Indian ginseng, commonly known as Ashwagandha, is one of the most important herbs in oriental Indian medicine.
It is important because it has countless benefits to the human body. Since time immemorial, ancient Indians used the roots of this plant, which is also known as Winter Cherry, to cure various ailments as well as to prevent the occurrence of others.
Although the herb is very beneficial to human health, there is real need to exercise caution when using it.
This is because there are a good number of side effects that are associated with the herb, although they do not affect all people. There are also numerous products and health supplements that contain extracts from Indian ginseng.
What Is The Indian Ginseng Plant?
This plant is scientifically known as Withania somnifera. It originates from India, and does very well in dry areas.
Its native name, Ashwagandha, loosely translated means odor of horse. This stems from the fact that the smell of the root closely resembles that of horses. It is one of the most resilient plants in the world because it can withstand extremes of temperature with relative ease.
Although it initially grew wildly, there are people who grow the plant specifically for its medicinal purposes. The plant has also been studied countless times in laboratories to establish its medicinal properties.
Many of the studies actually prove that the Ancient Indians were actually right about the many benefits that can be gained by using the product.
Here are some top benefits of using the herb.
Health Benefits Of Indian Ginseng
1. Good For Cardio Health
The heart is one of the most important organs in the body. Unfortunately, many illnesses plague the heart, which jeopardizes its health. Indian ginseng has however been shown to boost the health of your heart.
For one thing, it strengthens the heart muscles, thus making it easier for the heart to pump blood. Secondly, and most importantly, it helps regulate cholesterol levels in the blood.
Cholesterol is almost synonymous with ill health for your heart, and any herb that can help restore balance to proper levels of this chemical is more than amazing.
2. Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Ashwagandha also has strong anti- inflammatory properties. This means that it helps to fight pain and general inflammation. It does this because it contains a formidable number of steroidal lactones, alkaloids, and saponins.
The herb is also used to cure many inflammatory diseases, especially arthritis. If you have suffered from pain for long, this herb can offer you fast relief from the excruciating pain.
3. Anti-Oxidant
The herb is also one of the most potent anti- oxidants known to man. This means that it impedes the activity of free radicals that occur as a result of metabolism.
Free radicals wreak havoc in the body, and are closely associated with the development of cancer.
With anti-oxidants like Indian Ginseng however, you can be able to put a stop to the activity of free radicals, thus safe- guarding your health.
4. Anti-Depressant
Depression is a state of being that is very undesirable. When you have little control over your moods and general approach towards life, it can suck the joy out of living. There are many cures for depression, but none is half as effective as the Ashwagandha herb. The herb is also known to induce relaxation, and helps to fight stress. If you feel overwhelmed with life or your day to day stresses have become too much to bear, you should try using this herb.
5. Aphrodisiac Properties
Yet another benefit that comes with using this herb is that it helps boost sexual performance. It helps to increase libido, which means that your desire for sex is heightened. It also increases energy during intercourse, which results in better performance. Furthermore, it helps fight infertility by increasing the quality of semen. Ancient civilizations used the herb to cure infertility, and it was more than effective.
6. Fights Cancer
Additionally, the herb has been shown to help fight cancer, a devastating disease that has distressed humanity for centuries. Although a lot of intensive research is being conducted to help find a cure for the illness, studies show that this herb is actually a possible cure for the disease.
It assists to destroy the tumorous cells that cause cancer. Even better is the fact that it helps reduce the impact of chemotherapy without negatively affecting the destruction of cancerous cells.
7. Anti-Bacterial Properties
The Indian Ginseng herb also has strong anti- bacterial properties. It offers protection from disease- causing organisms, both internally and externally.
Consuming the herb orally, or consuming products that contain the herb, can help get rid of bacteria that inherit various tracts in the body, such as the respiratory, gastrointestinal and urogenital tracts.
What Are The Side Effects Of Using The Herb?
One of the most common side effects of using the herb is that it can induce miscarriages. For this reason, pregnant women are strongly advised to keep their distance from this herb.
Additionally, the herb might have undesirable interactions with conventional medicines. Therefore, you should check with your healthcare provider before using the herb, just to be sure that it is safe for you.
Overconsumption of the herb might also cause you untold suffering, which is characterized by a bloated and upset stomach, and diarrhea. Besides these, there are no other major side effects that are associated with using this herb.
What Top Products Contain Indian Ginseng?
One of the most common supplements that contain this herb goes by the name Ashwagandha. The very name implies that Indian ginseng is the main ingredient in the product.
The product seeks to improve your immunity, thus arming your immune system to be better able to fight disease. Secondly, it also comes with many benefits for your nervous system. It is one of the most effective products for combatting stress.
Another product that contains the herb is known as Adrenal Health Daily Support. Just like with Ashwagandha, this product also aims at helping you relax by fighting stress. It is an equally potent and effective product.
Final Words
Since time immemorial, the Ashwagandha herb has been boosting the health of humanity in many ways. In this day and age, there is a lot of research that seeks to establish just how the herb has so many health benefits.
So far, studies show that the herb is actually incredibly potent, and that there are countless benefits that can be gained from using it.
Do not hesitate to enjoy all the benefits of good health that come with using the product: you have nothing to lose by trying it.