.
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Reducing Inflammation:
Inflammation is triggered by the body’s response to the infection, trauma and toxins. It is the defense mechanism of your body that activate whenever your body feels “danger”. Under normal conditions, our body produces an anti-inflammatory response to maintain balance. However, the body might lose its ability to control inflammation when experiences chronic pain. It can lead to chronic imbalance and chronic pain as well. Ashwagandha can reduce inflammation.
In human studies, Ashwagandha is proven to increase the activity of the natural killer cells that are immune cells that fight infection and boost your health.
In fact, Ashwagandha has also been found to minimize the markers of inflammation, such as C-reactive protein (CRP).
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For Acne Prevention:
Ashwagandha is also known for its antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, making it a great remedy for acne or infections. It also improves the collagen in the skin which delays the ageing signs. If you have acne, you can try the face packs with Ashwagandha powder.
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Improving Brain Function:
Several studies have found that Ashwagandha can minimize memory and brain function problems caused by disease or injury. It can promote memory, reaction time, brain function and ability to perform tasks.
Studies have shown that it boosts antioxidant activity that offers protection to the never cells from free radicals.
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Preventing the Growth of Cancer Cells:
Ashwagandha contains withaferin – A , a compound that can speed up apoptosis, which is a process to get rid of cancer cells. Moreover, it prevents the growth of new cancer cells. Withaferin – A is said to increase the formation of ROS or reactive oxygen species inside cancer cells, thereby interrupting their function.
Some studies have even found it to be efficient in treating various cancers associated with brain, lung, breast, and ovarian cancer.
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Being Useful in Asthma:
Asthma is a respiratory disorder that might lead to shortness of breath, wheezing, chest congestion and breath. If you have asthma, Ashwagandha can help you.
Many factors can lead to asthma such as pollen, stress, anxiety, pollution, dust and pollen. Several Ayurveda texts have stated various treatments for asthma in kids and adults. It also involves herbs like Ashwagandha roots. Ashwagandha can reduce stress which in turn eases respiratory diseases like asthma when taken regularly.
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Improving Stamina:
Do you often feel exhausted?
Apart from fast-paced modern lives, our unhealthy lifestyle and diet can take a toll on our stamina and make us fee drain out.
Here Ashwagandha can also help. The herb can help the body to reserve and sustain energy throughout the day to increase sound sleep at night.
So these are some amazing health benefits of Ashwagandha. While it is a safe herb and anyone can take it, it is important to consult your physician if you have any health problem.
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