Indian Ginseng, also known as “Ashwagandha” has long been known for being a potent, non-toxic plant. In ayurvedic medicine, ashwagandha is used to treat and alleviate a variety of conditions, but can also be used to improve overall health and longevity in generally healthy people. In this article, we’ll give you insights on this herb, its contents and how to supplement with it. Let’s get to it!
What Does Ashwagandha Contain?
The thing about ashwagandha is that it contains a flurry of potent, active ingredients, such as:
Alkaloids
Steroid lactones
Vitaminoids
All of these have active effects on the central nervous system, immune system, cardiovascular and respiratory systems, as well as the lymphatic system.
What Is It Used For?
In ayurveda (healthy lifestyle indian system), ashwagandha is classified as a “rejuvenating” ingredient. It is expected to improve health on both a physical and mental level, but also help the body renew cells and fight over diseases and conditions. Due to its wide variety of active compounds, ashwagandha is used in the treatment of many diseases that affect health.
A fun fact is that the latin name of the root is “Withania Somnifera” and that basically means “sleep-inducing” when literally translated. That is to say that Ashwagandha can have a positive effect on your stress levels, helping you lower them.
How Is Ashwagandha Used?
In traditional Indian medicine, all parts of the plant are used as a part of the home-made remedy. There are a variety of ways to prepare the brew and you can even do so by brewing it in milk, to get rid of the unpleasant smell. The studies and research done for ashwagandha, make it one of the best-known, proven to work herbs.
All these studies point us to the conclusion that ashwagandha is potent for:
Anti-Inflammation
Immune Modulation
Anti-Stress
Besides all of that, ashwagandha is known for having anticancer substances in the root extract. In Ayurveda, the ashwagandha brew is expected to improve overall health, longevity and quality of life.
Are There Side Effects?
This plant is generally considered safe when supplemented with in proper amounts.
There is only one single documented case of intoxication, where a young woman developed thyroid intoxication symptoms, after increasing her intake. Needless to say, everything in excessive amounts may be harmful, so consider your intake and current state.
Who Shouldn’t Take It?
Due to the nature of its active ingredients, there are certain instances when supplementing with ashwagandha is not recommended. Make sure to advise with your doctor if you fall into any of the categories below:
Pregnant/lactating women
People with thyroid disease
People that already use prescribed medicine
What’s The Recommended Dose?
Ashwagandha is a plant, used in many formulations of supplements, so odds are you will stumble upon some of those products. Your best bet is to use the recommended dosage on the product label. Nevertheless, if you are only using the plant’s extract, you can use 250-600 mg a day. This is a dose that has been proven to alleviate cortisol levels by up to 30%.
Conclusion
It is a fact that your protein, fats and carbs play a major role in your health, but the truth is that there is much more than just calories and macronutrients. Finding certain plants and learning how to use them for their active substances, may be one of the most nourishing things you can do for the body. Ashwagandha is a perfect example for such a plant, as it is viable for stress management, recovery, inflammation and a variety of conditions and diseases.
Try this root and see the benefits for yourself!