INTRODUCTION:

Scientific name – Withania somnifera

Family – Solanaceae

Kingdom – Plantae

Order – Solanales

Ashwagandha is a little evergreen shrub categorized as a Rasayana in traditional Indian medicine, which means it helps to extend longevity. In modern medicine it is regarded as an adaptogen, which means that it facilitates the body’ ability to adjust to stress. In Ayurveda, this plant is recognized as Bhalya, which enhances strength, and Vajikara, which encourages normal sexual function. This plant is found in parts of India, Africa and Southeast Asia.²

The Sanskrit term for ashwagandha means “smell of the horse”, refering to the scent of the plant’s roots. Other names are “Indian ginseng” and “winter cherry”. For almost three millennia, Ayurvedic and Indigenous medicine have employed Ashwagandha as a therapeutic plant. The laboratory studies show that ashwagandha extracts can act on neurotransmitter pathways including serotonin and gamma amino butyric acid (GABA), and also affect systems of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and sympathetic-adrenal-medullary axis.³

Historically, the roots of ashwagandha have been used to treat arthritis, constipation, insomnia, skin conditions, stress, gastrointestinal issues, diabetes, nervous breakdowns, fevers, snake bites, memory loss and various other conditions.⁴

EFFECTS OF Ashwagandha :

1. On Brain – cognitive functions like attention, response time and execution of activities are examples of positive effects of ashwagandha.

2. On Heart – treats high cholesterol, high blood pressure, chest pain and other heart diseases. Including ashwagandha powder in diet helps maintain a healthy heart.

3. On Skin – it moisturizes, cleanses, heals and slows down the aging process. Ashwagandha calms and shields skin that is harsh and dry. Withanolides – a substance, aids in removal of debris and pollutants, averting blocked pores and acne, promoting healthy, radiant skin and strong nails. High antioxidant content of Ashwagandha helps prevent wrinkles, dark spots, fine lines and blemishes. It also includes alkaloids, which directly affect the health of skin and hair by acting on the nervous system to reduce tension and anxiety. Cuts, bruising and skin infections can also be treated using a cream made from a liquid ashwagandha mixture. Ashwagandha increases DHEA, a precursor to estrogen and testosterone stimulating the synthesis of essential proteins to keep the skin hydrated and healthy. DHEA and estrogen promote the production of collagen and increase the natural oils in the skin, which help to keep the skin looking young. Additionally, it reduces cortisol levels and stops stress-related skin aging.⁵

4. On Thyroid – Ashwagandha play a role in managing hypothyroidism but works contrary to hyperthyroidism.

5. On Muscles – Ashwagandha is one of the key ingredients in the famous oil called Dhanwantaram thailam, which helps in relieving pain, fatigue, boost energy and immunity in expecting and new mothers. It also strengthens the muscles and improves the elasticity of the skin which helps in preventing stretch marks during pregnancy.

6. On Immunity – Ashwagandha is one of the 15 ingredients of the famous Lakshadi thailam, which is popular for fighting infections, healing fever and boosting immunity. Lakshadi thailam is used as a body massage oil for babies for its numerous benefits for skin and health. Ashwagandha soothes and calms inflamed or sensitive skin. Hence, it is ideal for the sensitive skin of the babies.⁶

7. On Stamina – in fast-paced modern lives, it is natural to feel drained out and tired. An unhealthy lifestyle and diet can decrease stamina and make a person feel exhausted. Ashwagandha is the go-to solution, facilitating the body to reserve and sustain vital energy throughout the day to promote sound and peaceful sleep at night, increasing overall ability to exercise and work.

8. On managing Weight – Ashwagandha powder made from dried leaves, mixed one teaspoon in a glass of milk and consumed with honey, helps in reducing and maintaining weight. Cardamom also can be added to improve taste, boost metabolism and promote better digestion.

9. On Anxiety – Using a traditional Ayurvedic oil in massaging the body with ashwagandha as one of the key ingredients, helps relieve daily stress, exhaustion, tension and body ache.⁷

10. On Inflammation – Inflammation is the body’s normal response to conditions such as infection, toxins and trauma. Under normal conditions, the body will produce an anti-inflammatory response to restore balance. In cases of chronic pain, the body is not able to regulate the inflammatory response. The result is chronic imbalance and chronic pain. Ashwagandha is one of the ayurvedic herbs which has proved to be effective in reducing inflammation. Ashwagandha herbal tea prepared from leaves is also helpful in relieving inflammation.

