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EMAIL UsAshwagandha has been the backbone of Ayurveda treatments for thousands of years. A true wonder drug, ashwagandha is known for its rejuvenating properties, its ability to beat stress, and its anti-ageing capabilities. Ashwagandha is popularly known as the Indian ginseng, thanks to the magical properties of its roots in building the body’s immunity and ojas and energy. The word Ashwagandha has two interpretations. The word literally means the smell of an ashwa or horse. This is interpreted as the literal smell of horse’s secretions, which is the smell of ashwagandha’s roots. It is also supposed to refer to the strength of the horse, representing the power of this herb.
Ashwagandha is a common ingredient in many energy- and immunity-boosting Ayurveda formulations. Hence, most of my patients at my Ayurveda clinic at Chennai are curious about its effects. Here are a few interesting uses of this wonder drug.
Benefits of Ashwagandha
This magical root has held the imagination of Indian and Western scientific worlds over the last many decades, with many studies evaluating its obvious and hidden benefits.
Ayurveda recommends this root for vata and kapha rogas. It is especially beneficial for neurological conditions, for boosting the immune system, for reproductive disorders, and for revitalizing the body.
Ashwagandha and stress relief
This powerful root is probably the most valuable for its stress relief properties. It has “adaptogenic” properties, which means that it guides the body to deal with stress. The root supports the adrenal glands in responding positively to stress, by mitigating the negative reactions of stress such as exhaustion, agitation, anxiety, and insomnia. It also rejuvenates the nervous system and immune system, energizing the entire body. As a result, the effects of stress do not negatively affect the body and resolve quietly over a period. In addition, these roots improve the body’s ojas and helps overcome insomnia. Unlike many allopathic sedatives, ashwagandha does not induce drug-dependent sleep, but it helps the body relax, encouraging the person to sleep.
Ashwagandha for a strong body
Ayurveda highly recommends these herbs for sportspersons since it exponentially improves exercise endurance and the body’s strength. It also reinforces the body’s immune system, which is critical for postsurgical care or recovery after illness or prolonged treatment. The medicinal herb helps in restoring the body’s balance of hormones, stimulating the digestive power of the body and improving the body’s overall fitness.
Ashwagandha is also the herb of choice to correct menstrual cycle disorders, providing strength and stamina to women,
Forms of intake
A churna or powder form of the roots is a popular formulation. Ayurveda doctors commonly mix this powder with milk and sometimes water and consumed at bedtime for stress relief. Milk and ashwagandha are both rejuvenators; hence their combined effects will bring relief to the body. Ghee and honey are also popular vehicles. When you mix Ashwagandha with sugar, the resulting combination cools the body. Doctors prefer this combination for women with menstrual disorders. We also use tablets, decoctions, and extracts of Ashwagandha.
However, ensure that you always consult an expert Ayurveda doctor for a detailed assessment and diagnosis before you decide to self-medicate. Not all conditions are conducive to the intake of these roots; for example, pregnancy, excessive toxins in the body, and a pitta-based body.
Contact me at The Madras Institute of Ayurveda for any questions you have about specific health conditions. You can connect with me at http://www.miayurveda.org/ or call me at +91-9444615161.
