It is widely known that eastern countries are more flourished with natural ingredients that have great medicinal properties. Ashwagandha is one such herb that is a popular mind-body healer.
To gain the herb's various benefits, the world is relying on it as a supplement and as part of a skincare routine.
And why should we seek Ashwagandha on the product labels? Because it is our miracle ingredient that guards us against various skin issues. Of course, the skin would love to get pampered with such a component.
What is Ashwagandha?
The Indian ginseng, Ashwagandha, is a medicinal herb. It is regarded as an adaptogen due to its significant role in managing a variety of stresses like physical, chemical and biological ones.
Simply put, Ashwagandha is nature's organic fatigue busters and mood-lifters. These herbs have a relaxing and revitalising effect on the body.
How to use Ashwagandha for skin?
Ashwagandha can be incorporated as a part of the skincare routine in many forms.
Face pack
The instant glow that a face pack render makes it more preferable and popular.
Ashwagandha is widely available in the market, especially in the form of powder. It can be amalgamated in a face mask for quick shining skin.
Regular use of a face pack with this herb can help maintain skin health and prevent concerns like acne and dullness.
Face toner
The numerous skin benefits make it significant to use as a face toner regularly.
Ashwagandha facial toner can be prepared with ease. This serves to eliminate excess oil, minimise the appearance of pores on the skin, freshen the skin and keep it moisturised.
Ways of using Ashwagandha for skin
Ashwagandha is either used topically or consumed orally for the benefit of the skin.
Orally
Ashwagandha powder can be consumed orally in two ways.
1. A mix can be prepared with a teaspoon of Ashwagandha powder, ghee and honey in a cup. This mixture can be eaten twice daily.
2. Ashwagandha powder can also be combined with a glass of milk. It is effective when taken before bed.
Capsules of Ashwagandha are also available, which, when consumed as per an Ayurvedic doctor's prescription, aid in skin brightening.
Topically
Ashwagandha is best known for its use as a face pack. Ashwagandha powder is mixed with adequate water to form a paste. This can be applied to the face and neck and washed with water after it's dry.
Facial toner with Ashwagandha is made using its powder, milk and honey. The quantity can be personalised.
When transferred to a spray bottle and sprayed onto the face, it acts as a rejuvenating toner. It can be used daily after cleansing the face and can be followed with a moisturiser. Ashwagandha is also a part of the creams available in the market.
Ashwagandha oil is also popular for skin benefits. Massaging the skin with Ashwagandha oil nourishes the skin. It can be used along with other carrier oils due to its concentration.
Skin Benefits of Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is a skin and body superfood that supports healthy skin and a healthy lifestyle.
Anti-inflammatory
Inflammation is the body's natural reaction to infections, toxins and trauma. An anti-inflammatory response is provided by the body under normal circumstances to restore equilibrium.
However, in certain cases, the body is unable to control the inflammatory response, which results in imbalance. The effects of this are visible in the skin.
Ashwagandha is a herb that helps to reduce chronic and excessive inflammation due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Tea made from the leaves of Ashwagandha is effective in reducing inflammation.
Skin stress
The alkaloids present in Ashwagandha work on the nervous system, helping to reduce anxiety and depression. This has a direct effect on an individual's skin health.
Keratosis is a condition of the skin that results in dry, rough and damaged skin. Using Ashwagandha helps in the regulation of keratosis and relaxation of the skin tissue.
Reduces oil secretion
Worries are nowhere to be seen for oily skin people, for Ashwagandha is there to keep the skin clean, calm and oil-free.
Ashwagandha can overtake the effects rendered by chemical creams available on the market. This is achievable as Ashwagandha naturally inhibits the production of oil and thereby reducing oily skin problems.
Anti-ageing
Telomerase is an enzyme that plays a vital role in the ageing process. The root extracts of Ashwagandha boost telomerase activity, thus extending the lifespan of healthy skin cells. This prevents telomerase loss and perhaps delays ageing.
The high antioxidant content in Ashwagandha helps to battle the symptoms of skin ageing, such as wrinkles, fine lines, blemishes and dark spots. Their capacity to reduce wrinkles firms the skin making it look young.
By lowering cortisol levels, Ashwagandha relieves stress, benefiting the skin. It boosts collagen formation, which enhances skin repair and the cell regeneration process. All these work together to slow down ageing.
Hyperpigmentation
Excessive melanin synthesis in the skin results in hyperpigmentation, which is the darkening of the skin in certain places.
Ashwagandha can help to cure hyperpigmentation by controlling the overproduction of melanin in the skin.
Studies show that when hyperpigmentation is treated with Ashwagandha for 14 continuous days, there is a considerable reduction in melanin accumulation in the epidermis.
Skin hydration
Hyaluronan in the skin contributes to the hydration of the skin. By increasing the formation of hyaluronan in the skin, Ashwagandha provides ample hydration and deep moisturisation. This firms the skin and makes it softer and smoother.
