4 Ways Ashwagandha Benefits the Mind & Body

Ashwagandha is an herb that has been used in Indian Ayurvedic medicine for centuries and is now becoming increasingly popular in western medical practices. As a supplement, research suggests ashwagandha benefits pain and inflammation, sexual health, stress relief and energy.

While there is no medical evidence that ashwagandha can completely cure or treat any disease, it is becoming increasingly popular in the medical community as a means to help address some symptoms related to various diseases and conditions.

What is Ashwagandha?

Also known by its scientific name Withania somnifera, ashwagandha is an herb in the nightshade family that has been used for more than 5,000 years in India and Africa for its potential medicinal benefits to help address a variety of health conditions. Ashwagandha is also called Indian ginseng, poison gooseberry and winter cherry. It grows in cultivated regions of India, usually during rainy periods, and it is also drought tolerant in dry soil.

What is Ayurvedic Medicine?

How long has Ashwagandha been around and where does it come from? Ashwagandha has classical uses in India as a component of Ayurvedic medicine, a traditional treatment that combines different substances—including plants and herbs—to aid in diet, exercise and overall well-being.

Ayurvedic medicine is a traditional Indian medicine that, to this day, remains the most ancient form of treatment. India is known for three main types of medicine systems: Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani. The word “Ayurveda” means “science of life” and the system focuses on the culture’s views on illness and the mind. Ancient