Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera)is an ancient Ayurvedic herb commonly known as 'Indian Winter Cherry' or 'Indian Ginseng.' Ashwagandha improves the body's defense mechanism and makes it resilient to stress. Its anti-oxidant properties boost immunity and protect against cell damage. It builds up a youthful state of mental and physical health. Different parts of Aswagandha are used to treat different types of ailments:
- Leaves: These are used to treat flu-like symptoms such as cough, cold, fever, and mild pain.
- Flowers- The flowers are used to cure infertility and kidney stones. They improve overall kidney function.
- Seeds: They help to prevent fungal and bacterial infections.
- Roots: These are the most purposeful part that helps to cure major and minor ailments.
Consumption of Ashwagandha Powder
Ashwagandha consumption is very subjective owing to its bitter taste. Different ingredients can be added to modify its taste. The dose for consuming ashwagandha powder varies as per the ailment. Penning down easy ways on how to consume ashwagandha powder:
- Mix it with honey: Honey masks its bitter taste and gives a smooth texture to the powder. You can consume it directly or add this admixed honey to your regular tea or milk. If a more significant amount of powder is added to honey, it can roll into small balls that are easy to carry along.
- Take it with milk: You can add 1 tsp of Ashwagandha powder and 1/2tsp of turmeric in a lukewarm glassful of milk. Adding a few drops of coconut oil will build up your stamina and immunity.
- Add it to your favorite smoothie: Stir a teaspoon of Ashwagandha powder in your favorite banana or berry smoothie. Garnish it with some nuts and seeds and let them do the trick.
- Ashwagandha Chocolate: I mean, why not!! Chocolate never harms anybody, and Ashwagandha is full of benefits. Give yourself a break from your work and spend a day combining Ashwagandha and chocolate for a delectable way of consuming every day. You can combine finely ground coconut, almond, or hazelnut for extra-savory delights.
- Ashwagandha Cakes and Cookies: An absolute foolproof method if you have sensitive taste buds. Add 2-3 tablespoons to the batter and enjoy every bite.
- Shrikhand: Shrikhands are tasteful summer delights. Made from hung curd, sugar, and cardamom powder, it indeed would taste good with a teaspoon of Ashwagandha powder. And curd is a rich source of calcium and an excellent probiotic that can counteract indigestion caused by Ashwagandha's consumption.
- Ashwagandha Lehyam: Semisolid or jam-like consistency has added sugar or jaggery for palatable taste. It helps to reduce inflammation in joints, improves the immune system, neural system, and enhances control over involuntary ejaculation.
Ashwagandha powder is a power-packed remedy for all types of fatigue, mild to moderate depression, sleep disturbances, and weak digestion. This homogenous mixture improves the reproductive system in males and females. The benefits to the male reproductive system are:
- Increase the sperm count or treat oligospermia
- Raise the level of semen production.
- Modulate the motility of sperms and shape of sperms
- Improves erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation.
In females, it maintains fertility and prevents the thickening of the uterine lining. It regulates hormone levels, helps in the maturity of eggs within the follicle, and increases sex drive.
What can go wrong?
Long-term usage of Ashwagandha can evoke the following side-effects:
- Acidity
- Gastric Reflux
- Heartburn
- Gastric ulcers
- The unfavorable interaction with other medications includes immunosuppressants, sedatives, increased thyroid levels.
- It is not recommended to be consumed near or after surgery.
- It decreases the blood pressure and may further lower in people with low blood pressure.
- Not recommended to be taken in people with a history of diabetes or any auto-immune disorder.
Medically reviewed by Rishabh Verma, RP
