Ashwagandha – what you physician won’t tell you about it…

Ashwagandha is a plant well known in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. It has become popular over recent years, especially among physically active people. Its numerous health-promoting properties mean that virtually anyone can benefit from its use. Find out 5 reasons why you should use ashwagandha.

Ashwagandha – one of the most used plants in Ayurveda

Ashwagandha is a plant with many names: Withania somnifera, Indian ginseng or winter cherry. It is a shrub with a characteristic smell that reminds some … the smell of a horse. Because of its strengthening properties and specific smell, the plant gained the name “ashwagandha” (“ashwa” means horse, and “gandha”  strength). It used to be said that by using ashwagandha you could gain horse health and strength. 

Ayurveda – “the art of living”

Ashwagandha is one of the most commonly used plants in Ayurvedic medicine. What exactly is Ayurveda? It is referred to as “knowledge of life”, “art of life” and “art of health”. It is a medical and philosophical trend, which origin goes back as much as 5,000 years ago. Its derives from India, where Ayurveda grew rapidly and was highly respected by the local population. Its main premise was to achieve the unity of spirit, body and mind by harmonizing its body with nature.

Ashwagandha – how to consume Indian ginseng

In traditional Ayurvedic medicine, ashwagandha root is most often used, which is dried and ground into powder. It is used in various herbal mixtures and blends. In Ayurvedic recipes, a powdery root of it is often added to hot milk.

The key to getting the positive benefits of using ashwagandha (and all other plants and herbs) is regularity. To feel the effect of valuable active substances contained in herbs, you should consume the plant regularly for a certain period of time. In the case of ashwagandha, it is recommended to use it for about 6-8 weeks to be able to fully feel the results.

5 reasons why you should supplement Ashwagandha

Numerous studies indicate the beneficial effects of Indian ginseng. The use of ashwagandha is associated with numerous health benefits. We are presenting the 5 of the most important benefits you will achieve through regular use of Ashwagandha.

1. Indian ginseng supports the work of the nervous system

One of the key reasons why many people prefer Indian ginseng is its beneficial effect on the functioning of the nervous system, including the brain. Particular attention is paid to ashwagandha’s ability to strengthen learning and concentration processes. For this reason, ashwagandha is used during periods of increased mental effort, for example during or before important exams or during intense mental work.

2. Ashwagandha strengthens the immune system

Another of benefits of using ashwagandha is the strengthening of the immune system. This is due to the high content of beneficial active substances such as vitanolids, glycovitanolides and withanosides.

Vitanolids are chemical compounds that have antibacterial and anti-cancer effects. They help fight body infections.

Glycovitanolides are adaptogenic compounds. They help the body adapt to adverse external conditions. They help alleviate the negative effects of many external stressors.

Vitosinides are substances that strengthen stress resistance. They also increase the mental performance of the body.

3. Ashwagandha helps in lowering blood cholesterol levels

Studies confirm that ashwagandha helps reduce low-density lipoprotein, called also LDL cholesterol (commonly known as “bad cholesterol”). At the same time, it raises the level of HDL (high-density lipoproteins) whose presence is considered important for good health quality.

4. Supplementing ashwagandha improves sleep quality

Researchers have found that Indian ginseng can be helpful for people who have trouble sleeping. The active substances contained in it help alleviate anxiety.

In Ayurveda, it is recommended to drink a glass of warm milk with spices and powdered ashwagandha root before going to bed for sleep difficulties.

5. Ashwagandha helps to increase physical performance.

Withania somnifera gained enormous popularity among physically active people. Studies have shown that regular consumption of ashwagandha helps increase muscle mass and strength. In turn, studies conducted with the participation of cyclists have shown that the use of it helps to increase the efficiency of the body. Cyclists who took ashwagandha root extract twice a day for 8 weeks significantly increased their VO2 max. An oxygen ceiling is the body’s ability to absorb oxygen. It belongs to one of the most important physical fitness in contaminants.

It is no wonder that athletes and people training intensively so willingly reach for ashwagandha root extract. It is a natural way to strengthen the body, increase physical performance and resistance to stress.