Ashwagandha: The Indian Ginseng
When you hear about ginseng, the first thing that might come to your mind are the roots that come from China. However, did you know there is also ginseng from India called ashwagandha?
While this ginseng originates from India, it can also thrive anywhere there is full sun and the conditions are pretty dry. This is why ginseng is familiar to those living on different continents, such as the USA and Africa.
In Sanskrit, the name means "odor of a horse." This is because the ginseng smells like the sweat of a horse. Off-putting as that may be, ginseng has many benefits that make enduring the smell worth it.
- It helps prevent aging. While we all want to age gracefully, many of us would instead put that off for as long as possible. Ashwagandha helps by providing antioxidants that fight free radicals in our bodies. On that note…
- It's suitable for older adults. You can only push aging so far, but you can take ashwagandha, which can help prevent cataracts from forming in the eyes. Ginseng has also been proven to help relieve rheumatologic problems by preventing inflammation and blocking pain.
- It's suitable for young ones too. The oldies are not the only people who can benefit from this. The ashwagandha helps stimulate the thyroid gland, which allows brain and bone development and regulates digestive functions and muscle control.
- It boosts the immune system. It does this in two ways. First, it brings up the count of the red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Second, it has antibacterial properties. It's worth mentioning the ancients ingested ashwagandha to treat gastrointestinal and respiratory tract infections.
- It's good for the heart. Regular consumption of this ginseng has been proven to be good for the soul by strengthening core muscles and lowering cholesterol levels.
- It helps to treat cancer. Studies have shown that ginseng helps reduce the adverse effects of radiation treatment and chemotherapy commonly recommended for cancer patients. Alongside those treatments, it has also been found to kill cancer and tumor cells.
- It's good for the muscles. Exercising is good for improving the muscles, and so is this ginseng. Ashwagandha can improve muscular strength and neuro-muscular coordination.
- It helps fight diabetes. Those who have diabetes usually experience a rise in blood sugar during fasting. A study found those who consumed ashwagandha over four weeks showed a decrease in blood sugar levels.
- It helps relieve depression. Consumption of ashwagandha has been proven to benefit in treating depression and anxiety.
- It can be an aphrodisiac. Chances are you have yet to see this coming. Yes, besides having aphrodisiac properties, ginseng has been used to improve vitality in men and fertility in women.
- It lowers blood pressure. Ancient texts show how ginseng creates a calm, soothing effect on patients. Perfect for after you use ashwagandha as an aphrodisiac…
Along with this note, it must be mentioned that doctors have advised pregnant women against consuming this ginseng as it has abortifacient properties.