A Brief Overview of the Ashwagandha Plant
Also known as ‘Indian ginseng’ and ‘winter cherry’, ashwagandha is a very popular medicinal herb. Native to India, this small shrub features red berries and yellow flowers. Packed with a myriad of important medicinal properties, it is considered to be a miracle Ayurvedic herb.
The roots and leaves of ashwagandha have umpteen uses across varied industries. From food to cosmetics, this plant finds its use in a plethora of commercial products. Considering the increasing demand of ashwagandha, it becomes important to learn about this essential medicinal plant. So, check out all the titbits about ashwagandha plant here in the below discussion.
Nutrition Profile of Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is packed with essential nutrients, including important vitamins and minerals. Some of the nutrients present in this plant include vitamin C, Iron, and Calcium.
A 100-gram serving of ashwagandha consists of the following quantities of nutrients:
- Energy: 245 Kcal
- Carbohydrate: 49.9 gm
- Dietary Fiber: 32.3 gm
- Protein: 3.9 gm
- Iron: 3.3 mg
- Calcium: 23 mg
- Vitamin C: 3.7 mg
Interesting Facts About Ashwagandha
- Ashwagandha has its origins in India
Ashwagandha is native to India. However, the plant can be found in other parts of the world like the Mediterranean, Africa, and the Middle East.
- Ashwagandha’ is a Sanskrit term
Ashwagandha is a Sanskrit term that translates to ‘smell of the horse’ in English. The plant has been named so as Ashwagandha roots have an unpleasant odour, resembling to that of a horse.
- Ashwagandha is a bush
Yes, you heard it right! Ashwagandha happens to be an evergreen bush, producing red berries that look like that of husk cherries.
- Ashwagandha is a traditional remedy
Ashwagandha has been here for over 3,000 years. Since ancient times, it has been used in the preparation of various ayurvedic medicines in countries like India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
- The whole Ashwagandha plant is useful
All the parts of ashwagandha, including its seeds, roots, leaves, and fruits are packed with medicinal properties. Hence, the whole plant is used in the preparation of medicines for various health conditions. Ashwagandha benefits the skin, hair, brain, and reproductive system.
Industrial Uses of Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is used across many industries including food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics. In the beauty and wellness industry, it is used as a key ingredient in many cosmetic products including face wash, face pack, skin gel, face scrubs, moisturizer, shampoo, conditioner, and hair oil. In the health and medicine sector, ashwagandha is used in the manufacture of many kinds of medicines and supplements. In the food and beverage industry, ashwagandha leaves and roots are used in the preparation of many eatables including shrikhand, muruku, namakpara, and more.
Where to Buy Ashwagandha Powder From?
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