Introduction of Ashwagandha

You must have heard about ashwagandha. However, there is very little knowledge about its extensive benefits. In this article, we will take a comprehensive look at ashwagandha and its benefits.

Ashwagandha or Ashwagandha is a medicinal plant. Its medicinal name is Vidania Somnifera, i.e. it is of the Vidhania species(Withania Somnifera).

There are ten species of ashwagandha found worldwide, out of which two are in India. In India, Ashwagandha is used for medicinal or Ayurvedic treatment to treat many diseases. Apart from this, ashwagandha also has countless benefits. Along with advantages, it also has disadvantages due to high intake; hence it should be avoided.

Spilling More Details Of Ashwagandha

Let us talk a bit more in detail about ashwagandha. Due to its extraordinary medicinal properties, it has become increasingly popular. This dicot plant belongs to the Solanaceae family. It has 3000 species and 90 lineages, out of which only two are in India. The Ashwagandha plants are straight, and they have more branches, and the remarkable thing is that they are evergreen, which means they grow in every season. Ashwagandha plant is 1.25 meter, the leaf is furry and oval. The flowers that come in this plant are green and yellow. The flowers are usually small, while the fruit of ashwagandha is similar in size to peas.

Where Else Is Ashwagandha Found

Apart from India, Ashwagandha or Vidalia species are found naturally in Spain, Morocco, Egypt, Jordan, Africa, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Apart from Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Panchab, it is now being cultivated in Uttar Pradesh in India. Ashwagandha is being cultivated extensively in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh as well. In India, 2000 tonnes of ashwagandha roots are produced every year, while its demand is 7 thousand tonnes per year.

How To Identify Ashwagandha

There are many varieties of ashwagandha which differ between countries. Hence, the easiest way to identify it is by rubbing its plants with horse urine. If the root of ashwagandha is fresh, then this smell is more vital. It is also clear from its name in Sanskrit.

Types of Ashwagandha

There are two types of ashwagandha, small ashwagandha, significant and native ashwagandha. Let’s know about it in detail.

Little Fuzz

Chhoti Asgandh is named due to its size. Its shrub is small, but the root is large. This species is found more in Nagaur, Rajasthan. It is also called Nagori Asgandh.

Large Or Indigent Odor

The shrub is significant, but the root is small and thin. It is commonly found in gardens, fields and hilly places.

Various Names of Ashwagandha

In common parlance, Ashwagandha name is ubiquitous. However, it is known by different names at different places. Its botanical name is Vidania somnifera.

Below is the list of Ashwagandha names in other languages.

Ashwagandha in Hindi is known as Asgandha, Ashwagandha, Punir and Nagori Ashwagandha.

In English, it is called Winter Cherry and Poisonous Gooseberry.

Similarly, in Sanskrit, it is called Varahakarni, Varada, Balda, Kushtagandhini and Ashwagandha.

Asundha in Oriya, Asgandh Nagori in Urdu, Amangura in Kannada, Aundh in Gujarati, Ghodasara, Asora, Pannerugaddu ​​in Tamil, Andra, Ashwagandha, Ashwagandha in Bengali, Ashwagandha in Bengali, Asgard in Punjabi, Amukkuram in Malayalam, Asakandha, Tilli in Marathi, Tukhme Hayat in Arabic, Mehran Anvari in Persian and Asgandh A. Nagari.

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Nutritional Value Of Ashwagandha

You have already known the benefits of ashwagandha. Now, let us tell you about the Ashwagandha Nutritional Value present in Ashwagandha Powder. Ashwagandha contains many vital nutrients.

Nutrients in Ashwagandha powder (per 100 grams)

• Moisture 7.45 per cent
• Ash 4.41 grams
• 3.9 grams of protein
• Fat 0.3 grams
• Crude fibre 32.3 grams
• Energy – 245 kcal
• Carbohydrate 49.9 grams
• Iron 3.3 mg
• Calcium 23 mg
• Total Carotene 75.7
• Vitamin-C 3.7 mg

How to Use Ashwagandha

The root, leaves, seeds, and fruits of ashwagandha are used, although it is found in more powder form or as capsules in the market. It is used with water, honey or ghee. However, the quantity of ashwagandha should be consulted with an ayurvedic expert before consumption.

How To Store Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is available in the market, but the question that arises often is how to store it for a long time.

Below are the remedies to protect and preserve ashwagandha for a long time

For long term use, always buy ashwagandha root only.

If you need to use it immediately, then ashwagandha powder will be better.

While purchasing the ashwagandha, keep in mind that it is scorched and has no fungus in it. Keep it closed in an airtight box or zipper bag to protect it from moisture.

