• What exactly is Ashwagandha?
• What diseases can Ashwagandha combat?

Ashwagandha, the "queen" of Ayurveda, has been used as a natural medicine in India for thousands of years. It came to us relatively recently and has already generated considerable interest. However, it should come as no surprise that Indian ginseng has a number of beneficial properties for the body. It's worth getting to know this exotic plant a little better and considering whether it might be a perfect addition to your diet.

What exactly is Ashwagandha ?

Ashwagandha is also known by other names such as Withania sluggish, winter cherry, or Samm al Ferakh. The root of the plant is used primarily to make dietary supplements and is cultivated mainly in India, China, Africa, and some regions of Europe. The properties of Indian ginseng have long been valued. In Ayurvedic medicine, Ashwagandha supports arthritis, tuberculosis, asthma, back pain, sleep disorders, and chronic liver diseases. Its effectiveness is supported by numerous studies that have shown the presence of many compounds beneficial to the body. For example, the glycovitanolides contained in the root support the body's defenses.

What diseases can Ashwagandha combat?

Indian ginseng supports the body in many areas. It has a positive effect on physical and mental well-being. Ashwagandha can be helpful for concentration problems. It also improves memory, relieves stress, and strengthens the body. Glycovitanolides are most likely responsible for these properties.

Depression is just the tip of the iceberg. Indian scientists argue that ashwagandha has a positive effect on patients with schizophrenia. Those affected often struggle with metabolic syndrome, which results from taking antipsychotropic medications. Ashwagandha alleviates the symptoms of this syndrome. Patients with bipolar disorder, anxiety, and neurosis may also seek comfort in Indian ginseng.

Although only preliminary studies have been conducted so far, they offer great promise. This suggests that withanolides can help inhibit the growth of various types of cancer—e.g., breast, colon, pancreatic, or lung cancer. They do not attack healthy cells.

It's also worth mentioning that Ashwagandha has properties that protect the liver from damage caused by toxic compounds. On the other hand, its neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects protect against cartilage damage in osteoarthritis. Also worth mentioning are its properties that strengthen the body's immunity.

It turned out that the herbal treatment, based on a drink containing ashwagandha, increased the activity of natural killer cells, the so-called natural killers. People who often suffered from colds and showed low NK activity strengthened their bodies. Therefore, ashwagandha is especially recommended in autumn and winter, when we are more susceptible to colds.

Withania slenderiana already has several properties that have a very beneficial effect on the body. It heals, immunizes, and relieves stress. However, research on this plant is still ongoing, and many other beneficial properties likely lie dormant in Ashwagandha.