Ashwagandha - A Rasayana of Ayurveda

Ashwagandha is translated in Sanskrit as "smell of the horse," possibly as a double meaning: the herb exudes the peculiar odor of a horse, and it's also known for its ability to increase strength and promote health when used regularly. A mainstay of traditional Indian medicine for centuries, ashwagandha powder is an herbal remedy derived from the powdered root of the ashwagandha shrub, known scientifically as Withania somnifera. 

Ashwagandha is a powerful medicinal herb that is used extensively in Ayurveda. Ashwagandha has long been used in India & Africa and in recent years has enamored western herbalists with its ability to both strengthen those who are weak and calm those who are stressed and anxious. The first writings about the benefits of ashwagandha are in Ayurveda texts from roughly 3,000 - 4,000 years ago. Ayurveda classifies ashwagandha as a rasayana. A rasayana is an herb that deeply rejuvenates and promotes longevity. 

Ashwagandha is especially alluring in its ability to both strengthen and calm the nervous system. Taken over time ashwagandha can build up emaciated tissues, decrease a negative response to stress and increase energy levels. Ashwagandha trials have demonstrated numerous and dramatic healing properties for many diseases and presented encouraging prospects in others and considered as nature’s gift to mankind. Ashwagandha is a central component in Ayurveda. It has been used for more than 3,000 years in Ayurveda, the oldest medicinal practice in the world.

Ashwaganda can be translated to mean "smell of a horse’s urine or sweat". I have not been able to make this comparison myself but don’t let this description stop you from trying this incredible herb! Along with this is a common saying for ashwagandha as it gives you the strength of a stallion. There's no denying that the rest of your body reacts to stress. One of the attributes of ashwagandha is its ability to induce calmness and clarity by regulating neurotransmitters such as serotonin and the stress hormone cortisol.

Benefits of Ashwagandha

• In Ayurveda, Ashwagandha is considered as a Rasayana. It helps nourish each & every part of the body. It is well known for its aphrodisiac property. It has diuretic properties and is known to calm the nerves & support healthy immune system.
• Ashwagandha helps stimulates the immune system.
• It is said to have anti-inflammatory properties.
• May support healthy reproductive system in both males and females.
• May help sustain energy levels, strength and vitality.
• May support calm nervous system.