Ashwagandha has been an important medicinal herb in Ayurveda. Loaded with benefits, ashwagandha is used to alleviate symptoms and cure many diseases. Recently, it has been in the headlines, for it has been found to have the ability to prevent the novel Coronavirus. But what is Ashwagandha and is it actually beneficial in the treatment of COVID-19?
Our Ayurvedic expert, Dr. Ranganayakulu, PhD in History of Ayurveda explains, “Withania Somnifera is most commonly known as Ashwagandha in India. The name comes from the roots of the herb, that smell like horse urine and hence, Ashwagandha. ‘Ashwa’ means Horse and Gandha means ‘Smell’. It is basically an Anabolic Drug, a drug which increases the weight and activity in the body like a steroid”. Ashwagandha has been long used in the history of medicine in India. “It was identified long back, approximately 3000-4000 years ago”, adds Dr. Ranganayakulu.
Some Health Benefits
Dr. Ranganayakulu tells us that Ashwagandha comes with many health benefits, some of which are:
- It is a good immunity booster
- It prolongs life
- Increases strength
- It cures insomnia if taken with milk before bed time
- It’s a rejuvenator and helps cure emaciation
- It lessens the pain too therefore analgesic
- Helps women in conception
- Promotes healthy cognitive function
- It improves the quality of sperm in males
- Improves energy and stamina
- Cures anxiety neurosis and is anti-depressant
Ashwagandha And COVID-19
There have been claims that Ashwagandha can cure COVID-19, but Dr. Ranganayakulu says, “We still can’t say that ashwagandha can cure COVID-19, but it is certainly known as Immunobooster or Immunomodulator. Usually any immunobooster helps fight infections in a human body, especially viral infections and so can be in the case of the novel coronavirus. However, clinical trials are still being carried out for the same and we should wait for the results before claiming it”.
Is Its Consumption Safe?
Ashwagandha can be taken in many forms:
- Powder
- Tablets/Capsules
- Lehyam or Paste
- Liquid
Our doctor says that Ashwagandha should be taken only if you follow a nutritious and healthy diet, otherwise it may not show the desired results and it’s over consumption may however cause certain side effects. It should be consumed in small amounts only “500 mg with milk or honey or as directed by the physician” recommends Dr. Ranganayakulu. He also says that,"Aswagandha should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation and patients with thyroid abnormalities should consult a physician prior to consumption."
Therefore, although it contains plenty of health benefits, excess of anything can be harmful. In today’s scenario, where #IndiaFightsCorona, Ashwagandha can be consumed to boost up immunity levels, however, it is always better to consult a physician first.