Benefits of Ashwagandha powder
Ashwagandha holds antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties essential for protecting and treating the skin from various infections and damages.
Powdering makes it easy to consume and also prepare topical products. All skin types benefit from Ashwagandha usage.
Ashwagandha powder has a high concentration of bioactive elements like alkaloids, withanolides and saponins. These components help to cleanse, moisturise and calm the skin.
How to prepare Ashwagandha with milk?
The following ways are commonly used to prepare Ashwagandha with milk.
Method 1
- A glass of milk with 1/2 glass of water is brought to a boil in a pan.
- 1/2 teaspoon of Ashwagandha root powder is added.
- The mixture is cooked for 5 more minutes.
- Two tablespoons of crushed walnuts and almonds are added to the mixture.
- The drink is ready.
Method 2
- 1/2 teaspoon of powdered Ashwagandha root is added to a glass of milk.
- The drink can be consumed three times every day.
Dosage of Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha root extract: 600 milligrammes is recommended twice daily, one in the morning and the other in the evening.
Ashwagandha tablet and capsule: One tablet or capsule can be taken twice a day or as per the physician's prescription.
Ashwagandha churna: 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon of churna can be consumed two times a day or as per the physician's prescription.
How to consume Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha can be consumed in many forms and can be incorporated into many recipes for better availability to the body.
Tablets and capsules - 1 capsule or tablet can be consumed with water or milk twice a day following food intake.
Powder - The powder of Ashwagandha is combined with milk or water and taken as per the doctor's suggestion.
Ashwagandha powder is also ingested in the form of tea, ladoo, milkshake and sweets like shrikhand.
Side effects of Ashwagandha for skin
Though Ashwagandha is 100% natural with innumerable advantages to the skin, it is recommended to perform a patch test to see if a person is allergic to it.
It is also suggested to notify the doctor if a person is on any skin treatment while making Ashwagandha a part of the skincare routine.
Side effects can occur when Ashwagandha is consumed for skin benefits.
Acne
Acne on the cheeks and chin may be caused due to elevated testosterone levels.
Ashwagandha has contraindicating effects with testosterone and androgens. So, when people with pre-existing acne consume Ashwagandha, the condition may exacerbate.
Elevation of liver enzymes
Consuming Ashwagandha may elevate the liver enzymes. Elevated liver enzymes can also be an indicator of liver damage. It is therefore essential to watch out for the quantity of the herb taken.
Lower blood sugar levels
It has been proven that Ashwagandha can assist lower blood sugar levels.
When Ashwagandha is taken while on Diabetes medication, it has the potential to result in dangerously low blood sugar levels. This can cause further problems.
Fever
A rise in body temperature can occur post-Ashwagandha consumption. The temperature may return to normal subsequently. Being precautious and consulting a doctor is recommended to prevent fever and also if there is pre-existing fever.
Headache
Headache is a common symptom of Ashwagandha intake, along with drowsiness. The headache may prolong for a long time in some cases, and it can co-occur with gastrointestinal symptoms.
Inflammation of the stomach lining
While experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms, it is recommended to also look out for the inflammation of the stomach lining, which is seen in Gastritis.
Large doses of Ashwagandha can cause inflammation. Treatment is necessary to prevent more severe problems.
Nausea
Ashwagandha has the potential to cause intestinal mucosa irritation. A large quantity of Ashwagandha can cause inflammation of the stomach or intestinal lining and result in a nauseating sensation.
Skin rash
Certain people can be allergic to Ashwagandha. When they consume it, the allergic reaction may portray itself in the form of skin rashes. A patch test is necessary if used externally, and if Ashwagandha is taken orally, adequate treatment must be undergone.
Swelling
Swelling can arise as an allergic reaction to Ashwagandha. People who are allergic must refrain from consuming or applying Ashwagandha.
Conclusion
There is no wonder that Ayurveda is the king of medicine. Ashwagandha, one such Ayurvedic herb, possesses innumerable healing properties. Its role in rendering a dream skin makes it more preferable.
Ashwagandha has marked its part in the skincare industry. It is one ingredient that can be a part of home remedies as well as skincare products. It does have certain side effects when taken in large doses.
Who wouldn't want to prefer a natural ingredient that the skin loves?
FAQ
1.Does Ashwagandha have any side effects?
The side effects can be manifested in the form of gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, skin rash, inflammation, swelling, fever and headache.
2.What is the best time to consume Ashwagandha?
3.Is it safe to take Ashwagandha daily?
4.Does Ashwagandha make skin glow?
These characteristics remove the dirt present in the epidermal layer, bringing out the natural skin and enhancing the skin glow.
5.Can Ashwagandha cause skin rash?
6.Does Ashwagandha help clear acne?
It can help to reduce inflammation and thereby treat acne-related pigmentation.
7.How does Ashwagandha affect the skin?
Ashwagandha affects the skin by causing outbreaks, skin rashes, allergies and inflammation.
