Herbal supplements have been available for many years, and have gone by a number of names. These supplements are taken in the belief that they can help with a number of different ailments, or at the very least assist the inner workings of the body. One item that falls into this category is a plant known as ashwagandha. If you haven’t heard of this plant before, here are several things you should know about it.
- Ashwagandha Goes By Several Names: One thing you should know about ashwagandha is that it goes by several different names. Apart from its technical name, withania somnifera, the plant is also known as Indian ginseng, poison gooseberry, and winter cherry. The name comes from the Sanskrit words for horse and smell, because the root of the plant is said to smell like a horse. It can be found in India, Nepal, China, and parts of Yemen also. You should keep these different names in mind as different stores can sell it under different names.
- It’s Part of Something Known as Ayurvedic Medicine: Another thing to know about ashwagandha is that it is part of something known as ayurvedic medicine. Also known as Ayurveda, this is one of the oldest holistic systems of healing in the world, having been developed over 3,000 years ago in India. The main goal of this system is to promote good health. This system is known in the United States as well, and is known as a form of complementary and alternative medicine.
- Ashwagandha Can Be Taken as an Herbal Supplement: And finally, a third thing to know about ashwagandha is that it can be taken as an herbal supplement. In this capacity, ashwagandha is advertised to help with a variety of ailments. While clinical trials can’t exactly prove that this plant has any positive medical effects, that doesn’t stop many from taking it anyway, because of a sincere belief that it can help them.
In conclusion, there are several things you should know about ashwagandha. The things you should know include: knowing that ashwagandha goes by several different names, that it’s a part of something known as ayurvedic medicine, and that it can be taken as an herbal supplement. These are just a few of the things that you should know about ashwagandha.