Know Some Unknown Facts about Withania Somnifera

Withania Somnifera or Ashwagandha is one of the major plants known in the Indian Ayurvedic system. It has lots and lots of medicinal benefits which have made it useful in other medicinal system such as homeopathy, Unani and China’s medical system. One can also say that it is an herbal remedy for health, vitality & longevity. It belongs to Solanaceae family. It is also called as Ayurvedic ginseng and winter cherry. Roots of Withania Somnifera or Ashwagandha are used for making supplements, whereas whole plant has lots of medicinal properties and is used for treating a number of diseases

It is originated in India, apart from India it is also found in Northern Africa and Middle East. It is found mainly in dry regions and being a robust plant it can easily survive in high and low temperatures ranging from 40 degree to 10 degree Celsius.

It is a woody perennial shrub of about 150 to 200 cm tall. It has small wool like hairs present on main stem and branches. The roots and seeds of the plant are of major medical use. The roots are long thick structure like Carrot whereas the seeds are small red colored less than 1 diameter in size. The plant of Withania Somnifera or Ashwagandha also bears flowers. The flowers are small sized and are of Yellow Greenish Color.

• Properties
  Anti Bacterial
  Anti Inflammatory
  Anti Oxidizing
  Anti Stress
  Anti-Carcinogenic
  Anti Depression
  Adaptogenic
  Aphrodisiac

One of the basic unknown facts of Withania Somnifera is its rich medical benefits. A number of people know about it, whereas it is still unknown to a number of people. Some of the medicinal benefits offered by Withania Somnifera are listed below.

• It is very useful in curing cancer, because of its killing property.
• It is very useful in curing a variety of rheumatologic problems by decreasing inflammation and pain.
• It is because of the presence of alkaloids, saponins, and steroidal lactones in it.
• It is very useful in controlling bacterial infections. Apart from bacterial infections Withania
• Somnifera is effective in urinogenital, gastrointestinal, and respiratory tract infections.
• With the availability of anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti stress properties Withania
• Somnifera is useful in making heart healthy by controlling or lowering the cholesterol level.
• It is very helpful in maintaining physical and mental health by removing stress and depression.
• It is very helpful in controlling diabetes as well.
• Root extracts of Withania Somnifera or Ashwagandha helps in stimulating thyroid glands. If taken
• regularly it promotes the secretion of thyroid hormones.
• It is also very effective in removing stress.
• Being a good oxidant, it is helpful in neutralizing free radicals, which are produced at the time of metabolism.
• It is also proven useful in increasing the number of WBCs, RBCs and platelet count, which play a major role in making the immune system strong.
• It also posses hemopoetic properties which are useful in increasing blood production.
• It is very useful in removing sexual disorders by improving vitality and fertility.
• It is also proven useful for seizures and convulsions.
• It is very helpful in maintaining good health by improving muscular strength.
  It is best for fighting cataract disease.

Apart from medicinal benefits it has also some disadvantages as well not known to number of people and they are listed below
Because of the abortifacient properties it is advised not be taken by women at the time of pregnancy.

Caution is taken while taking during number of diseases like diabetes, hypertension, anxiety, depression, and insomnia.

It also has some side effects like diarrhea, upset stomach and nausea if taken in excessive amount.

Here are some unknown facts that one should know about Withania Somnifera or Ashwagandha.