Ashwagandha Leaves - Health Benefits, Uses and Important Facts

Ashwagandha leaves are widely utilised and have numerous advantages for the human body.

The Sanskrit name Ashwagandha, which alludes to both its distinctive scent and its capacity to build strength, translates as "smell of the horse." Ashwagandha, a member of the somnifera family of herbs, is also known as Indian ginseng and winter cherry.

This little shrub, which is native to areas of Africa and India, has been used for centuries to treat a variety of maladies and illnesses.

As an adaptogen, ashwagandha aids the body by helping it cope with stress. Additionally, it has a high concentration of withanolides, which inhibit the development of tumours and inflammation. The body and the brain both benefit from ashwagandha. It is known to reduce stress, blood sugar, and blood pressure and can aid in treating anxiety and depression. Additionally, it enhances focus and cognitive function.

Etymology of Ashwagandha:

The Sanskrit word "ashwagandha" (ashwa—horse, gandha—smell) literally translates as "the smell of a horse," which refers to its ability to give you the strength and stamina of a horse while nourishing the female and male reproductive and nervous systems. This is a fun fact about this beloved Ayurvedic herb.

We can learn a lot about this plant from its botanical name, Withania somnifera, which means "sleep-inducing" and reflects its calming and sedative qualities that provide us energy by promoting deeper sleep.

Other names for ashwagandha exist as well. Its tiny, red berry fruit, which resembles a little cherry tomato, is what gives it the nickname "winter cherry."

As with tomatoes and potatoes, ashwagandha is a member of the Solanaceae, or nightshade, family. Indian ginseng is another frequent name for the plant, despite the fact that it is unrelated to the ginseng family and probably acquired this moniker due to its capacity to boost energy.

Types of Ashwagandha:

Miniature Ashwagandha

It is known as tiny Ashwagandha because of its diminutive shrub, but its root is substantial. Due to the local climate's effects, it is highly influential in Nagaur, Rajasthan. Because of this, it is also known as Nagauri Asagandh.

Large or indigenous Ashwagandha

Although the shrub is big, the roots are weak and tiny. It can frequently be found in fields, hillsides, and gardens. It has been referred to in Sanskrit as Baji, or horse, because of its predominance of constipation-inducing properties and because it smells like horse urine.

Use of Ashwagandha leaf according to Ayurveda

According to Ayurveda, Ashwagandha leaf reduces Kapha dosha (body accumulating defect) and Vata dosha while increasing pitta or bike (body alteration defect). These three primary flaws might alter as a result of any disease in the body.

Bile deficiency should be treated by taking ashwagandha. However, people who already have a lot of bile in their bodies should exercise caution when using Ashwagandha because too much bile can result in anxiety, stomach ulcers, rashes, and acidity.

The grade of ashwagandha grown in farms is higher than that of plants found in forests. Forest-dwelling ashwagandha plants are thought to be suitable for oil extraction. There are two types:

Health benefits of Ashwagandha leaf:

The adaptogenic qualities of ashwagandha leaves are among its many health advantages (helps your body adapt to the onslaught of various harmful factors in the environment like pollution and stress). Ability to boost the immune system, repair physical harm brought on by stress, and even provide relief for ailments like weariness, acid reflux, high blood sugar, and cough. Additionally, the plant has strong purgative properties and enhances digestion.

Ashwagandha leaf for weight loss:

This leaf aids in quickening the weight-loss process because of how it affects the digestive tract. Ayurvedic literature claims that routinely consuming ashwagandha leaves helps the body eliminate impurities and expels ama (deposited toxins) from the stomach lining. This enhances the function of your digestive system and speeds up your metabolism, both of which aid in weight loss. 

How to use it?

Take two fully developed ashwagandha leaves, slightly smash them in a mortar and pestle, and form a little pellet. Next, take this first thing in the morning on an empty stomach with a glass of warm water. To see a difference, do this every day for two weeks.