Benefits of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) for Women
Abstract
No doubt we are living in a fast-moving pace, irreducible and getting dipped in a materialistic lifestyle. This is no wonder that stress, fatigue, and exhaustion has surrounded us out of nowhere. A sedentary lifestyle is leading to brain damage, reduced immunity, and various genetic mutations. It is understood that our amount of time hasn’t changed, we still have 24 hours and can manage some time to peek at self-care. And that’s where Ayurveda comes into action, let’s discuss the Ayurvedic herbs and their benefits.
What is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda is known as “Mother of healing” and this science of life has been originated 5000 years ago. This focuses on the maintenance of health naturally through diet, lifestyle and use of herbs for keeping an equilibrium between Tridosha i.e. Pitta, Kapha, and Vata. Indian traditional herbs have built up the foundation of the Ayurvedic medicine system.
Ashwagandha: Indian Winter Cherry
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) which is commonly known as “Indian ginseng” is considered as a Rasayana for its amazing health benefits. The word Ashwagandha has been derived from the Sanskrit language i.e. Ashwa means horse and Gandha mean smell. This is known as “Sattvic Kapaha Rasayana” and is a great adaptogen and anti-stress agent. (1)
What are Adaptogens?
Adaptogens are a category of plants that are non-toxic and helps our body in managing physical, chemical and biological stress. These exhibit neuroprotective, anti-fatigue, anti-depressive, nootropic, and CNS stimulating activity.
Habitat
Ashwagandha grows best in sandy soil above 2000 feet above the sea level and requires pH ranging from 7.5-8. This is native to India but is also cultivated in the Middle East, Africa, and North America. It is a drought-resistant species and mostly grows at higher altitudes at any elevation.
Chemical Constituents and Morphology
Withania somnifera is a 30 inches tall short perennial plant with branches reaching up to 5 inches long. Flowers are bell-shaped and bear orange-red marble-size fruits. Ashwagandha possesses alkaloids, steroidal lactones, saponins, etc. Sitoindosides and acylsteryglucosides make it a significant anti-stress agent. (1)
Medicinal Properties
Ashwagandha’s significant phytochemical, chemical constitution and its goodness in therapeutical properties make it beneficial ineffective management of various conditions like diabetes, erectile dysfunction, low sperm count, premature ejaculation, insomnia, arthritis, muscle fatigue, depression, stress, anxiety, severe neurological disorders (Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s syndrome, etc.) Ashwagandha is also beneficial in eliminating edema, inflammations and treating tumours.
Benefits for Women
1. Natural Immunity Booster
Ashwagandha induces cell-mediated immunity as it elevates White blood cell and platelet count. So here Ashwagandha is performing double functions as it controls chronic stress conditions and helps our body overcoming it by boosting our immunity.
2. Enhances Brain Power
Ashwagandha is known as a natural brain tonic and proved to be effective in treating head injuries, increasing concentration, memory, etc. by allowing our body to utilize oxygen more efficiently. This herb works miraculously in calming nerves and boosting energy levels in the body.
3. Female Reproductive Health
We all know that stress plays an important role in regulating female hormones such as cortisol (stress hormone) reduces progesterone levels and can affect healthy menstruation and fertility. So Ashwagandha reduces the production of cortisol levels it improves the flow of blood, libido, menstrual cycles and increases fertility in women.
4. During Postpartum and Breastfeeding
Roots of Ashwagandha have beneficial properties during the critical period of breastfeeding and Postpartum such as:-
A) Reduces Stress and Anxiety
A new mother can be an overwhelming phase full of emotions and stress which can be controlled by consuming Ashwagandha which will keep the mother calm and stress-free.
B) Helps in Rebuilding Strength and Vitality
It helps the mother to regain strength and maintaining energy levels thus preventing fatigue.
C) Enhance Milk Production
Stress levels can have alleviated milk production as it directly or indirectly affects the diet and intake of water in mothers.
5) In Urinary Tract Infections
Ashwagandha possesses diuretic and antibacterial properties so it shows drug resistance on various pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacterial strains. Thus it is very helpful in reducing the symptoms of Urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women.
6) In Maintaining Sugar Levels
According to the reviews Ashwagandha is known to have shown effects in reducing blood glucose levels in diabetes patients.
7) In Maintaining Healthy Cholesterol Levels
Ashwagandha potentially decreases LDL levels and increase in HDL levels in hyperglycemic and hypercholesterolemia levels.
Ashwagandha Capsules and Powder by Planet Ayurveda
Planet Ayurveda has formulated this pure herbal supplement with standard extracts of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) which aids in various health conditions. Some of the ailments which can be treated effectively by this product are digestive disorders, Cardio-vascular diseases, Respiratory diseases, neurological disorders, maintaining hormone levels, etc. It is also beneficial in pacifying Kapha and Vata dosha, treating various skin ailments, depression and improves the motility of sperms in men. All the herbal supplements manufactured here are free from all kinds of chemicals, preservatives, colors, additives, fillers, binders, etc. Manufacturing is done under the strict supervision of MD Ayurvedas in sterile conditions.
Conclusion
Ashwagandha is packed with potent regenerative properties and other pharmacological properties like anti-tumor, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-stress properties. Thus it has been the best household remedy in India since ages and best tonic for all individuals of all ages. According to the clinical and pathological studies this herb has amazing results in stress-related disorders, tumors, and neuronal disorders. To naturally manage the disorders we can change our sedentary lifestyle, diet, and mode of treatment. Ayurveda doesn’t cause any kind of side effects and treats the disease from the root by eliminating the root cause of the ailment.
