Introduction
This article intends to explore various ways in which ashwagandha benefits for skin and hair. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), also known as Indian ginseng, has been used in traditional medicines in Ayurveda for thousands of years because of its potential health benefits. Ashwagandha is called “Rasayana” which helps to rejuvenate the body and mind.
Research suggests Ashwagandha can be potentially used for skin and health conditions because of its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and adaptogenic properties.
Healthy skin and hair reflect the internal health of your body. Ashwagandha supports skin and hair health by providing nutrition, reducing stress, and taking care of the damage caused by free radicals. It can be used as a natural remedy for glowing skin and healthy hair.
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Nutritional Profile of Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha roots are commonly used for medicinal purposes. It contains active compounds such as withanolides, alkaloids, and flavonoids that are responsible for multiple health benefits. As per studies, Ashwagandha root powder contains protein, carbohydrates, iron, calcium, carotene, and vitamin C which benefits overall health.
Ashwagandha Benefits for Skin and Hair
Ashwagandha provides numerous benefits for skin and hair in various ways. It helps improve hair growth, strengthens hair follicles, reduces hair fall, keeping them healthy. The antioxidants present in Ashwagandha can help brighten the skin tone, and lower pigmentation, giving you firmer and more youthful skin.
Let’s dive into how Ashwagandha Benefits for Skin and Hair
Ashwagandha Benefits for Skin
Incorporating Ashwagandha into skincare routines can significantly improve skin health, reduce the signs of aging, brighten the skin tone, hydrate, and protect the skin from environmental stress giving radiant and rejuvenated skin.
1. Reduce Inflammation of Skin
- Ashwagandha has anti-inflammatory properties, making it effective in skin conditions such as acne, dermatitis, and psoriasis.
- It helps reduce inflammation, repairs the skin cells, and protects it from oxidative stress.
2. Moisturizes and Hydrates the Skin
- Ashwagandha helps retain the skin’s moisture and keeps your skin hydrated and supple making it favorable for individuals having dry skin.
3. Brightens Skin Tone
- One of the clinical studies done on the topical application of Ashwagandha lotion on facial skin resulted in improved skin condition, by reducing pigmentation and dark spots.
- It also helps enhance overall skin tone and brightens the skin.
4. Antioxidant Properties
- Ashwagandha contains antioxidants that help combat oxidative damage caused by free radicals.
- As a result, it reduces fine lines, and wrinkles improving the texture of your skin and giving you youthful and glowing skin.
Ashwagandha Benefits for Hair
Stress, poor nutrition, and scalp infections are some of the common causes of hair fall. Ashwagandha can help overcome these conditions due to its high nutritive value and anti-inflammatory properties.
5. Promotes Healthy Hair Growth
- Ashwagandha is a good source of iron, protein, and antioxidants which can help in strengthening the hair roots and nourishing the hair follicles improving hair growth, and preventing hair loss.
6. Reduce Hair Fall
- Stress is one of the major causes of hair fall disrupting the hormonal balance and affecting hair growth.
- Ashwagandha is used as an adaptogen that helps regulate cortisol levels reducing stress and anxiety and promoting hair growth.
7. Anti-inflammatory
- Ashwagandha is beneficial for hair loss caused due to inflammatory conditions such as dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema, and dandruff because its anti-inflammatory properties reduce the symptoms and heal them.
8. Improves Hair Texture
- Ashwagandha helps to prevent hair thinning, and hair breakage, improving the texture of hair and giving you soft and shiny hair.
- In one of the clinical studies it was observed that topical administrations of ashwagandha root extracts daily for 75 days had improved hair growth and overall hair health.
How to Use Ashwagandha
Including Ashwagandha in your routine consistently can offer you multiple benefits including hair and skin. Ashwagandha is available in powder form, capsule, or tablet.
How to Add Ashwagandha
- Add 1 teaspoon of Ashwagandha powder in milk or warm water and have it consistently to promote skin and hair health.
- Prepare herbal tea by adding ashwagandha roots to boiling water which helps support hormonal balance and lower inflammation.
- You can use hair oil infused with ashwagandha roots for scalp massages to nourish the hair follicles and promote blood circulation to the hair roots leading to healthy hair growth.
- Add ashwagandha powder with honey or rose water and use it as a face mask for brighter and glowing skin.
- Mix ashwagandha powder with yogurt and apply it to the scalp and hair. Leave it for 20-30 minutes and wash it with mild shampoo. This can be beneficial in promoting scalp health and hair growth.
Precautions
- Ashwagandha is usually considered safe when applied topically or administered orally.
- However, some sensitive individuals may experience symptoms such as drowsiness, stomach upset, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and headache.
- Always consult with your doctor if you are suffering from any medical conditions before you include them in your routine. As Ashwagandha may interact with the medicines you are taking thus prefer consulting your healthcare expert.
- Avoid taking Ashwagandha if you are suffering from liver disease, ulcer, thyroid issues, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, kidney disease, or bleeding disorders. Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers should prevent taking this herb.
Conclusion
Ashwagandha Benefits for Skin and Hair are amazing whether applied topically or added as a dietary supplement. Ashwagandha is a powerful herb used in Ayurveda that offers incredible benefits for Skin and Hair. Stress nowadays has become a common factor to affect hair and skin health. Ashwagandha can be used as a natural remedy to regulate stress by controlling cortisol levels. Its active compounds help nourish the hair follicles, improve scalp health, and promote youthful and radiant skin.
FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1. How long is it OK to take Ashwagandha?
Ans: Ashwagandha is a medicinal herb that can be given as a supplement for 8 to 12 weeks depending upon the health condition. Consult your Ayurveda doctor for the best results.
Q2. Does Ashwagandha make skin glow?
Ans: Yes, Ashwagandha is rich in antioxidants that improve skin tone and reduce pigmentation. It also helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles promoting healthy and glowing skin.
Q3. Is Ashwagandha good for hair and skin?
Ans: Yes, ashwagandha is rich in antioxidants, regulates cortisol levels, and reduces inflammation which can potentially help improve hair and skin health.
Q4: Can Ashwagandha help hair loss?
Ans: Yes, ashwagandha can help with hair loss conditions by providing essential nutrients, improving blood supply, strengthening hair follicles, and reducing stress.
References
1. Effects of Withania somnifera root extract serum application on hair health in healthy adults: A prospective, double-blind, randomized, parallel, placebo-controlled study
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10709127/#sec5
2. A Study of Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Lotion on Facial Skin in Photoaged Healthy Adults
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10017910/#sec5
3. A Study of Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Lotion on Facial Skin in Photoaged Healthy Adults
4. Effects of Withania somnifera root extract serum application on hair health in healthy adults: A prospective, double-blind, randomized, parallel, placebo-controlled study
5. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)—Current Research on the Health-Promoting Activities: A Narrative Review
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10147008/#abstract1
