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Top 10 Ashwagandha Benefits for Women
Aug
Define Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha or Indian Gensing is gaining wide attention in the world of medicine. Its scientific name is Withania Somnifera. Ashwagandha has been in use in Indian and Chinese medicine for centuries now. Ashwagandha benefits have made Ashwagandha an integral part of Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of medicine. The roots, leaves, and berries of the Ashwagandha plant have great medicinal value and can treat a lot of health conditions.
Ashwagandha Benefits for Women
The Ashwagandha herb is especially very helpful for women. You can gain a lot of Ashwagandha benefits by using it. It contains 18 different varieties of fatty acids. The herb also has quite a few biologically active components such as iron, steroidal lactones, saponins, choline, alkaloids, phytosterols, and polyphenols. These components help to boost your immune system, fight certain bacteria, reduce stress, and help in sleeping. Ashwagandha has antioxidants and other anticonvulsant and anti-inflammatory properties as well.
Ashwagandha is capable of treating a number of physical, mental, and emotional health conditions. Following are the top-10 Ashwagandha benefits for women.
Relieves you from stress
Ashwagandha reduces the level of cortisol (the stress hormone) in the body. It can treat both acute and chronic stress. The medicinal components of ashwagandha strengthen your adrenals and the nervous system thereby making your body strong enough to adapt to stress. You get very good sleep when your body and mind is relaxed and refreshed.
Treats Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases
The chemicals present in it have proven effective ashwagandha benefits in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. These chemicals increase the production of acetylcholine. It helps the transmitting of neural signals. Increased transmission of neural signals means improved abilities of thinking, concentrating, remembering, and memorizing.
It helps in repairing and regrowing damaged neural cells. Other mental illnesses related to the aging of the brain such as Parkinson’s disease can also be treated. Ashwagandha prevents your brain from degenerating.
Prevents and fights cancer
Ashwagandha has antioxidants which can prevent the growth of cancerous cells. Its cancer-killing properties make it an effective fighter of a variety of cancer cells such as those found in the lungs, prostate, colon, and breasts. It can also fight melanoma, sarcoma, and leukemia. The herbal plant also has the ability to boost the effects of radiation and chemotherapy on cancerous cells and prevent the damage of healthy cells.
Enhances your immune system
Ashwagandha strengthens your immune system. The antioxidants present in it increase the production of white blood cells. An improved immune system means better health and lesser chances of falling sick. It increases the level of energy in your body as well.
Treats anxiety
The antidepressants present in the Ashwagandha plant help to fight depression and anxiety. The chemicals can work to stabilize mood swings and behavioral disturbances. It does not induce drowsiness but calms your mind.
Enjoy Ashwagandha benefits as it Balances hormones
Ashwagandha has the ability to balance the hormones produced by your body. Your reproductive organs start to function properly and fertility increases in women. In menopausal women, the endocrinal system starts to work properly when the hormones get balanced because of the active components in Ashwagandha. The herbal plant also has the ability to stimulate your sexual health. You have an increased sexual drive and greater satisfaction.
Treats diabetes
Ashwagandha is capable of treating diabetes. It can maintain the blood sugar levels, especially, after meals. Ashwagandha helps to metabolize carbohydrates faster for patients who suffer from Type 2 diabetes. It reduces other complications related to diabetes. Ashwagandha can also increase sensitivity to insulin.
Fights arthritis
The anti-inflammatory properties of the saponins, steroidal lactones, and alkaloids present in Ashwagandha make it extremely capable of treating osteoarthritis and rheumatism or rheumatoid arthritis. It reduces pain, stiffness, and inflammation of the joints. Strength and energy are also improved. Powdered Ashwagandha roots, when applied specifically to the area of pain and inflammation, are more effective in treating arthritic pain.
Treats thyroid issues
The adaptogen present in Ashwagandha can treat issues related to both hypo and hyper thyroids. The thyroid glands start to function better because the thymus and adrenal glands get stimulated. The common symptoms of hypothyroidism such as extreme tiredness and stress can be cured. Your energy level also gets boosted.
Increases height
Ashwagandha powder, if taken with milk and sugar, can help to increase your height by a few inches. Ashwagandha enhances the production of the growth hormone and makes the bone structure denser and broader.
Roots of the Ashwagandha plant are easily found in the market. Dried or powdered or fresh roots can be used in different ways. You can either brew it in tea or simply chew them. Ashwagandha is also sold in the form of liquid extracts, tablets, and capsules. You should always consult a doctor before using ashwagandha in any form for treating any of the above-discussed conditions.
Note: Women who are pregnant or are breastfeeding should not use Ashwagandha.
Links to scientific sources:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3252722/