Let’s know all about Ashwagandha with it’s Benefits, Side Effects And How Does It Work. Also know it’s Origin and Pros & Cons.
Ashwagandha is an evergreen shrub. It grows in India, parts of Africa and the Middle East. The berry and roots are used to make medicine.
This herb is commonly used for stress. It is used as an “adaptogen” for various other conditions, but there is no sufficient scientific evidence to support these other uses.
Origins of the Herb Ashwagandha
The Ashwagandha herb (scientific name Withania somnifera) is a small evergreen herb that is squat and short with bellflowers and velvety leaves that contain orange berries similar to baby tomatoes.
It is indigenous to the Indian subcontinent, specifically the drier areas of India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan. It also cultivated in parts of Africa, and it can thrive in temperate climates, including Western North Carolina.
Benefits of Ashwagandha:
Historically, Ashwagandha roots have been used to heal constipation, Insomnia, arthritis, skin conditions, diabetes, stress, gastrointestinal issues, fevers, snake bites, memory loss nervous breakdowns, and various other health conditions. The seed, leaves, and even fruits have been used to heal various ailments. Let’s check them out one by one.
- Ashwagandha is defined as an adaptogen which means that it aids the body to adapt to stress. It can help fight symptoms of anxiety and depression and boost brain function.
- There are various Ayurvedic herbs that address excess inflammation. It is one of that herb that has proven to reduce inflammation.
- This Herb root has both antimicrobial and antibacterial properties which shield the skin from acne and infections. It also boosts the building up of collagen in the skin hence prevents one from premature ageing.
- It has tons of benefits to the high blood pressure, heart, including providing treatment for high cholesterol, chest pain and various other heart-related diseases. Adding this herb powder to your diet aids in maintaining a healthy heart.
- It has the qualities of inducing healthy sleep that might seem beneficial to those suffering from insomnia. Try a warm or lukewarm cup of milk mix it with this herb powder before you sleep to aid sleep quality.
- It provides the body to sustain and reserve vital energy all day long to promote good quality and peaceful sleep at night. It also increases your ability to work and exercise.
- This herb aids in diabetes control works by regulating the body’s insulin. It aids in the secretion of insulin in the body by aids the breakdown of sugars in the blood.
Side Effects of Ashwagandha:
Ashwagandha is typically a well-tolerated herb if taken in small to medium doses. But there haven’t been enough long-term analysis to examine possible side effects.
Pregnant women should generally avoid using ashwagandha because it can cause premature delivery. Although ashwagandha supplements are typically well-tolerated when taken short-term in general dosages, mild to moderate side effects such as sleepiness, headache, and stomach upset have been reported. Rarely, rapid heartbeat and allergic reaction have been reported.
Be cautious, however, that this herb can effectively lower blood pressure and blood sugar, and increase thyroid hormone levels.
How does it work?
Ashwagandha & Ayurveda
In Ayurveda, ashwagandha is a Rasayana, or a herb that promotes vitality, longevity, and happiness.
Such Rasayanas are traditionally given to kids and the elderly as a syrup to support overall well-being.
The root is often dried and grounded, then consumed as a powder mixed with ghee, honey, and milk as it can often have a bitter taste. This warm drink is often consumed before sleeping.
This Herb is also used traditionally as a syrup for vitality, memory, and hormonal function, which supports balanced Vata energy.
It is also used to support sleep quality, and the ground powdered root can be applied topically to help maintain comfortable and healthy joints.
When it comes to adding ashwagandha to our diets there are lots of options available out there. It can be confusing hence here we are with the best 10 ashwagandha supplement in India.
Top 10 Ashwagandha in India
1. Himalaya Ashwagandha Pure Herbs Wellness
Himalaya is a much trusted Indian brand known for its Ayurvedic products and supplements.
It has a huge variety of products ranging from baby care, personal care to animal health products.
The brand has its presence in almost 106 countries.
Aids in vitality, memory, and hormonal function, which supports balanced Vata energy.
2. Organic India Ashwagandha
Organic is is another much trusted Indian brand known for its Ayurvedic products and supplements.
It supports cardiovascular health. Reduces stress and anxiety.
