Discover Ashwagandha in Traditional Medicine: History and Benefits
Normally referred to as Withania somnifera, ashwagandha has been a cornerstone of traditional medicine for centuries.
This extraordinary herb is famous for its adaptogenic properties and, nonetheless, renowned for its ability to support the body’s ability to adapt to stress and overall vitality.
Recently, Ashwagandha has received significant global recognition as an adaptable herb for a variety of health benefits and has an exceptional place in ancient herbal traditions.
This article takes us through the rich history and modernization of Ashwagandha, shedding light on its timeless part of wellness.
What is Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha is a small, woody shrub that is native to India, the Middle East, and parts of Africa.
In Sanskrit, it translates as the'smell of a horse,' referring not only to its intriguing smell but also to its traditional link with strength and vitality.
Ashwagandha is an adaptogen that helps the body adapt to situations of stress, whether physical, emotional, or environmental.
The Solanaceae family includes tomatoes and eggplants, and it is a highly phytochemical-rich plant.
The Ashwagandha in Traditional Medicine
Ayurveda has long considered Ashwagandha to be an important herb in their healing arsenal.
Over the past 3000 years, it has been considered a "Rasayana," meaning longevity, youthfulness, and mental clarity.
It was traditionally used to increase energy, build stamina, and support the immune system first.
Besides, ashwagandha was used to calm the mind and reduce anxiety, improve sleeping quality, and achieve a holistic approach to staying healthy.
Another traditional healing system, ashwagandha, was used similarly in Unani medicine as a strengthening and rejuvenating herb.
While ashwagandha isn’t native to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it’s made its way into modern TCM practices, sometimes likened to adaptogenic herbs such as ginseng.
Ayurvedic Medicinal Uses of Ashwagandha
In Ayurveda, ashwagandha is believed to balance the body's three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.
It is particularly warming and grounding, making it very good for settling and balancing Vata imbalances, which can show up as anxiety, restlessness, too much mental or physical activity, overstimulation, and/or fatigue.
Ashwagandha powders, teas, and oils are commonly found in the form of common preparations along with other herbs for a combined synergistic effect.
Traditionally, it has been used to help your reproductive health, improve cognitive function, and increase your body's resiliency against disease.
Ashwagandha’s duty in fortifying vitality and strength made it a legitimate number one among warriors and workmen searching for endurance and strength.
Adaptogenic Properties and Ashwagandha
Adaptogens are natural substances that allow the body to fight off any kind of stressor, physical, chemical, or biological.
Of all the adaptogens studied, one that comes to mind when I think of currently researched adaptogens is ashwagandha, which has been studied for its ability to modulate cortisol levels (1).
Ashwagandha reduces stress hormones, which improve mood and boost energy and focus.
It has been proven through research to significantly reduce the amount of symptoms of anxiety and depression to create emotional resilience.
In addition to its adaptogenic properties, it is used to boost physical performance, benefit muscle recovery, and increase strength.
If you’re someone who suffers from constant stress, Ashwagandha helps you regain your balance and vitality as a natural ally.
This article will take modern science and ancient wisdom and bring them together.
Many of the traditional claims about Ashwagandha’s health benefits have been proven to be true by scientific research.
Research finds that ashwagandha reduces cortisol levels, the most important stress hormone (2).
It has also been found to improve sleep quality and is used as a remedy for insomnia and restlessness (3).
Its use in enhancing the work of natural killer cells (4) has been proven in clinical trials.
It has antioxidant properties to protect against cellular damage (5) and ensure a long life.
Ashwagandha is being used as a nootropic to enhance memory and concentration, as well as increase cognitive function in the modern world.
Ashwagandha in Global Healing Practices
Ashwagandha holds center stage in Ayurvedic medicine, but its adaptogenic properties have made it part of many healing systems.
It is often said in traditional Chinese medicine that ginseng is like ginseng in that it can restore energy and vitality.
