Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) has become one of the most popular Ayurvedic herbs used in the West. With all the benefits that this herb offers, it's no wonder! Ashwagandha has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years as a rasayana (rejuvenating) and as an adaptogenic herb, meaning that its use helps the body to resist physiological and psychological stress.
The name ashwagandha is translated as "breath of a horse" and refers both to its unique smell and to the virility of a horse, which is an inference to the traditional use of ashwagandha as support for the male reproductive system.
The Benefits Of Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is used to tone, support and revitalize body functions. It has been venerated over time for its contradictory abilities to energize and calm at the same time. Stress can cause fatigue, sometimes manifested with "hyper" signs such as agitation and difficulty sleeping. It can support a healthy nervous system by providing a nourishing and energizing effect. When stress does not impact the nervous system so strongly, these "hyper" signals disappear naturally over time, allowing for a calming effect. This quality of ashwagandha makes it a primary supplement in the process of toning and rejuvenation.
In Addition To Its Energizing / Soothing Dual Effect.
Ashwagandha Offers Other Benefits
- Supports the health of the immune system
- Reassures mental processes
- Fosters healthy sleep patterns
- It benefits the health of the reproductive system in men and women
- Maintains levels of energy, strength and vitality, even with physical activity
- Supports the health of the back and joints
Ashwagandha And Ayurveda, Traditional Uses
Ashwagandha is used in Ayurveda to balance vata and kapha; in excess it can disturb pitta by its warm, unctuous and constructive nature, as well as worsen ama (accumulation of toxins). Ayurveda recognizes ashwagandha particularly for its nourishing, strengthening and invigorating nature. It is used for the same reasons mentioned above in the list of benefits, especially as a support to the health of the muscles and the reproductive system, and to balance vata.
How To Use Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha is available in the form of powder and tablets. The traditional use consists of mixing the powder with hot milk and honey taken before going to sleep, which pacifies vata, promotes healthy sleep patterns, the health of the reproductive system and strength. A general dose can be one to six grams daily. It can also be consumed with ghee and sugar to support the female reproductive system and joints. For added convenience, ashwagandha is also in the form of tablets. This can be an easier method of consumption, especially for those who travel a lot, have little time or simply do not like the taste of ashwagandha tea.
Banyan Botanicals prefers the tablets over the capsules, because they allow a mild flavor of the herb. The digestive process begins with the taste, sending signals to the rest of the body that tell you what to expect, starting your own internal pharmacy.
Modern Research
A large number of researchers have been interested in ashwagandha, in particular because of its growing popularity. It has been subjected to studies where the benefits on the immune system are observed, including a possible support to this system being subjected to radiation and chemotherapy.
When used in combination with licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), safed musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum) and sesame seeds (seeds of Sesamum indicum) has been shown to support healthy cholesterol levels and has antioxidant properties. You can review more studies on Ashwagandha in PubMed.
Side Effects
- Very high doses of ashwagandha can cause bloating and diarrhea. However, existing studies have reported a good tolerance to this herb.
Contraindications
- Although in India it is used during pregnancy, in the West it is recommended to avoid its use in this state. This is due to its spasmolytic effect in the uterus, in addition to induced abortions in animals after administering high doses of the herb.
- Using ashwagandha with other respiratory depressants can be problematic. From an Ayurvedic perspective, use ashwagandha with caution in case of excess pitta and ama.
0 Comments