Ashwagandha becomes a wonder of the world
Praneeta Mahajan
Hamilton, August 1, 2023
Unless you are living a life free of online presence, you would have come across an advertisement trending on Social Media which sees Hollywood actress and singer Jennifer Lopez looking for her zen self, or ‘Zen Jen’ as she calls it.
She is talking about Ashwagandha, a word many of us have grown up with, as our grandmothers raved about its magical qualities.
I was surprised to hear Ashwagandha mentioned by my daughter’s swimming coach, in her late 50s, who claimed that the new supplement had made her immunity stronger and she was feeling more relaxed than ever, thanks to the suggestion of a friend.
If you feel that Ashwagandha is everywhere, you are not alone. The singer and actor is the latest in a gaggle of non-South Asian celebrities endorsing the “Indian ginseng.” South Asians have consumed the shrub, touted for its benefits, for over 3000 years.
The story of Ashwagandha is not unique. Something similar happened to how the West understood turmeric for decades if not centuries.
A glorious history
One can find mention of the Indian herb, which grows in an evergreen shrub in Ayurvedic texts such as the Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita, written as early as the First Century BC.
These texts describe Ashwagandha as a rasayana, a rejuvenating herb that promotes vitality and longevity. Mythological works such as the Ramayana, too, cite Ashwagandha as one of the magical plants growing in Sri Lankan King Ravana’s garden.
Ashwagandha gets its name from Sanskrit, translating to the smell of the stallion, owing to its strong odour. According to Ayurveda, it supports nervous systems and boosts immune health.
Indians have consumed the plant as a daily ritual for years, be it as Chyawanprash, a charcoal-black herbal paste, Churan, tea or biscuits.
Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) is a member of the Solanaceae family, native to India.
Since Ayurveda considers it a rasayana, it is also known as the Indian Winter cherry or the Indian Ginseng. The plant has been traditionally grown in India in drier regions like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar. Many countries in North Africa and the Middle East have started growing this plant, which is also becoming popular in America.
It can be planted by seeds and grows just like a tomato plant with oval leaves and yellow flowers and has a tuberous root shaped like a carrot. The best quality soil for this plant is still Rajasthan, with its stony soil partially in the shade and partially in the sun.
Love from the West
Ashwagandha first entered the Western consciousness in the 1960s and 1970s, as wellness increasingly looked to Eastern practices, be it Yoga, or Ayurveda. But it was still difficult to find it in the West, a problem now overcome by technology and a global economy.
In 2019, actor and Goop founder Gwyneth Paltrow appeared on an episode of Saturday Night Live.
“Ashwagandha is from Wakanda,” he joked, playing a Goop representative. The same year, he began selling Ashwagandha gummies, eye creams and conditioners.
Aisha Chottani, the founder of Moment, an Ayurveda-based drink brand, said that she chose the herb’s root as one of the star ingredients, calling it “the most incredible plant in the world.”
She underscored the importance of using only certain elements of the Ashwagandha plant.
“We only use the Ashwagandha root in Moment and not the whole plant. The stress relief effects come from the compound with annelids, so it is not just about the overall dosage but the concentration of the annelids in the Ashwagandha consumed. Understanding the different compounds of Ashwagandha and their source is essential if you want it to have a particular effect,” she said.
Benefits of Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is known for its adaptogenic properties, meaning that it helps the body cope with physical and mental stress.
In ancient India, it was widely used to rejuvenate the body, enhance vitality, and increase stamina.
According to Dr Rajeshwari Nair, a prominent Ayurvedic expert, “Ashwagandha was considered an excellent herb for managing stress and promoting relaxation. It was believed to strengthen the nervous system and improve mental clarity.”
Ayurveda rates Ashwagandha for its immune-enhancing qualities. It was used to bolster the body’s natural defence mechanisms and protect against infections and diseases.
Dr Sanjay Sharma, an Ayurvedic practitioner, explains, “Ashwagandha was revered for its ability to strengthen the immune system. It was used to promote overall health and vitality by improving the body’s resistance to various ailments.”
Ashwagandha has long been associated with anti-ageing properties in Ayurvedic medicine.
It was used to rejuvenate the body, combat fatigue, and promote youthful vitality.
According to Dr Meera Kapoor, an Ayurvedic physician, “Ashwagandha was often prescribed as a natural remedy for age-related issues. It was believed to promote longevity, enhance memory, and slow down the ageing process.”
Ancient Indian texts praised Ashwagandha for its ability to increase energy levels and enhance physical performance. It was considered a potent herb for promoting vitality and endurance.
Dr Anjali Verma, an Ayurvedic expert, states, “Ashwagandha was used to boost energy levels and combat fatigue. It was prescribed to individuals who needed an extra dose of stamina, such as athletes and warriors.”
Ashwagandha was highly regarded for its positive effects on cognitive function and memory.
It was used to sharpen the intellect, improve focus, and enhance overall brain health.
Dr Arjun Mehta, an Ayurvedic consultant, explains, “In ancient India, Ashwagandha was recognised for its ability to nourish the brain and enhance mental capabilities. It was often recommended for students to improve learning and memory.”
Praneeta Mahajan is an Indian Newslink reporter based in Hamilton.
