Why Ashwagandha Is Considered A Skincare Hero In Ayurveda

Written by Sumona Bose16th Jun 2020
Why ashwagandha is considered a skincare hero in Ayurveda

Ashwagandha is easily recognised in the world of Ayurveda by its distinctive and unique scent. From a herb used in many medicinal recipes, it has turned into a modern-day supplement due to its many health benefits. The many benefits of ashwagandha have long been used in Ayurveda to treat general ailments and boost mental health.

This herb is brimming with benefits for your system. When added to your diet - as a supplement or in its raw form - it can do a lot of good to your mind and body!

 

01. Beauty benefits of ashwagandha

FAQs about ashwagandha benefits

  • Skin: Ashwagandha helps in the production of natural skin oils. It is also known to aid in the production of skin-enriching compounds like hyaluronan (hydration), elastin (suppleness) and collagen (strength). Ashwagandha powder, when mixed with honey or milk, has been known to be used as a toner because of its strong astringent properties.
  • Hair: Ashwagandha is one of the main ingredients used in Ayurvedic shampoos. It is known to stimulate the scalp, improve blood circulation and fight dandruff. It is also associated with the production of melanin - the pigment that gives your hair its natural colour. As such, ashwagandha benefits might also include slowing down greying of hair and infusing it with a healthy shine.

 

02. It relieves stress

FAQs about ashwagandha benefits

Ashwagandha is an Ayurvedic medicinal herb that is known for relieving stress, uplifting mood and energy levels and improving concentration. Relief from stress has multifold benefits. It helps you sleep better, keeps your mind healthy and avoids hormonal imbalances caused due to excessive cortisol in the blood. Working on your stress level helps keep signs of ageing at bay.

 

03. It can reduce blood sugar levels

FAQs about ashwagandha benefits

Ashwagandha, when added to your diet, can help in reduced blood sugar levels. Increasing insulin production and improving insulin sensitivity, the herb has shown to work for both healthy people and the ones with diabetes. Regulating blood sugar levels can help keep many health issues away - like weight gain, infections and low energy levels.

 

04. It may help with anxiety

FAQs about ashwagandha benefits

Anxiety has become one of the most common complaints of young working people today. The issue indirectly affects your lifestyle, the drive to finish daily activities like meeting your deadlines and working out, while also managing your personal life, sometimes can lead to neglecting self-care. Ashwagandha is believed to be able to block stress pathways and reduce symptoms in people with anxiety disorders. It also helps in relieving insomnia - which directly contributes to keeping issues like tiredness and lethargy at bay.

 

05. It can increase muscle mass and strength

FAQs about ashwagandha benefits

Using supplements to accelerate the physical benefits of working out is the new ‘IT’ trend among gym rats. Ashwagandha is one of the supplements used to improve body composition and build up strength in your physique. It also helps regulate body fat percentage, helping you reach your fitness goals in a more wholesome way.

 

06. It may reduce inflammation

FAQs about ashwagandha benefits

One of the major ashwagandha benefits that ancient medicine took advantage of was its ability to treat a variety of ailments. The herb is known to reduce inflammation in the body, boost immunity and fight infections. As little as 250mg of standardized ashwagandha extract is all you need as a daily dose to take care of any inflammations in the body.

 

07. It may lower cholesterol and triglycerides

FAQs about ashwagandha benefits

It is crucial to maintain cholesterol and triglycerides levels for heart health. High cholesterol has been directly linked to clogged arteries so it is essential to manage it with a good diet. As for triglycerides, they are linked to hardening of the arteries and thickening of the artery walls - which can increase the risk of heart problems. Ashwagandha has been associated with a significant decrease in these fat levels.

 

08. It may improve brain function

FAQs about ashwagandha benefits

Ashwagandha was used as a treatment for brain injuries in ancient medicine. They are considered an elixir to enhance brain function by reversing the effects of ageing, promoting antioxidant activity and reversing nerve cell wear and tear from free radical damage. It is also known to reduce oxidative stress in your brain, boost memory, fine-tune task performance and increase attention spans.

 

Did you know?

FAQs about ashwagandha benefits

Ashwagandha has been a champion among Ayurvedic remedies for thousands of years. Used and studied as part of Rasayana (rejuvenation practices), this powerful herb is regarded as a tonic, aphrodisiac, narcotic, diuretic, astringent and stimulant, among many other things. The use of this herb goes beyond Ayurveda, with uses seen in African tribal communities and Yemen as well.

 

FAQs about Ashwagandha Benefits

FAQs about ashwagandha benefits

1) Does ashwagandha have any side effects?

A. Even though ashwagandha is a herbal supplement regarded as relatively safe, it can have minor side effects. These might include headache, sleepiness, and stomach issues for people who are not accustomed to Ayurvedic remedies.

2) What is the best time to consume ashwagandha?

A. One of the ashwagandha benefits includes reduced stress. As such, the best time to take the supplement would be before bedtime. Some have been known to take it in the powdered form with hot milk and honey to regulate their sleep and wake cycles.

3) Is it safe to take ashwagandha daily?

A. Most Ayurvedic herbs have been found to be safe for daily use. Although like any other dietary supplement, overdosing is not recommended, as long term effects of these herbs have not been defined. That is why it is important to always follow the instructions on the label.

Sumona Bose

Written by

Sumona Bose is a writer, skincare junkie and a self-professed makeup connoisseur. Equipped with a Master's degree in Fashion Management and over 3 years of experience writing in the beauty and fashion space, her passion for learning new things has no bounds. Working closely with dermatologists, beauty excerpts, makeup artists and hairstylists, she brings you the best of all things beauty. From trending skincare ingredients to makeup looks that help you slay, she manages to bring something new (and vital!) to our readers every single time. Her hobbies include home workouts, watching foreign films and binge-watching makeover shows!

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