Ashwagandha Root Powder, also known as Indian Ginseng, Poison Gooseberry, Winter Cherry, Withania Root,plant species Solanaceae, latin name Withania somniferum syn Withania somnifera. Ashwagandha is native to India and can also be found growing in Pakistan and Sri Lanka, it grows as a shrub to a height of between 35–75 cm, it has a central stem with branches that radiate out from the stem in a star like pattern, the stems are covered with a dense coating of woolly filament like ‘hairs’. The flowers are small and green at first changing to white, the ripe fruit is reddy-orange.
A small amount of the powder can be added to hot milk before bedtime; it can also be added to smoothies and shakes. A poultice can be made from the powder to help soothe ulcerated wounds.
Ashwagandha is an ancient medicinal herb. It’s classified as an adaptogen, meaning that it can help your body manage stress. Ashwagandha also provides numerous other benefits for your body and brain. For example, it can boost brain function, lower blood sugar and cortisol levels, and help fight symptoms of anxiety and depression.
- Ashwagandha is one of the most important herbs in Ayurveda, a form of alternative medicine based on Indian principles of natural healing. It has been used for over 3,000 years to relieve stress, increase energy levels, and improve concentration. “Ashwagandha” is Sanskrit for “smell of the horse,” which refers to both its unique smell and ability to increase strength. Extracts of powder from the plant’s root or leaves are used to treat a variety of conditions. Many of its health benefits are attributed to its high concentration of withanolides, which have been shown to fight inflammation and tumor growth.
- Limited evidence suggests that ashwagandha reduces blood sugar levels through its effects on insulin secretion and sensitivity.
- Animal and test-tube studies have shown that withaferin, a bioactive compound in ashwagandha, promotes the death of tumor cells by the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) inside cancer cells, disrupting their function. Second, it may cause cancer cells to become less resistant to apoptosis and may be effective against several types of cancer.
- Cortisol is known as a stress hormone given that your adrenal glands release it in response to stress, as well as when your blood sugar levels get too low. Unfortunately, in some cases, cortisol levels may become chronically elevated, which can lead to high blood sugar levels and increased fat storage in the abdomen. Ashwagandha supplements may help lower cortisol levels in chronically stressed individuals.
- Ashwagandha is perhaps best known for its ability to reduce stress. Researchers have reported that it blocked the stress pathway in the brains of rats by regulating chemical signaling in the nervous system. Also, several controlled human studies have shown that it can reduce symptoms in people with stress and anxiety disorders.
- Although it hasn’t been thoroughly studied, a few studies suggest ashwagandha may help alleviate depression.
- Ashwagandha has been shown to increase muscle mass, reduce body fat, and increase strength in men.
- Ashwagandha has been shown to increase natural killer cell activity and decrease markers of inflammation.
- Ashwagandha may help reduce the risk of heart disease by decreasing cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
- Although ashwagandha has traditionally been used to boost memory in Ayurvedic medicine, only a small amount of human research has been conducted in this area. Research has shown that it promotes antioxidant activity that protects nerve cells from harmful free radicals. In one study, rats with epilepsy that were treated with ashwagandha had nearly a complete reversal of spatial memory impairment. This was likely caused by a reduction in oxidative stress. ashwagandha may mitigate memory and brain function problems caused by injury or disease and may improve brain function, memory, reaction time, and the ability to perform tasks.
Ashwagandha is a safe supplement for most people, although its long-term effects are unknown.However, certain individuals should not take it, including pregnant and breastfeeding women. People with autoimmune diseases should also avoid ashwagandha unless authorized by a healthcare provider. This includes people with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and type 1 diabetes.Additionally, those on medication for thyroid disease should be careful when taking ashwagandha, as it may increase thyroid hormone levels in some people.It may also decrease blood sugar and blood pressure levels, so medication dosages may need to be adjusted if you take it.
As with all herbs, thoroughly research any new herb you are thinking of taking, and if using prescribed drugs have a chat to your healthcare professional first.
The lowest effective dose recorded is 300-500 mg daily. Again, it’s best taken consistently and will work better the longer you take it over time. The therapeutic dose is 6,000 mg per day, divided into three doses of 2,000 mg. Take it with meals or in a shake, ideally in the morning. In Ayurveda medicine, practitioners give ashwagandha tonics to everyone from the very young to the middle-aged to the elderly to increase longevity.
In Ayurveda, Ashwagandha is a rasayana, or a plant that promotes longevity, vitality and happiness. Rasayanas are traditionally given to small children and the elderly as a tonic to support overall well-being. The root is often dried and ground, then given as a powder mixed with ghee, honey and milk. (Ashwagandha can have a bitter taste.) This warm beverage is often consumed before bedtime.