Dr Nikita Raghav
Unlike turmeric, which we Indians put in our spice box and sprinkle in our curries daily, Ashwagandha is non-accessible and is not a part of our day-to-day diet. It is also known as the ‘The Indian Ginseng.’
Ashwagandha is a Sanskrit word for ‘smell of the horse’. When you think of a horse, you think of strength and youth, it basically refers to both its unique smell and ability to increase strength. It has been studied for 6000 years in Ayurveda, yet in this age of science this plant has been explored 2-3 percent of its whole and there is so much more to it. It is an adaptogen, meaning it is proven to help manage stress in our body.
Ashwagandha is getting popularized as teas and supplements in the recent days. It is ironic that it has been popularized in the western world more than in India where it is mainly prescribed by ayurvedic doctors. Given the origin, it is sad to know that it is not found in every household pantry in India. It has been popularized in the sports and nutrition field in the western countries helping athletes sleep better, increase muscle mass and improve strength.
Apart from stress and anxiety, it reduces symptoms of depression, can help boost testosterone and male fertility and may help lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels. It reduces the inflammation which is the cause of every new-age disease including cancer.
My experiences
I remember a friend from Ukraine stocking 3 months of Ashwagandha supplements on his business trip to India and praising how it has helped his mother majorly with sleep issues and anxiety. When I started the bedtime supplement for my mom who had insomnia, she had a better sleep pattern, and felt calmer throughout the day.
What you need to know is that there are twenty varieties of Withanolides compounds in Ashwagandha which are responsible for its numerous benefits. The entire plant is packed with this compound from its flowers to the root, but Ayurveda says use only the bark for internal consumption.
The problem with withanolides is that they get excreted from the body in one hour of consumption. A dose of two 500mg supplement twice a day morning and bedtime or one 1000mg sustainable slow release supplement once a day in the morning is suitable for well being.
So, the next time to pop a pill to treat your insomnia, consider keeping this Amrit herb Ashwagandha in your medicine drawer mindfully.