Which foods make osteoarthritis worse?

Foods to avoid with osteoarthritis include processed foods, cold and raw foods, nightshade vegetables, red meat, refined sugars, and newly harvested rice, as these aggravate Vata dosha and increase joint inflammation.

What are the best foods to eat if you have osteoarthritis?

The best foods for osteoarthritis include warm cooked grains like aged rice and wheat, healthy fats like ghee and sesame oil, anti-inflammatory spices like turmeric and ginger, and digestible proteins like moong dal.

What are five vegetables to avoid with arthritis?

Five vegetables to avoid include tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants (nightshade vegetables), and corn, as these can aggravate inflammation and worsen osteoarthritis treatment. But moderation is the key, and body reactions to vegetables differ from person to person.

Can I eat rice with osteoarthritis?

Yes, aged rice and brown rice are beneficial for an osteoarthritis diet when cooked properly with warming spices. But newly harvested rice should be avoided, as it's heavy to digest and can aggravate Vata dosha.

Ashwagandha Benefits: Why This Ancient Herb Still Rules Modern Ayurveda

Home » Blog Post » Ayurveda » Ashwagandha Benefits: Why This Ancient Herb Still Rules Modern Ayurveda

Dr Archana
Updated on: September 3, 2025
Category: Ayurveda

Dr Archana
Updated on: September 3, 2025
Category: Ayurveda

Introduction

Some days, your body feels heavy, while your mind refuses to take a break; your energy dips, no matter how much sleep you get. Many people hold this weight quietly as they believe this is just part of the busy, modern world. However, Ayurveda reminds us that tiredness, stress, and sleeplessness are not normal conditions to settle for. They are signs of imbalance that are deeply lodged within your mind, body, and spirit.
Along with lifestyle and dietary changes, which can help regain this lost balance, several herbs can calm your overworked body. Among these herbs, Ashwagandha holds a special place. Described in ancient literature such as Bhavaprakasha Nighantu and Charaka Samhita as a Rasayana, it has been an established herb known to enhance stamina, calm anxiety, and nourish the body and the mind. Today, modern research confirms these Ashwagandha benefits, making it one of the most trusted remedies worldwide. In this blog, we examine what are the health benefits of Ashwagandha to help understand how this herb can continue to help people in multiple ways, from reducing stress to regaining strength.

What is Ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha, also known as Withania somnifera, is commonly referred to as Indian ginseng. The term “Ashwagandha” refers to its restorative properties, which can give one the strength of a stallion. In Ayurveda, Ashwagandha is defined as Balya (strengthening), Kshayapaha (relieves depletion), Medhya (nourishing the mind), and Rasayana (promoting longevity and resistance to stress). Many people now take Ashwagandha in powder, tonic, or capsule form to help promote some relief in their health when life feels too big and is often too much for one to handle. But understanding when and how to take Ashwagandha is equally important to enjoy the health benefits of Ashwagandha and to avoid any kind of adverse reaction due to its improper consumption.

Top Health Benefits of Ashwagandha

The health benefits of Ashwagandha are endless, but some benefits stand out for day-to-day life:

Stress and Anxiety Relief
Ashwagandha helps balance cortisol, the stress hormone. Most people who take it notice less stress and anxiety, while feeling more grounded.
Better Gut Health
Ashwagandha helps improve digestion by supporting the integrity of the gut and reducing inflammation.
Improved Stamina and Strength
Described as a Balya herb, Ashwagandha strengthens muscles, supports recovery, and increases endurance. It is often recommended for those who feel weak or suffer from chronic fatigue.
Better Sleep Quality
If you have trouble falling asleep, the benefits of drinking Ashwagandha include deeper and restful sleep. Research indicates that it can help decrease insomnia and improve overall sleep patterns.
Sharper Focus and Memory
Ayurveda describes Aswagandha as Medhya, meaning it nourishes the mind. Modern studies echo this by showing improved memory, focus, and cognitive function.
Immunity Support
With its rasayana qualities, Ashwagandha supports the immune system, helping the body defend against frequent colds, fatigue, or stress-related illness.

Benefits of Using Ashwagandha Powder

Traditionally, Ashwagandha powder is consumed in warm milk or warm water. The health benefits of Ashwagandha powder are:

Helps restore stamina following an illness or weakness
Promotes restful sleep
Supports digestion and metabolism
Calms the stressed nervous system.

Ashwagandha in Today’s Supplements and Classical Formulations

In today’s busy lifestyles, Ashwagandha can be found in many forms, including capsules, tablets, teas, gummies, and extracts. However, classical formulations have a special place:

Aswagandharishtam is made by natural fermentation processes to extract both the water-soluble and the alcohol-soluble active ingredients of Ashwagandha, and is potentiated with herbs like Chandana or Dhataki flowers. Dhataki initiates a natural fermentation process that makes the formulation potent, stable, and effective. AyurVAID Medicines are India’s first and only TESTED SAFE Ayurveda Medicines, rigorously tested for heavy metals, aflatoxins, and microbial contamination.

Balarishtam: An arishtam to promote strength and digestion, which contains strength-promoting (balavardhana) herbs such as Bala along with Ashwagandha. It improves metabolism, strengthens muscles, increases physical endurance, and balances Vata dosha.

Maharasnadi Kashayam: A decoction enriched with Ashwagandha, Pippali (long pepper), and Shunti (ginger) for arthritis and nerve weakness. It strengthens nerves and joints, reduces pain (and stiffness), relieves abdominal distension, and is especially effective in nerve weakness, tremors, and balancing Vata.

