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Ashwagandha, a small shrub with yellow flowers and a red fruit, is native to India, North Africa, and the Middle East where it has been used for centuries for medicinal purposes. The extract (the herb) is taken from the berries and the roots. Ashwagandha (Sanskrit – Horse’s Fragrance) traditionally was consumed to gain strength and vitality like that of a horse. Today it is popularly known as an adaptogenic herb that helps bring body into balance.

Listed are five health benefits of consuming Ashwangandha -

1. Reduces Stress and Anxiety
Ashwaghandha helps inhibit high level of cortisol, working almost like a tranquilizer helping relive stress.
2. Alleviating arthritis pain
Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, it helps relieve pain mostly felt by patients of arthritis.
3. Lowers Cholesterol
In one study, Ashwagandha was found to lower LDL cholesterol by 6%, and total cholesterol by 10% in 30 days. Because of its anti-clotting property it helps in overall protection of heart.
4. Beauty benefits
It stimuluates DHEA and the production of natural skin oils. Many people use Ashwagandha as a toner with dried ginger and lemon.
5. Reduces Liver Damage
It restores natural antioxidants in the body to help balance thyroid hormones for improved functioning of the liver.

References –

Akbarsha MA et. al. Curative property of Withania somnifera root in the context of carbendazim- induced histopathological changes in the liver and kidney of rat. Phytomedicine. 2000 Dec; 7(6):499-507
Chandrasekhar, K., Kapoor, J., & Anishetty, S. (2012). A Prospective, Randomized Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Safety and Efficacy of a High-Concentration Full-Spectrum Extract of Ashwagandha Root in Reducing Stress and Anxiety in Adults. Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, 34(3), 255–262. http://doi.org/10.4103/0253-7176.106022
Cholesterol Abnormalities & Diabetes. American Heart Association.

Ojha, Shreesh Kumar, and Dharamvir Singh Arya. “Withania somnifera Dunal (Ashwagandha): A promising remedy for cardiovascular diseases.” World J Med Sci 4, no. 2 (2009): 156-158
Sultana, Nayma, Sadia Choudhury Shimmy, M. Tanveer Hossain Parash, and Jesmine Akhtar.”Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Extract on Some Serum Liver Marker Enzymes (AST, ALT) In Gentamicin Intoxicated Rats.” Journal of Bangladesh Society of Physiologist 7, no. 1 (2012): 1-7.

Disclaimer: The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.

*The claims and statements made in this blog posting have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products or ingredients or diets or lifestyles are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. It is recommended that a physician be consulted before taking any supplements/ingredients/products. Results not typical and may vary.