Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) otherwise known as Indian ginseng, winter cherry, and poison gooseberry, is a shrub-like plant from the nightshade or Withania family.

The plant and its components – leaves, roots and berries – constitute some of best known and most frequently used products on the herbal market today.

Ashwagandha leaves are most commonly used to make a tea to support good health. The Ashwagandha plant has been used in Eastern traditional medicine for thousands of years and is known for its restorative properties.

The plant has been ascribed a variety of characteristics, including anti-anxiety, anti-aging, anti-oxidant, and other adaptogenic effects. Adaptogens are classified as non-toxic herbs that treat the whole body, rather than specific organs, and encourage optimal balances in the body.

Ashwagandha Leaves Health Benefits

The reputation of Ashwagandha leaves, roots, and other plant parts have been known for thousands of years.

Ashwagandha leaves have long been used in Ayurvedic medicine, an ancient form of medicine that originated in India and is today practiced around the world for its whole-body approach to health and wellness, and in the alternative treatments of medical conditions and disease processes.

Ashwagandha leaves and roots are among the most popular forms of this herb sold in natural food stores, vitamin shops, and drugstores. When brewed as a tea, the leaves may help to regulate blood glucose (blood sugar) in the body, increase energy and support mental clarity and attention.

The herb has long been used as an anti-inflammatory agent, a diuretic and a sedative. The root of the Ashwagandha plant contains flavonoids and withanolides, a group of naturally occurring chemical compounds that are common to the nightshade or Withania family.

Flavonoids, Anti-Oxidants and Withanolides

Flavonoids are found in many foods, and play a variety of health-related functions and are believed to enhance antioxidant benefits. Antioxidants are responsible for reducing damage or destruction of cells caused by free radicals, negatively charged ions in the body.

When left unchecked, free radicals cause oxidation and promote cellular damage. A growing amount of research indicates that oxidative stress can lead to inflammation, which has been associated with a number of ailments.

The leaves, roots and berries of the Ashwagandha plant are claimed to impart a number of health benefits because of the plant’s adaptogenic properties, which are largely attributed to its withanolides.

Withanolides found in Ashwagandha leaves are thought to provide the herb with its adaptogenic benefits, promoting the body’s ability to adapt to stress and to maintain vitality or physical strength and wellness.

These components may be effective in reducing stress, promoting neurological health and protecting cells from the damage and destruction caused by free radicals. They are just some of the other reasons why Ashwagandha is currently so popular.

Are Ashwagandha Leaves Safe?

When used as directed, Ashwagandha leaves used to brewed teas are usually considered safe. Always follow brewing instructions.

For added safety, talk to a pharmacist, doctor, herbalist or healthcare practitioner about proper usage of the leaves, which can depend on age, overall health and the benefits sought.

Interactions with other herbs and/or drugs may occur with Ashwagandha in any form. Do not use this herb if you are already taking immunosuppressants, as they will interact with Ashwagandha.

Also avoid combining this supplement with any sedative medications, including antidepressants and sleep aids, such as Ambien, Valium, Ativan, or other forms of central nervous system depressants, as excessive sedation may occur.

Avoid using any form of Ashwagandha, including the leaves, if you’re taking medications for your thyroid. It may increase or stimulate thyroid hormone production in the body. Combining Ashwagandha with already prescribed thyroid hormone pills may cause hormone surges, increasing the effects and potential side effects of specific thyroid hormones.

Follow package instructions for using Ashwagandha leaves to brew and prepare tea. Different manufacturers and any accompanying brands may utilize different components and strengths of Ashwagandha extract in their remedies.

Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, healthcare practitioner or herbalist for proper usage and dosage of Ashwagandha. This will depend, as mentioned above, on your age, your overall general health and wellness, and any contributing medical conditions.

Conclusion

Ashwagandha may be a beneficial herb when added to a healthy diet. Ashwagandha leaf tea is an easy and effective way to this herb to a health regime to test the restorative benefits associated with the herb.

But, as with all supplementation, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional about possible side effects and drug interactions prior to use.

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Article last updated on:by Nootriment