Powerful Ayurveda Formula for Musculoskeletal and Neurological Health

Ayurveda decoction formulated to relieve neck pain, low back pain, joint stiffness, and support neurological health.

Chyavanaprasam: An immunity booster enriched with Amla, Giloy, Ashwagandha, and sulfate-free Marayoor jaggery. Following ancient Vedic recipes, it is rich in antioxidants, enhances energy, supports digestion, and improves immunity against seasonal health concerns.

Who Can/Should Use Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha can be used to manage chronic stress or anxiety, sleep disturbances, and weakness following illness, as well as to enhance energy, memory, and stamina in adults and for improved well-being. The classical formulas, Aswagandharishtam and Balarishtam, are particularly beneficial for providing strength, and Chyavanaprasam provides support to build immunity.

Precaution

While there are numerous benefits from the use of Ashwagandha, the herb should be used responsibly. Women who are pregnant or nursing should avoid use, unless they are under supervision. Anyone with thyroid imbalances, autoimmune conditions, and/or chronic illness should seek medical advice about using it. There are also important timing issues, as some are advised to use it during the day and others are recommended to use it at night. The best method is always to consume it under the supervision of a qualified Ayurveda physician.

Conclusion

When you ask what the benefits of Ashwagandha are, the answer is simple but powerful. It helps the tired regain energy, the restless find sleep, and the anxious find calm. It nourishes the body while steadying the mind. For thousands of years, Ashwagandha has been considered to be a Rasayana in Ayurveda, and modern science is beginning to recognise its enormous value. In addition to using Ashwagandha alone, Ayurveda and classical formulations such as Aswagandharishtam, Balarishtam, Maharasnadi Kashayam, and Chyavanaprasam show how Ashwagandha works with the synergy of other herbs to create strength, calm the nervous system, and support the immune system. AyurVAID’s commitment to authenticity and TESTED SAFE quality means these medicines are reliable and trusted for daily health and vitality.

Insights to Carry Forward

Ashwagandha is an adaptogen and Rasayana that is used to enhance strength, immunity, and stamina.
Its use is effective across the domains of sleep, stress, immunity and cognition, and digestion.
Ashwagandha has been used together with other adaptogenic herbs in ancient formulations such as Aswagandharishtam, Balarishtam, Maharasnadi Kashayam, and Chyavanaprasam.
AyurVAID medicines are India’s First and Only TESTED SAFE Ayurveda Medicines, which blend traditional wisdom with modern safety measures.
The best use of Ashwagandha occurs with a personalised approach to using the best form, dose, and timing for each individual.

Insurance Backed

Precision Ayurveda
Medical Care

References

Singh, N., Bhalla, M., de Jager, P., & Gilca, M. (2011). An overview on Ashwagandha: a Rasayana (rejuvenator) of Ayurveda. African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines, 8(5 Suppl), 208–213. DOI: 10.4314/ajtcam.v8i5S.9 | PMID: 22754076; PMCID: PMC3252722

Mikulska, P., Malinowska, M., Ignacyk, M., Szustowski, P., Nowak, J., Pesta, K., Szeląg, M., Szklanny, D., Judasz, E., Kaczmarek, G., Ejiohuo, O. P., Paczkowska-Walendowska, M., Gościniak, A., & Cielecka-Piontek, J. (2023). Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) – Current research on the health-promoting activities: A narrative review. Pharmaceutics, 15(4), 1057. DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15041057 | PMID: 37111543; PMCID: PMC10147008

Tharakan, A., Shukla, H., Benny, I. R., Tharakan, M., George, L., & Koshy, S. (2021). Immunomodulatory effect of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) extract – A randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial with an open label extension on healthy participants. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 10(16), 3644. DOI: 10.3390/jcm10163644 | PMID: 34441940; PMCID: PMC8397213

Langade, D., Thakare, V., Kanchi, S., & Kelgane, S. (2021). Clinical evaluation of the pharmacological impact of Ashwagandha root extract on sleep in healthy volunteers and insomnia patients: A double-blind, randomized, parallel-group, placebo-controlled study. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 264, 113276. DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2020.113276 | PMID: 32818573

Lopresti, A. L., Drummond, P. D., & Smith, S. J. (2019). A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study examining the hormonal and vitality effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in aging, overweight males. American Journal of Men’s Health, 13(2), 1557988319835985. DOI: 10.1177/1557988319835985 | PMID: 30854916; PMCID: PMC6438434

FAQ

Does Ashwagandha really help with stress?

Yes, Ashwagandha is effective with cortisol regulation, which helps manage stress better, and creates a more balanced and calmer mind.

Can I take Ashwagandha every day?

Yes, however, you must choose the proper dosage and formulation and use it as indicated and guided by a qualified Ayurveda doctor to avoid adverse effects and ensure efficacy.

Who should not use Ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Individuals with hyperthyroidism and autoimmune disorders, and those on immunosuppressants and sedatives, should avoid Ashwagandha or consume it only under medical supervision.

Why choose AyurVAID medicines?

AyurVAID medicines are India's First and Only TESTED SAFE Ayurveda Medicines, manufactured as per classical Ayurveda under modern safety parameters, and with each batch tested for heavy metals, aflatoxins, and microbial contamination.

Dr Archana

Homepage B RCB

Please fill out the form below to Request a call back

Patient details

First Name

Last Name

Mobile Number

Select Diseases

Select Preferred Center

Please select preferred center

Briefly Describe Your Health Condition

I have read the Terms and Conditions and the Privacy Policy. I hereby provide my consent for the use of my personal data for the communication of relevant information regarding myself, my medical treatment, or the patient I am representing.