Ashwagandha is traditionally used as an adaptogen in Ayurveda, the ancient medical sciences. It gets this name because its roots have a strong odor of horse urine (ashwa – horse, gandha – odour ). Botanists have identified this herb as Withania Somnifera and this belongs to the family of SOLANACEAE . Ayurveda acharyas group this herb under Kantakari Kula. This is an evergreen shrub that grows extensively in India, the Middle East, and Africa.
In this article, we will discuss the health benefits, dosage, and side effects, of this herb.
Ashwagandha in Ayurveda
The roots of this herb smell like the urine of ashwa ( horse ).
It balances Vata Dosha and Kapha Dosha. It strengthens the body ( balya) and acts as a rasayana (adaptogen). Adaptogen herbs help to improve the body’s response to stress, anxiety, fatigue, and overall well-being. Adaptogens help your body and mind in balancing the effects of stressors.
This herb can be used in leucoderma, weight gain, immunity, muscle strength, bodybuilding, and sexual stimulant.
It boosts the health of shukra dhatu. ( shukra dhatu is one of the seven tissue which helps in reproductive functions )
Texts of Ayurveda highly recommend this herb for men. Ayurveda acharyas praise this herb as “ shukrala”, which means it helps to boost the sexual energy, stamina, and reproductive health of men.
Usually, Ashwagandha is added with other vajikarana herbs like gokshura, vidarikand, shatavari, safed musli, kapkacchu and shilajit to boost stamina, energy, and endurance in men. It is one of the best ayurvedic medicine for stamina and energy.
Rejunol capsule with shilajit is an Ayurvedic medicine to boost stamina and energy. This capsule contains the most potent stamina and energy-boosting ayurvedic herbs.
Helps in Erectile Dysfunction
Men who suffer from erectile dysfunction are benefited from this herb. Research has shown that ashwagandha helps in the management of erectile dysfunction. ( 1 ) . According to this research The standardized extract of Ashwagandha was proven effective on the negative effects of stress; it increases energy, reduced fatigue, better sleep, enhanced the sense of well-being, and reduction of cortisol levels by up to 26%. This shows that ashwagandha capsules can help men to overcome erectile dysfunction.
Improves Male Infertility
Texts of Ayurveda recommend ashwagandha to improve fertility in men. Since this herb improves the health of shukra dhatu, the main supportive tissue for male fertility, it is recommended for men who have low sperm count and motility. Many studies support this ( 2). In this study, they mention that treatment with Ashwagandha, induced testicular development and spermatogenesis.
Helps to fight anxiety, stress, depression, adhd, and insomnia
Anxiety, stress, depression, ADHD, and Insomnia ( sleeplessness ) are interrelated. These conditions affect men’s libido and sexual life. Ayurveda acharyas laud this herb as “Rasayana”. Rasayana herbs help to balance both body and mind. Research shows this herb helps in the management of anxiety due to chronic stress ( 3 ). According to this study people suffering from anxiety due to chronic stress are helped by this herb. It improves levels of happy hormones and helps to boost attention span.
May Increase Height
The height of the human body is mainly dependent upon genetic factors. So ashwagandha cannot help if a person is short due to his inherited genes. But ashwagandha may help to boost growth hormone levels and reach maximum height. So persons who have stunted growth due to hormonal imbalance can use this herb to reach the optimum height.
Improves Healthy Weight
Ashwagandha helps people, especially aged adults, who have lost weight due to chronic stress. ( 4 ). It helps to reduce anxiety, and stress and improves the quality of sleep. All these help to gain a healthy weight.
Immensely beneficial for Athletes and Body Builders
This herb is being used for thousands of years to boost energy and efficiency of the body and mind. It is recommended by Ayurveda vaidyas to boost vitality and stamina. The study results ( 5 ) show that ashwagandha enhances both cardiorespiratory endurance and quality of life in healthy, athletic adults.
Helps in Diabetes Management
Studies have shown that ashwagandha exhibits hypoglycemic ( reducing blood sugar levels ) and hypolipidemic (reducing blood cholesterol levels ) properties ( 6 ). Hence people with type 2 diabetes, are helped by this herb. It can be used along with other herbs in the form of powder or capsule.
Helps with joint pain and nerve pain
Scientists have found that the alkaloids of this herb have anti-inflammatory and nerve-soothing properties. ( 7 ). The root extracts or root powder of this herb help to reduce joint pain and neuropathic pain.
It also boosts the immunity of the body and improves resistance to diseases.
Ashwagandha Nutrition Facts
Ashwagandha has essential nutrients, like vitamins and minerals. Some of the nutrients present in this plant are vitamin C, Iron, and Calcium.
A 100-gram serving of ashwagandha consists of the following quantities of nutrients:
Energy: 245 Kcal
Carbohydrate: 49.9 gm
Dietary Fiber: 32.3 gm
Protein: 3.9 gm
Iron: 3.3 mg
Calcium: 23 mg
Vitamin C: 3.7 mg
