Indian ginseng, known as Ashwagandha in Sanskrit, is a popular medicinal herb used by Ayurvedic physicians for centuries for treating a large number of illnesses. The botanical name of Indian ginseng is Withania somnifera. It is also known as winter cherry. The root of the herb smells like horse sweat, hence the name Ashwagandha, which means smelling like horse. Scientists have identified a number of bioactive constituents in Indian ginseng that are responsible for the medicinal properties of the herb. Although the root of Indian ginseng is best known for its therapeutic uses, its leaves and berries are also loaded with beneficial properties and are widely used in traditional medicines for treating various ailments.
In the traditional medicine, Indian ginseng is classified as an adaptogen. It contains certain chemicals that help in calming the mind. Studies have shown that the herb helps in reducing the level of the stress hormone cortisol. Elevated cortical level is harmful for the mental health.
The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of Indian ginseng help in providing fast relief from arthritis pain. The anti-inflammatory alkaloids, steroidal lactones and saponins present in Indian ginseng help in blocking an enzyme that induces inflammation and pain in the joints.
The hypoglycemic activity of the flavonoids present in Indian ginseng root helps in lowering the high blood sugar level. The root and leaves of Indian ginseng contains certain compounds that help in increasing insulin sensitivity. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity of the herb protects diabetics from oxidative stress.
Indian ginseng is also effective in reducing the high total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels. However, it does not affect the HDL cholesterol, which is beneficial for the health. Hence, it helps in maintaining the healthy lipid profile.
Indian ginseng helps in maintaining the optimal health and function of the heart. By lowering the high LDL cholesterol level and by inhibiting oxidation of the lipids, it helps in lowering the risk of coronary arteries disease. Moreover, the antioxidant property of the herb protects the heart and the blood vessels from the harmful effect of coronary stress.
In Ayurveda, the root and leaves of Indian ginseng is widely used for treating bacterial infections. It is especially effective in treating gastrointestinal, respiratory and urinogenital infections. Scientific studies have shown that the herb helps in destroying pathogens but unlike the standard antibiotic drugs does not suppress growth of the beneficial bacteria.
When taken by people suffering from hypothyroidism, Indian ginseng helps in stimulating the thyroid gland, thereby increasing production of the thyroid hormone. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of the herb help in reducing swelling of the thyroid gland.
As an adaptogen, Indian ginseng is widely used for treating chronic fatigue syndrome. Chronic fatigue syndrome is usually a sign of malfunction of the adrenal glands, which is weakened by prolonged stress. Weakening of the immune system can also cause chronic fatigue syndrome. Indian ginseng helps in treating both the causes.
The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Indian ginseng helps in reducing the risk of age related cognitive impairment. Studies suggest that the herb induces the liver to release a protein that helps in clearing the amyloid plaques in the brain. Hence, the herb also helps in reducing risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
In Ayurveda, Indian ginseng is valued as an aphrodisiac. According to studies the herb is beneficial for men suffering from fertility issues. Regular intake of the herb helps in improving the quality of the sperms.
When taken daily, Indian ginseng causes moderate reduction in both the systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels. Studies suggest that the herb is especially effective in reducing stress induced hypertension.
The hepatoprotective property of Indian ginseng makes it an ideal herb for treating liver disorder. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the active compounds of the herb help in protecting the liver tissues from toxic substances.
In Ayurveda, Indian ginseng is recommended for treating vitiligo, which is an autoimmune disease. This skin disorder occurs when the immune cells destroy the melanin producing cells of the skin. Indian ginseng helps in restoring the normal function of the immune system, thereby helping in alleviating the vitiligo symptoms.
The potent anti-inflammatory chemicals in the herb help in reducing inflammation of the airways that triggers asthma attack. Moreover, the antimicrobial property of the herb helps in speeding up healing of the respiratory infection.
Indian ginseng is a wonderful natural alternative to sedatives. It works by activating the GABA receptors in the brain that helps you to sleep. The herb helps you to fall asleep fast and increases the duration of sleep.
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