This Herb Will Give You Horse-Like Strength – Ashwagandha

If you can pronounce it, you can believe it – ashwagandha is the herb of horse strength and vitality.

Not only does it increase physical strength, but ashwagandha can lower stress, enhance longevity, suppress inflammation, and decrease weight. It also carries adaptogenic, anti-cancer, and cardiovascular benefits. I could not believe I went more than 20 years of my life without knowing what this herb was.

Ashwagandha (withania somnifera), a plant belonging to the Solonacae (nightshade) family, is one of the most powerful herbs in the world. It is commonly referred as ‘Indian ginseng’, ‘poison gooseberry’, and ‘winter cherry’ (2).

Its name literally translates from Sanskrit to “horse smell”. Indeed this herb does not have the most appealing of smells… But the real reason for its name comes from the parallel of horse strength and immunity (1).

This super-herb can be traced back to India 4000 years ago, and is additionally native to the sub-tropical regions of northern Africa and the Middle East (1).

Ashwagandha was prominently used for curative purposes in Ayurveda medicine – one of the world’s oldest holistic healing practices. Ayurvedic healing is based on the notion that health & wellbeing are dependent on one’s state of mind, body & spirit. Ashwagandha is a good fit. (3).

Here are The 9 Benefits of Ashwagandha

 

Ojas

The secret to Ashwagandha’s health benefits lies in its constituent of Ojas – the fluid of life.

According to Ayurvedic medicine, it is believed that life cannot exist without Ojas in the body. It is the most fundamental component to physiology and immunity. It governs both physical and mental health by enhancing immunity, muscular strength, and happiness (2). 

Ashwagandha is categorized in Ayurveda as a rasayana, which translates to path (ayana) of the fluid (rasa). These substances are ideal for allowing Ojas to flow through the body with ease. They eradicate blockages, dispel toxins, and increase longevity (9). 

  

Anti-stress

Ashwagandha is an adaptogen – a class of herbs that possess high immunostimulant activity. Immunostimulants help maintain general health & wellbeing by reducing stress levels and enhancing physiology (3).

Adaptogens have anti-anxiety effects since they lower cortisol levels, reduce blood pressure, and slow down pulse rate. There are 4 prerequisites that adaptogens follow:  

• Decrease stress induced damage
• Be safe and produce a beneficial effect
• Be devoid of any withdrawal symptoms
• Do not over-influence normal bodily functions (4, 9)

In addition, adaptogens are effective in increasing stamina and preventing stress induced gastric ulcers, hepatotoxicity and mortality. Among other stress-related diseases, Ashwagandha prevents:

• Arteriosclerosis
• Premature aging
• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• Malignancy (8)  

Anti-Cancer

The leaves of Ashwagandha possess strong anti-cancer activity. They hold a rich supply of antioxidants, including glutathione peroxide and catalase, which inhibit skin carcinogenesis (10).

The presence of withanone in water and alcoholic extracts has also been shown to slow the spread and growth of cancer (5).

Various studies indicate that Ashwagandha provides protection to the brain, heart, spleen and kidneys of rats used in cancer research. It is renowned and respected as a natural radiosensitive treatment for chemotherapy patients, as well as an anti-tumour agent (3, 6).

 

Weight Loss

It is believed that Ashwagandha may help in weight loss as it’s adaptogen effects helps minimize stress-related fluctuations in diet.

Additionally, this super-herb helps regulate metabolism and eases digestion. It is used heavily in Ayurveda medicine for this purpose, and given to people who are prone to over or under eating (3).

 

 

Medicinal Tonic

The general tonic properties of Ashwagandha serve benefits for increasing energy, improving longevity, and preventing disease (6).

Ashwagandha outwardly rejuvenates and vitalizes the body with enzymes and antioxidants, promoting sustainable energy, strength, and longevity.

As a blood tonic, it is rich in iron and improves blood circulation through the genesis of red blood cells. Blood tonics in general strengthen the immune system by building a resistance to environmental factors (8).

 

 

Increased Libido

Research has found that extract from the leaf promotes a healthy sexual and reproductive balance. It is linked to an enhanced libido, and can be used to treat erectile dysfunction (9).

In a study involving rats, Ashwagandha was reported to significantly increase testosterone levels over a period of 30 days. This is no surprise as the plant is known for inducing muscle strength and growth, which derives from increases in testosterone (3).

Anti-Inflammatory

The prominent constituent responsible for Ashwagandha’s anti-inflammatory content comes from the presence of Withanolide.

Withanolide is a flavonoid that provides steroidal molecules in which suppress and fight inflammation (6).

Notably, Ashwagandha is an analgesic – a pain relieving substance.  This delivers additional benefits that support arthritis, rheumatism, and other musculoskeletal conditions. It is also an antipyretic, which provides inflammatory relief from headaches and fevers (8).

 

Cognition Promoter

In Ayurvedic medicine, Ashwagandha is used to promote intellect and memory. Those with head injuries, old-age illness, and memory deficiency document the greatest results for this use (3).

Neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s may even be treated by this god-sent. Numerous studies have verified that Ashwagandha slows, stops and reverses neuritic atrophy and synaptic loss (8).

Cardiovascular Protection

Ashwagandha root displays hypoglycaemic, diuretic, and hypocholesterolemic activity. In a study of six humans with type-2 diabetes and six with mild hypocholesterolemia, each subject was treated with a powdered extract for 30 days. The results showcase a comparable response to typical prescribed hypoglycaemic drugs:

1. A decreased in blood glucose, serum cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoproteins
2. An increase in urine volume and urine sodium (8)

The alkaloids present in leaf extracts also strengthen the lungs and heart, relating to the cardiopulmonary system. The alkaloids possess strong respiratory effects as well, posing a strong recommendation for athletes in search of increased endurance (3, 6).

Conclusion

Ashwagandha is a highly overlooked plant that resides almost nowhere in North America. Its bounty of benefits surrounding the central nervous system, the heart, inflammation, and cancer speak for themselves.

Truthfully I have listed these benefits in the merest of detail – the genuine value of this herb is seemingly unthinkable. I long for the day where western pharmaceutics collide with eastern traditional medicine, in order to establish the ultimate form of nutraceutical health care.