Helps in controlling cholesterol and blood pressure.
3. Jain Ashwagandha Tablets
Sri Jain Ayurvedic Pharmacy claims to formulate all the supplements by a team of Ayurveda Acharyas (experts).
It is typically a well-tolerated herb if taken in small to medium doses.
Aids in vitality, memory, and hormonal function. These supplements are easily available.
4. True BASIC Ashwagandha
Health Kart founded in 2012, distributors and manufacturers of supplements and health foods under the brands Nouriza and True Basics.
It’s a 100% natural supplement. Aids in cardiovascular health, vitality etc.
5. HealthVit Ashwagandha Powder
HealthVit is an Ahmedabad based MNC, Gujarat, India with its roots in the last 54 years and exporting its products to about 54+ countries.
Their products are verified in ISO GLP certified lab. Their brand is also certified with many quality certificates like AGSI, WHO GMP, FSSAI, ISO, etc.
It’s a 100% natural supplement powder.
6. Dabur Ashwagandha
Dabur is a much trusted Indian brand known for its Ayurvedic products and supplements.
It has a huge variety of products ranging from baby care, personal care to animal health products.
The brand has its presence in almost 106 countries.
Aids in vitality, memory, and hormonal function, which supports balanced Vata energy.
7. MuscleBlaze Ashwagandha
It’s a much-trusted brand when it comes to health supplements.
This is a 100% natural and vegetarian supplement.
It supports cardiovascular health.
Reduces stress and anxiety.
Helps in controlling cholesterol and blood pressure.
8. Jiva Ayurveda Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha, the core ingredient of the supplement. It is one of the most powerful rejuvenating herbs known to Ayurveda and it alleviates Vata and Kapha doshas.
To be swallowed with water or milk.
Fatigue and stress, general weakness. Helps to handle stress
9. Neuherbs Ashwagandha
Improved Well-being- Provides health benefits to Improve strength, mood; anxiety, Manage stress and Revives mind & body.
Support immune function by fighting off- invading germs, help lowering inflammation and toxins
Exhibits goodness of antioxidants from vitamin B and E.
10.Baidyanath Ashwagandha Tablet
This brand has an ages-old formulation.
To be swallowed with water or milk.
Fatigue and stress, general weakness. Helps to handle stress
Aids in vitality, memory, and hormonal function, which supports balanced Vata energy.
Also, check SAFI- Benefits, Ingredients and Steps to Use
| Ashwagandha Brand | Pros | Cons | Price |
| 1. Himalaya Ashwagandha Pure Herbs Wellness | 1.Trusted Brand
2.Reasonable 3.Easily Available |
|
Rs. 150 for 60 tablets |
2. Organic India Ashwagandha |
1.Trusted Brand
2.Reasonable 3.Easily Available |
|
Rs 410 for 120 tablets |
3. JainAshwagandhaTablets |
|
|
Rs. 323 for 120 tablets |
4. True BASIC Ashwagandha |
1. 100% Natural
2. Easily Available |
|
Rs. 849 for 60 tablets |
| 5. HealthVit Ashwagandha Powder | 1. Powder Form
2. 100% Natural |
|
Rs. 159 for 100 grams |
6. Dabur Ashwagandha |
1.Trusted Brand
2.Reasonable 3.Easily Available |
None | Rs 150 for 60 tablets |
| 7. MuscleBlaze Ashwagandha | 1. Trusted Brand |
|
Rs.399 for 60 tablets |
| 8. Jiva Ayurveda Ashwagandha |
|
None | Rs. 200 for 120 tablets |
| 9. Neuherbs Ashwagandha |
|
1. Expensive | Rs.599 for 60 tablets |
| 10.Baidyanath Ashwagandha Tablet | 1. Reasonable
2. Ages old trust |
|
Rs. 269 for 60 tablets |
Bottom-line:
Hope that this article helps you with useful knowledge of the benefits and uses of the medicinal herb – Ashwagandha.
You can start using this herb topically as a face pack or oil or consume it like a supplement to get all its benefits for your health and skin.
However, do remember to consume it in moderation and consult a doctor before consuming this ayurvedic herb.