How To Powder Ashwagandha

If you do not want to buy powder from the market, you can powder it at home. Below is the procedure to the ground as ashwagandha

Dry the ashwagandha root entirely in the sun. Take care that there is no moisture in it. Cut the source into two or three pieces. Please put it in the mixer and grind it until it becomes a fine powder. You can also use a pot for grinding.

Precautions Related To Intake Of Ashwagandha

We have already told you about how improper consumption of ashwagandha could be harmful. You should consult a doctor before the intake. Nevertheless, here we make you aware of some precautions related to consumption. Since the ashwagandha effect is hot, avoid consuming in large amounts. Do not consume it for a long time. If you have intestinal problems, avoid the consumption of ashwagandha.

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Medicinal Use Of Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is considered quite beneficial for the body. It is effective in treating minor and major diseases and has benefits for every part of the body. Ashwagandha, being antioxidant, antiinflammatory, anti-stress, antibacterial, improves the immune system and helps in getting sound sleep.

Doses of Ashwagandha

Although the amount of the medicine is decided on the basis of age, health and troubles of the person, it is usually recommended to consume about 3 to 6 grams of its dry root.

However, this is a general calculation. You should take the advice of your Ayurvedic doctor before you start consuming ashwagandha.

How To Lose Weight With Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is effective in many diseases. You can use it to increase your energy level and even aid weight loss. Often people become obese due to unhealthy eating patterns. If you also want to lose weight, you should consume ashwagandha, as ashwagandha regulates the adrenal glands and maintains cortisol levels. It improves energy levels in your body and helps you get better.

You won’t even feel tired during exercises.

It also contains iron, which keeps the blood circulation right. The consumption of ashwagandha increases metabolism in the body and also helps to burn more fat.

Ashwagandha capsules are widely seen in the market, but their powder is more beneficial.

Mixing one teaspoon of ashwagandha powder and honey in a glass of lukewarm milk and drinking improves metabolism and digestion.

Advantages of Ashwagandha for Women

Ashwagandha is very beneficial in various major diseases of women. Since it has antibacterial and antioxidant properties, it is effective in vaginal infections and relieves inflammation and itching. Not only this, it helps in treating the thyroid. It also proves very useful in women, especially during menopause. It also removes the problem of fertility caused due to stress, hormonal disbalance, premature wrinkles on the face and helps in increasing height.

Side Effects Of Ashwagandha

Under the following conditions, consumption of ashwagandha should be avoided.

• Blood pressure patients should avoid the consumption of ashwagandha.
• Pregnant women should not consume ashwagandha as frequent intake increases the risk of miscarriage in pregnant women.
• It is hot, so consuming it in high quantities causes problems like gas, diarrhoea, vomiting, and excessive sleepiness.
• Excessive intake affects immunity.
• People with acidity problems should avoid consuming ashwagandha.

Benefits Of Ashwagandha

Talking about the benefits of ashwagandha, it is countless. Commonly used as Ashwagandha leaves, ashwagandha powder and capsules.

below are the few benefits of ashwagandha

• Ashwagandha reduces stress
• It is beneficial in increasing the efficiency of the brain.
• Keeps the mind calm.
• Ashwagandha is effective in treating insomnia.
• Get rid of the problem of untimely hair loss and greying
• Ashwagandha can prevent Dandruff.
• Effective Ashwagandha in increasing the eyesight
• Ashwagandha leaves are beneficial in throat diseases.
• Use of ashwagandha powder in TB disease is beneficial
• Ashwagandha also cures cough.
• Ashwagandha is beneficial in chest pain.
• For stomach diseases, ashwagandha powder can be consumed. If there are insects in your stomach, consuming jaggery with ashwagandha kills the worms.
• The use of ashwagandha powder solves the problem of constipation.
• If there is a problem in conceiving, the use of ashwagandha can be beneficial.
• In the treatment of leucorrhea, consuming ashwagandha powder with cow’s milk is beneficial.
• Consumption of ashwagandha also reduces sensory weakness.
• For skin disease, a paste of Ashwagandha leaves is beneficial.
• It is also beneficial in the treatment of diabetes mellitus.
• Use of Ashwagandha is also beneficial in removing physical weakness.
• Consumption of ashwagandha powder is beneficial in blood disorders.
• Consumption of Ashwagandha is also beneficial in fever. It cures chronic fever.
• Ashwagandha powder is beneficial in lowering cholesterol.
• Ashwagandha is also beneficial in preventing cancer. It contains antitumour agents, which helps in reducing the side effects of chemotherapy.
• Ashwagandha is beneficial in increasing immunity.
• It is also beneficial for the thyroid. Regular intake improves thyroid function.
• Eye disease is expected in the changing environment, and ashwagandha is effective in it. It is also effective in cataracts.
• Ashwagandha powder provides benefits in arthritis.

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