Know your deshi ‘superfoods’: Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha (withania somnifera) is an herbal shrub, the roots and berries of which are used for medicinal properties.

The herb has been revered by practitioners of Ayurvedic medicine for ages.

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The following are some of its common usages:

Ashwagandha is known to relieve stress and anxiety. It is considered to be an adaptogen -- a substance which helps the body cope with stress.

Consumption of the herb may help increase muscle strength. The herb may also enhance athletic performance during exercise.

It may reduce symptoms of mental health conditions like depression.

Some found ashwagandha to be helpful in reducing blood sugar levels and triglycerides, thus helping diabetes patients keep sugar in control.

The herb may help sharpen cognitive ability, focus and memory.

Ashwagandha may work to keep the heart healthy and prevent heart diseases to some extent.

However, the usages mentioned above are not backed by science. The use of this herb also cannot replace medical treatment. Too much consumption of ashwagandha is not recommended.