Ashwagandha, botanically known as Withania Somnifera has been used in Ayurveda for thousands of years as a rasayana to rejuvenate and restore the body and mind.
It is renowned as an adaptogenic herb, which means it is used to help the body resist physiological, emotional and psychological stress by adapting to the needs of the body in relation to the environment.
Ashwagandha is used to tonify and revitalize bodily functions including all the tissues and organs of the body. It’s valued for its neuro-protective, thyroid-modulating, anti-anxiety, antidepressant and anti-inflammatory properties. Ashwagandha also has a dual capacity to energize and calm the body and mind simultaneously.
The name, Ashwagandha, is a combination of the Sanskrit word ashva, meaning horse, and gandha meaning smell. It has the “smell of a horse” because the fresh roots of the herb have a strong horse-like odor and it’s said that when you consume ashwagandha, you will develop the strength and vitality of a horse as well.
Here is a list and summary of some of Ashwagandha benefits as well as Ashwagandha uses.
There is many studies and health research on Ashwagandha – see links below.
- Boosts immune system
- Improves thyroid function
- Relieves adrenal fatigue
- Reduces cortisol levels
- Decreases stress and anxiety
- Improves depression & tonifies digestive organs
- Balances blood sugar levels
- Helps to fight cancer cells
- Reduces brain cell degeneration
- Improves memory and cognitive function
- Increases stamina and endurance
- Enhances muscle strength
- Helps to improve sexual function and fertility
- Promotes relaxation and deep sleep.
Ayurveda & Ashwagandha for Vata, Pitta & Kapha dosha.
Ashwagandha can be good for all dosha types and constitutions but is especially used to balance excess Vata and Kapha because of its heating, oily and strengthening nature. It can be too heating and oily for pitta so if pitta is high, one should avoid it or use it in moderation.
It’s best to use during the fall and winter months as these are the Vata and Kapha times of year. Ashwagandha can be very useful for those in their Vata stage of live – over the age of 50 but especially in the 60’s.
This wonderful herb can be used for the same reasons as listed above, particularly to support healthy muscles, tissues, the nervous system and the reproductive system.
It’s best to consult an Ayurvedic practitioner or doctor that can recommend the right dosage and usage for your constitution and lifestyle.
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3252722/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11194174
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0006628