11. On Acne – Ashwagandha root has both antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that protect the skin from infections or acne. It boosts the collagen in the skin which prevents the skin from ageing. Natural face packs prepared from ashwagandha powder, helps fight acne, pimples, blackheads, reduces scars, improves skin tone and repairs inflammation.

12. On Asthma – Asthma being a respiratory disorder cause shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing and chest congestion, ashwagandha roots when consumed regularly, reduce stress which in turn helps with respiratory diseases.⁸

13. On Diabetes – Withaferin A (WA), is one of the chemicals found in ashwagandha, which has potent antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory properties, that aids in stimulating the uptake of glucose by cells from the bloodstream, and lessen the inflammation.

14. On Vitiligo – Vitiligo is a disease causing the loss of skin color in blotches occurs, when the pigment-producing cells either die or stop functioning. Ashwagandha can diminish the condition to a great extent when consumed regularly.

15. On Insomnia – Ashwagandha is the known cure to possess sleep inducing properties. Ashwagandha powder mixed in a warm cup of milk before sleeping helps to unwind and sleep better.⁹

16. On Ulcer – Ashwagandha is a natural remedy for ulcers. Gastric ulcers that develop from damage to the stomach lining. Due to psychological and physical stress, the risk of ulcer formation increases. Ashwagandha reduces the risk, and also reduces the levels of gastric acid in the stomach.

17. On Alzheimer – Ashwagandha inhibits the production of beta-amyloid plaques. These plaques, considered lethal to brain cells grow in the brains of people with neurodegenerative disease were reduced as ashwagandha boosts a protein in the liver which clears amyloid fom the brain.

18. On Cancer – Withaferin, a compound in ashwagandha helps induce apoptosis, which is the programmed death of cancer cells. It also prevents the growth of new cancer cells. Withaferin is believed to promote the formation of reactive oxygen species inside cancer cells, thereby disrupting their function.¹⁰

FORMS OF ASHWAGANDHA:

Consumption - Ashwagandha can be drunk as a cooling tea or as an oral supplement.

Application – powder mixed with some warm distilled water is made into a paste and applied directly to the scalp and hair. Massage the scalp and hair, leaving it for 30-45 minutes, cover the scalp with a towel and a plastic cap. Rinse and style as usual.

Addition – a small amount of powder or oil drops added to the shampoo may soothe an irritated or inflamed scalp and improve blood flow to the area, promoting healthier hair development.¹¹

The most popular application of ashwagandha, is in churna (powder) form, which is prepared out of roots of this plant. This is used as a paste by mixing it with water, ghee or honey. The shrub’s other portions are also equally beneficial for health, the ashwagandha leaves make a tea that can be drunk which are high in iron, relieving ailments of anemia and blood loss brought on by heavy menstruation. This herbal tea made from ashwagandha leaves also reduces fever and uncomfortable swellings, in addition to being an energy booster. The flowers have purifying, diuretic, aphrodisiac and astringent properties. The seeds are used to eliminate white spots from the cornea along with an astringent and rock salt. Ashwagandharishta, a tonic made from the seeds of the plant, is beneficial for curing a variety of conditions like syncope, anxiety, hysteria and memory loss.¹²

WHO CANNOT BENEFIT?

· Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.

· People with auto-immune diseases like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Type 1 diabetes.¹³

· Ashwagandha also interacts with thyroid, blood sugar and blood pressure medications. People taking these types of medication should consult with their doctor before supplementing with the medicinal herb.¹⁴

· Nausea or upset stomach.

· If you’re noticing side effects, go down on your dose or consult a healthcare professional.¹⁵

CONCLUSION:

Ashwagandha is a non-toxic herb, that helps in modulating stress and anxiety. Take responsibility for your health and discuss any alternative therapies you utilize with your medical professionals. You can reach mutually informed decisions as a group.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST:

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:

The authors would like to thank Er. Tapan Prasad Sahoo for their kind support, guidance and on sharing knowledge and light to us.

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Received on 22.12.2023 Modified on 14.02.2024

Int. J. Nur. Edu. and Research. 2024; 12(2):142-144.

DOI: 10.52711/2454-2660.2024.00031