7 Proven Health Benefits of Ashwagandha and Their Side Effects

Ayurveda has revealed the benefits of various natural herbs and shrubs. One such shrub that has had a prominent place as a traditional medicine for over centuries is Ashwagandha. This evergreen shrub is native to India, parts of Africa, and the Middle East. Also referred to as the Indian Ginseng and Indian Winter Cherry, Ashwagandha has been used for over centuries in a powder form. There are several ashwagandha benefits for which this shrub has gained immense popularity as ancient Indian medicine.

Let’s dig deeper to understand the various ashwagandha benefits and side effects to have a proper understanding of this miraculous shrub. 

Uses of Ashwagandha

In ancient times, the roots of ashwagandha were used to treat a plethora of health disorders like constipation, arthritis, insomnia, stress, diabetes, fever, and much more. Not just the leaves of ashwagandha, its seeds, and fruits were known to yield health benefits. 

7 Surprising Health Benefits of Ashwagandha

1. Cures Anxiety and Stress

The prime benefit of consuming ashwagandha is that it helps to cure anxiety and stress. This is a shrub that makes the body adapt to stress and helps the body fight symptoms of depression and anxiety. Use Ashwagandha oil to de-stress your mind, body, and soul without any worry about its side effects. 

2. Good for Heart Health

Second surprising benefit of using ashwagandha shrub is that it helps to improve heart health. It is considered to be a perfect cure to control high cholesterol as well as high blood pressure issues. Those with a heart attack history in the family must consume powder of this shrub without worrying about ashwagandha side effects.

3. Prevents Cancer

Another major use of Ashwagandha shrub is in preventing cancer. If taken regularly in any form, this shrub induces apoptosis, a compound that kills the cancer cells in the body. Some studies have revealed that ashwagandha is effective in preventing certain types of cancers like brain cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and colon cancer. 

4. Cures Alzheimer’s Disease

Various studies have found ashwagandha to be extremely beneficial to cure Alzheimer’s disease. These studies revealed that this shrub releases a certain protein that helps to clear the amyloid from our brain that is responsible for causing Alzheimer’s disease. 

5. Treats Insomnia

When talking about major ashwagandha uses, we can’t neglect to mention that it helps to treat insomnia. This shrub is a perfect cure for insomnia because it has sleep-inducing properties. Just take a cup of warm milk mixed with ashwagandha powder before bed and you will get a sound sleep for sure. 

6. Treats Asthma

Likewise, you may trust this medicinal shrub to get relief from asthma. If you consume the roots of ashwagandha regularly, you will help get relief from your respiratory disorders such as asthma. It is particularly beneficial to cure asthma in children without any side effects.

7. Good for Skin and Hair

Not just for health disorders, you can take ashwagandha to keep your skin and hair healthy. It is known to soothe, cleanse, and heal our skin. Besides, ashwagandha helps to boost DHEA in the body that prevents issues like aging. With its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, ashwagandha helps to keep your scalp healthy and prevents hair loss. You may choose to drink it, apply it or add it to your shampoo to benefit hair without any side effects.

Ashwagandha Benefits for Men

Earlier, ashwagandha was considered to be a medicine for treating only male ailments. It is super beneficial for men as it helps to improve their testosterone hormone levels. Besides, it helps to maintain a good fertility level and prevents stress-induced infertility. This shrub also helps to prevent prostate cancer in men.

Ashwagandha Benefits for Women

Many female hormonal issues are caused due to stress, so ashwagandha is considered a boon for women too. It can help to relieve stress and as a result boost healthy menstruation, and fertility in women. Besides, it helps in keeping a perfect hormonal balance and libido in females. Regular consumption of ashwagandha helps to lift the mood of women and encourage their sexual drives too. 

Ashwagandha Benefits for Children

Not just males and females, even children can benefit by consuming ashwagandha. Being an immunomodulator, this shrub is an excellent herbal source to boost the overall immune system of children. You can give this shrub in a powder, liquid, or capsule form to children to develop healthy antibodies in their bodies to fight infections. Moreover, ashwagandha helps to increase their appetite and sharpens their memory with a strong retention power. 

Ashwagandha Side Effects

Now, those curious to know about both ashwagandha benefits and side effects, let us acquaint you that this is a shrub that is completely safe to be taken in small doses regularly. Some side effects may be experienced if you take large doses of ashwagandha like:

1. Diarrhea
2. Nausea
3. Vomiting
4. Digestion Issues
5. Intestinal Issues

Right Dosage of Ashwagandha

How much ashwagandha is too much depends on the health condition for which you intend to consume this miraculous shrub? This shrub is easily available in powder, liquid, and capsule form. If your prime motive to consume this shrub is to relieve stress then the standard dose suggested by experts is between 250 to 600 mg per day. Avoid taking it in excess else be ready to face some ashwagandha side effects. The best way to consume ashwagandha is with milk because milk is considered to be the best medium to supply the goodness of this shrub to all parts of the body, especially plasma, blood, bones, and reproductive system.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, ashwagandha is a perfect herbal medicine for those who prefer health treatments without experiencing side effects. Ashwagandha is an all-in-one solution to various health disorders as well as to make your skin and hair healthy. However, as a word of precaution, pregnant women and people with some severe health conditions must first consult their doctor before consuming ashwagandha in any form.