Indspire Me

By Aishwarya Bhargav

‘Ashwagandha’ translates to ‘the odour of a horse’ and refers to the unique smell of the roots of this herb. While the unique herb has been used in traditional Asian medicine preparation for centuries, clinical studies have recently emphasized the efficiency of Ashwagandha in treating several disorders. As a result the popularity of Ashwagandha has soared globally. The many curative and preventive Ashwagandha Powder Benefits make it an attractive Ayurvedic treasure that can treat and prevent arthritis, insomnia, fatigue and several other diseases.

 Ashwagandha Powder Can Be Had in a Variety of Different Ways

 Ashwagandha powder, which is a staple in Ayurveda, can control the effects of stress by regulating the levels of cortisol and other hormones in the body. Indirectly, it also helps to regulate blood pressure; as high levels of cortisol in the body lead to a high blood pressure. The Ashwagandha herb is abundantly available in India, Nepal and China. It can be had as a tablet or as a powder. The powder is generally easier to mix with other ingredients.  Ashwagandha powder can be made into a decoction or tea. It can either be consumed on its own or in a mixture comprising turmeric and other herbs.

This Ayurvedic Treasure Has Cosmetic Benefits as Well

Ashwagandha is an active ingredient found in several shampoos. The root of the herb contains compounds that cleanse the skin and help in anti-ageing. It helps to reduce symptoms of greying hair and controls dandruff. If you want supple and smooth skin, a paste comprising Dried Ginger powder, Ashwagandha Powder and Lemon Juice in equal parts can be used as a toner.

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Ashwagandha Powder is a Good Anti-Inflammatory Agent

 Do you know someone suffering from arthritis or spondylitis? These people experience immense pain because of the inflammation and swelling in their tissues. The anti-inflammatory properties of Ashwagandha powder can help alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with tissue wear and tear.

Ashwagandha Powder Benefits Include Boosting the Memory

 Ashwagandha has exhibited immense potential as a drug that can be used to treat Alzheimer’s, Dementia and several other Neuro Muscular Disorders. Research conducted by the National Brain Research Centre and several other organisations have  shown the benefits of Ashwagandha powder in improving cognitive performance in mice suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.
The powder is perceived to have a similar effect of humans. Studies have also shown that Ashwagandha stops or delays the neuro-degeneration associated with Parkinson’s disease. Therefore adding a small dose of Ashwagandha powder everyday either slows down the rapid progression or delays the onset of the disorder.

ASHWAGANDHA POWDER CAN HELP REGULATE YOUR SLEEP CYCLE

 Insomnia, sleep apnoea and other sleep disorders have been treating using Ashwagandha powder. The magical powder serves as an antioxidant and keeps hypertension at bay by regulating the cortisol levels in the body. It has a calming effect on the body.  Research investigating the efficiency of the Indian Ginseng in curing cough, cold and other respiratory disorders is being conducted and the results are promising. The herb when taken in prescribed dosages is found to have a positive effect in the overall well-being of the consumer.

ASHWAGANDHA POWDER RECIPES: WAYS OF CONSUMING THE MIRACLE HERB

 Ashwagandha powder is versatile and can be consumed in a variety of ways. A concoction of Ashwagandha powder with either ghee or honey is another way in which it can be consumed. Ashwagandha tea prepared by mixing a teaspoon of the herbal powder with milk and water is a refreshing beverage that can be consumed in lieu of tablets.As long as the consumption does not exceed the daily dosage limit, Ashwagandha can be consumed with any food.

THIS IS WHY ASHWAGANDHA POWDER IS BETTER THAN ITS INORGANIC COUNTERPARTS

Ayurveda is based on the premise that preventing the disease is better than symptomatically treating the manifestations of a disorder. As compared to their inorganic counterparts, which are laden with harmful chemicals, Ashwagandha is a relatively harmless yet potent herb.
While one may consume Ashwagandha for a particular ailment, the effects of the herb also help in curing and preventing other disorders.

Ayurvedic ingredients that were a part of the everyday Indian diet decades ago, are gaining a new impetus owing to their rising popularity in the west.

It is high time that we re-introduce Ashwagandha in our daily diet and reap the benefits of this wonder herb.

About the Author

Aishwarya Bhargav is a Research Scholar at the National University of Singapore. Her research primarily focuses on biomaterials and their applications. She is an avid blogger and a foodie.