Ashwagandha, one of the most revered medicinal herbs in Ayurvedic texts, has been used for centuries as an antidote to the natural ageing process.
Did you know that the zit on your cheek or the fallen hair strands on your brush has a direct connection with what’s going on in your mind? Stress triggers several health issues which get reflected on the skin. What if we were to tell you that there is an answer in Ayurveda for achieving mind-body balance, and slowing down the ageing process?
Also read why you shouldn’t let age stop you from taking care of yourself.
Ayurveda, a 5000-year-old system of natural healing, documents various botanical extracts which have healing superpowers. Ashwagandha is a therapeutic herb that helps in achieving the mind-body balance. While the concept of ‘beauty inside out’ is gaining popularity in recent times, this has been the guiding philosophy of Indian wellness regimes.
Ashwagandha in Ayurveda
Ayurvedic attributes:
- Guna (qualities): Laghu (light), Snigdha (oily)
- Rasa (Taste): Madhur (sweet)
- Uprasa (sub taste): Tikt (astringent), Katu (bitter)
- Vipaak (rasa after metabolism): Madhur
- Veerya (potency): Ushna (hot)
- Dosha karma (properties): Kapha-Vata Shaamak
Meet Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha, also known as Indian ginseng or Withania Somnifera, is one of the most important herbs in Ayurveda as it treats both the body and the mind. It is classified as an adaptogen, which refers to herbs that are used to improve the health of your adrenal system (that’s in charge of managing your body’s hormonal response to stress). In simple terms, these are nature’s very own mood-uplifting fatigue-fighters. These herbs are calming and stimulating at the same time.
Ashwagandha: Treats anxiety
“Chronic stress is a major cause of numerous health conditions such as depression, cardiac disease, diabetes, hypertension, and even cancer,” explains Dr Neena Chopra, Director of Beauty and Technical, Just Herbs. Ayurveda believes in treating the root cause of the problem and not just the symptom, that’s why Ashwagandha is used extensively in Ayurvedic remedies for curing insomnia, fatigue, anxiety and depression.
Ashwagandha: Fights weight-loss
Psychological stress has also been linked to weight gain and obesity. This herb helps the body to adapt to internal and external stressors and is effective in fighting stress-associated weight gain. Besides managing stress, Ashwagandha also boosts the metabolism and eliminates irregularities in digestion, making it an excellent fat-burner.
Ashwagandha: Boosts memory
Ayurvedic experts recommend Ashwagandha as a brain booster and a remedy for forgetfulness. Studies have shown its ability to support attention, memory, focus, concentration and coordination between the mind and motor functions. “Due to its Medhya Rasayana property, Ashwagandha has cognition-promoting effect in children with memory deficits. It is also prescribed to those who are struggling with memory loss following a head injury or a prolonged illness,” informs Dr Chopra. A glass of milk mixed with a bit of Ashwagandha powder helps to counter dementia in the elderly.
Ashwagandha: Stimulates the libido
This wonder herb is used as an aphrodisiac as it not only enhances libido in men but also treats erectile dysfunction. Several studies point out that Ashwagandha can also aid in improving the quality of semen.
Ashwagandha: Prevents skin ageing
Dr. Chopra mentions that recent studies on this anti-ageing herb indicate that it increases the life span of normal healthy cells by enhancing the telomerase activity. The ageing and lifespan of healthy cells are linked to telomerase shortening mechanism. By minimizing stress, restoring hormonal imbalance and healthy immune functioning, Ashwagandha supports cell renewal and repair mechanisms in the skin. So lookout for this herb in the back labels of your anti-ageing creams and serums. Also, know the right age to start your ageing products!
Ashwagandha for acne
Hormonal imbalance, stress, anxiety, insomnia, intake of high glycemic foods and weak immune systems, all play an important part in causing acne. Ashwagandha is excellent in treating stress-induced acne as its anti-inflammatory character corrects the endocrine system from within. Use of Ashwagandha face packs can visibly mattify and calm oily, acne-prone skin.
Ashwagandha benefits for hair
When used in hair oils or shampoos, Ashwagandha stimulates scalp circulation and improves hair growth.
Ashwagandha prevents premature greying as it increases the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for hair colour.
Ashwagandha is commonly used as a household remedy in India. However, it is always advisable to consult an ayurvedic practitioner to ascertain its form and correct dosage.
Check out these Just Herbs products that contain Ashwagandha
Just Herbs Gotukola Indian Ginseng Rejuvenating Beauty Elixir Facial Serum
This serum nourishes and restores natural glow and youthfulness to tired, ageing and pigmented skin. It is enriched with several skin-brightening herbs. Indian Ginseng helps in triggering the collagen production thus assisting in anti-ageing and faster healing.
Just Herbs Petalsoft Anti-Tan Face Pack
Just Herbs Petalsoft Antitan Rose Face Pack helps tone, texturize and rejuvenate the sun-affected skin by maintaining its elasticity. Enriched with anti-inflammatory and anti-photo ageing properties, it inhibits the excessive melanin production, reduces skin darkening, protects from sunburn and other sun-induced skin damage.
SHOP PETALSOFT ANTI-TAN FACE PACK
Just Herbs Tender Touch Body Radiance Oil
This non-sticky and ultra-moisturizing body oil is a blend of cold pressed vegetable oils, aromatic essential oils and treasured skin nurturing Ayurvedic herbs such as Bala, Methi, Ashwagandha and Shatavri.
Just Herbs Herbal Nourishing Massage Cream
A wholesome nourishing food for the skin, it stimulates blood circulation and natural cell renewal process. Contains certified organic Ashwagandha, Neem, Sandalwood and certified organic cold-pressed oils of Sunflower-seed, Almond and Aloe Vera.
SHOP HERBAL NOURISHING MASSAGE CREAM
Just Herbs Plump up Age-defying Anti-Wrinkle Gel
Indian Ginseng, fennel and vetiver rejuvenate the ageing skin, strengthen the collagen matrix and boost immune functions to give it a firm and a youthful appearance.
Just Herbs Silkskin Indian Ginseng-Aloevera Moisturising Cream
Just Herbs Silkskin Indian Ginseng-Aloe vera Moisturising Cream enriched with aloe vera, Indian ginseng and holy basil moistures, smoothens, hydrates and protects the skin.
Just Herbs Bhringraj Tail
Bhringraj oil is a classical Ayurvedic formulation of therapeutic herbs such as Amla, Henna and Ashwagandha which help to invigorate and revitalize the scalp.
Just Herbs Kerala Coconut and Wheatgerm Body Butter
The Kerala-sourced certified organic, virgin coconut oil used in this ultra-moisturising body butter works in perfect harmony with a host of other classic herbs such as Ashwagandha, Yashtimadhu and Himalayan wild cherry.
Just Herbs Mace-Moringa Body Butter
This product uses oil extracted from the moringa seeds known for their antioxidant and skin-friendly properties. Ashwagandha helps skin retain moisture and fight ageing.
References:
- https://bit.ly/335prYz
- https://bit.ly/3pAAaDF
- https://bit.ly/3pzo4KX
- https://vedix.com/blogs/articles/how-to-increase-melanin
- https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/hormonal-imbalance-symptoms/
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