A fun fact about this Ayurvedic herb is that the Sanskrit word “Ashwagandha” translates to “the smell of a horse.” Which refers to its ability to provide you with the strength and stamina of a horse while nourishing the female and male reproductive and nervous systems.
What did you know about Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha plants are native to India, North Africa and the Middle East, but can now be grown in temperate climates around the world.
Interestingly, the adaptogenic properties of Ashwagandha and its ability to help the body adapt to stress is reflected in the fact that the plant thrives in arid conditions and poor quality alkaline soils. While most plants would suffer great stress in this environment, Ashwagandha thrives.
This perennial shrub can reach a meter in height, and the whole plant is covered with felted silver-gray hairs. The leaves are oval and two to six inches long, and its small, yellow-green, star-shaped flowers can reach half an inch in any direction. The Ashwagandha berry is enclosed in a paper chalice which serves as a protection for the fruit.
Although the leaves and berries have therapeutic value, most of the benefits come from the sturdy, fleshy roots of the shrub. Let’s take a closer look at its benefits.
How could Ashwagandha help us?
Ashwagandha is used to firm, support, consolidate and energize the various functions of the body. Over time, it has been appreciated for its ability to energize and calm at the same time.
By optimizing the body’s ability to cope with stress, it allows it to store and retain its vital energy during the day while promoting restful and harmonious sleep at night.
Stress can cause fatigue, which frequently manifests itself in manifestations such as nervousness and sleep disturbances. By providing both a nourishing and energizing effect, Ashwagandha can support a healthy nervous system.
Thanks to Ashwagandha, the consequences of stress on the nervous system are less important. Just as the signs of stress and restlessness naturally subside over time. In this way, Ashwagandha has a rejuvenating and calming influence on the nervous system and the whole organism.
This quality of Ashwagandha makes it a supplement of choice to use in the process of toning and rejuvenation.
In addition to its energizing and calming double effect, Ashwagandha offers many advantages:
- Supports a healthy immune system.
- Calms mental processes.
- Promotes healthy sleep.
- Supports a healthy reproductive system in men and women.
- Improves levels of energy, strength and lasting vitality, including during physical activities.
- Promotes back and joint health.
- Promotes muscle health.
- Advances thyroid health.
- Promotes the proper functioning of the adrenal glands.
It should be noted that this plant has a warming effect. It is recommended to be used with other herbs to balance these warming qualities. Or take a herbal formula, which mixes Ashwagandha with other cooling herbs.
Study and research related to the benefits of Ashwagandha.
- Ashwagandha has attracted the interest of a number of researchers, particularly due to its growing popularity. It has been studied for its beneficial effects on the immune system, especially in the possible support of the immune system during radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
- Used in combination with licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), white mussel powder (Chlorophytum borivillanum) and sesame seeds (Sesamum indicum), Ashwagandha has been shown to support healthy cholesterol levels and antioxidant properties.
- It has been studied for its anti-stress effects. Demonstrating its ability to help individuals in times of stress and anxiety.
- A study with male participants showed Ashwagandha’s ability to improve energy, strength, and vitality.
- Ashwagandha has been found to promote muscle mass, endurance as well as recovery capacity.
- Scientific studies have shown that certain compounds in Ashwagandha help regulate cortisol and improve your daily life. By acting on your stress level, its relaxing properties manage to establish a better quality of sleep.