Ashwagandha has already made its way into herbalists’ pantries as they use it to relieve stress and boost energy in Western medicine.
Ashwagandha is compared to other adaptogens, including Rhodiola and holy basil, to show the broad nature of its application and its unique benefits.
As with any natural home remedy, its global adoption testifies to the fact that it remains as worthwhile now as it has ever been.
Ashwagandha Side Effects and Safety
Ashwagandha is typically thought of as safe for most people when it is used as directed.
However, it may cause some people to have upset stomachs, drowsiness, or dizziness.
Ashwagandha is not recommended during pregnancy and for breastfeeding women who have autoimmune disorders and should check with a healthcare provider before use.
Usually, recommended dosages of standardized extract range from 300 to 600 mg per day.
Misconception? It is not a steroid but a natural herb with adaptogenic and antioxidant properties called ashwagandha.
Quality Ashwagandha Products
This is because the quality of Ashwagandha products differs a lot, and it’s important to buy from trusted sources.
Search for products made from sustainably sourced ingredients without artificial additives and third-party testing for purity.
As a natural and sustainable wellness company, Wild Foods only offers high-quality ashwagandha that complies with their standards.
When you choose quality over quantity, high-quality products guarantee you will still enjoy all the benefits without the added harmful fillers or contaminants.
Final Thoughts
Ashwagandha’s story—from the ancient text of Ayurveda to the modern-day scientific dialogue—is a triumph.
It’s an extremely powerful supplement to add to your wellness routine for its stress, energy, immunity, and overall health benefits.
Embracing ashwagandha means turning to a treasury of herbal wisdom and using the power of this herb to support the body’s natural, everyday ability to heal and thrive.
A great starting step in becoming more balanced is introducing Ashwagandha to your daily routine.
No matter why you want to relieve stress, improve your energy, or get a better night’s sleep, Ashwagandha helps you do so naturally.
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FAQs
For what was ashwagandha originally used?
It was initially used to enhance stamina, vitality, and general health.
Is ashwagandha traditional Chinese medicine?
Ashwagandha is not something used in traditional Chinese medicine; however, it does have some deities with TCM herbs, such as ginseng.
But why use Ashwagandha as a medicine?
Ashwagandha is useful in managing; it increases focus, helps support hormonal balance, and enhances immunity.
What is the side effect of Ashwagandha?
It may have side effects that include stomach upset, drowsiness, and interactions with medications. Use only as directed by a healthcare provider.
Related Studies
1. Title: 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
This study found that participants taking 300 mg of ashwagandha extract twice daily for 60 days experienced significant reductions in serum cortisol levels compared to the placebo group.
Link: https://consensus.app/questions/ashwagandha-lowers-cortisol/
2. Title: A double-blind, randomized, parallel-group, placebo-controlled study of the efficacy of Ashwagandha root extract on sleep quality in healthy subjects and patients with insomnia
The study confirmed that ashwagandha root extract significantly improved sleep parameters such as sleep onset latency and overall sleep quality in both healthy individuals and those suffering from insomnia.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32818573/
3. Title: Dietary supplementation of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) enhances natural killer cell activity in a Layhen model of ovarian cancer
This research demonstrated that ashwagandha supplementation increased the population of natural killer (NK) cells, suggesting an enhanced immune response against tumors.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24188693/
4. Title: Immunomodulatory effect of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): A review
The review discusses how ashwagandha enhances immune function by increasing the activity of immune cells, including macrophages and T cells, thereby exhibiting antioxidant properties.
Link: https://jfrm.ru/issues/22431/22447
5. Title: Effects of Ashwagandha on stress resilience and emotional well-being: A randomized controlled trial
This trial indicated that ashwagandha significantly reduced stress levels and improved emotional well-being among participants under chronic stress conditions.
Link: https://biogena.com/en/knowledge/guide/ashwagandha-study-news-in-science_bba_82046
