The ashwagandha, whose scientific name is Çhitania somnifera, is one of the most popular and important plants of ayurveda, traditional medicine of India..
Ashwagandha has been found to be helpful in fighting a large number of illnesses for centuries. Its main properties are related to improving the quality of sleep, increasing the sensation of available energy and strengthening the nervous system.
This plant belongs to the large family of belladonna, which also includes tomato and eggplant, and is predominantly cultivated in India, Pakistan and Afghanistan, where it has been used for over 3,000 years. It already appears in ancient Indian scriptures as the “miraculous healing” plant.
One of the main qualities is related to the ability to help adapt to high levels of stress because it belongs to the group of adaptogens. Ashwagandha Root Powder is a remedy used in situations of overload, often accompanied by insomnia and exhaustion.
What are the effects of ashwagandha?
According to Huntington College of Health Sciences, the traditional effects of ashwagandha are:
- Increases energy and helps to overcome stress
- Increases physical and mental performance
- Improves thyroid function
- Balances the body in general
- Regulates blood sugar levels
- fight fatigue
- promote sleep
- stabilizes the nervous system
- reduce anxiety
- Supports sexual function and fertility
- Increases muscle strength
These properties are due to the combined action of substances such as witanolides, alkaloids, choline, fatty acids and amino acids, which are found in leaves, flowers, stems, seeds, fruits, bark and roots.
Ashwagandha Studies
Science has confirmed the most important properties attributed to it by Ayurveda. Of note is the study by the Department of Neuropsychiatry and Geriatric Psychiatry at Asha Hospital in Hyderabad, which examined the influence of ashwagandha on the feeling of stress.
The group of people who took ashwaganda for two months showed better control of stressful situations and therefore a better overall quality of life than the placebo group. Analyzes carried out on the participants showed that the level of cortisol in the group that took it was significantly reduced.
Other scientific studies have proven effects on memory and physical endurance.
Application and dosage of Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha root powder and concentrated extract in capsules are on the market. The general dosage is between 3 and 6 g of dried root and 300-500 mg of the extract, twice a day, after meals.
The effects are not immediate. The treatment usually takes about two months, but you don’t have to worry about side effects as it is a safe plant for most people. However, if there is abdominal pain, nausea, or diarrhea, use should be discontinued.
