Ashwagandha- the traditional medicinal herb also known as Indian Ginseng or  Indian Winter Cherry is famed for its immunity boosting, anti-ageing and de-stressing properties. It is an adaptogenic herb, which helps our body to deal with the stress of daily life and balances our body functioning besides other countless health benefits.

Used for thousands of years in ancient Ayurveda, it is believed that people consumed this herbal medicine to get horse-like strength and vigour. While a healthy diet always plays an important role in strong immunity, inclusion of various herbs and spices (with immunity-boosting properties) are crucial to accelerate the process in these times. And one such herb is ashwagandha. A herb that promotes our over well-being.

Why Ashwagandha Tea?

Although different parts of the plant of Ashwagandha are edible, it is only the root which is used for medicinal purposes. The flavour profile of Ashwagandha is bitter. Which is why it is often used as a supplement or blended as a tea.

If consumed in tea form, it may provide many health benefits and may even be a good alternative for a caffeinated morning energy boosting drink.

What is Ashwagadha Tea good for?

Let us look at the many health benefits of including Ashwagandha Tea in our daily diet.

1. Powerful Stress buster

Considered a nerve tonic, Ashwagandha has been used for thousands of years. It significantly helps to reduce cortisol levels- a stress hormone that negatively influences body functions and causes some psychological disorders. A study suggests that Ashwagandha may not only reduce the cortisol levels, but help reduce anxiety and depression as well.

2. Reduces fatigue and increases physical endurance

Ashwagandha may help to reduce fatigue as well. This adaptogen plant provides stimulating and anti-fatigue effects by reducing exhaustion caused by stress. It may also help significantly increase stamina by building body mass and muscle. If you are looking to increase energy, but don't want to drink caffeinated teas, Ashwagandha tea is a good alternative.

3. Boosts immune system

Ashwagandha has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It may reduce oxidative stress and may help protect cells from free radicals. Oxidative stress can cause cell damage and lead to many diseases. Ashwagandha may also help with autoimmune diseases.

4. Ashwagandha improves fertility

It is believed that Ashwagandha can act as an aphrodisiac. It benefits the reproductive system and helps improve fertility in  men by boosting testosterone levels. It is also good for female reproductive health.

5. Promotes longevity

Ashwagandha has an anti-aging effect. Studies suggest it may help maintain the length of telomeres, endings on chromosomes that become shorter as we age and protect chromosomes from degradation.

6. Protects the brain

Ashwagandha has anti-inflammatory properties that prevent inflammation in the brain too. It may promote the healthy aging of the brain and support healthy brain function. Which is why it may be useful in treating dementia, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's and bipolar disorder.

7.  Prevents cancer

Ashwagandha may help prevent the growth of tumours. It may also help in treating symptoms of anti-cancer drugs and hence minimise the negative effects of chemotherapy.

8. Ashwagandha tea for promoting sleep

Last but not the least, Ashwagandha is one of those herbs that may provide benefits to the overall health. As it helps to promote relaxation by calming the nerves, it can also improve the quality of sleep.

How to make Ashwagandha Tea- (Here's the recipe)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of water
• 1 teaspoon Ashwagandha roots
• Half lemon
• Honey

Method:

• Boil water in a saucepan.
• Add Ashwagandha roots to it and close the lid.
• Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes.
• Strain it in a cup and add lemon juice to it.

You may also add milk and honey as per your taste to get soothing and sleep improving properties of the milk and honey.

As Ashwagandha helps promote relaxation, you may consider having a cup of Ashwagandha tea after a long tiring day to rejuvenate your mind and body.

Pairing Ashwagandha with other herbs can enhance the effectiveness of your tea. Do try these two herbal teas with Ashwagandha:

Ashwagandha and Turmeric Tea

A natural remedy to fight inflammation and improve digestion, turmeric is beneficial even when consumed as a tea. Both ingredients paired together work as a rejuvenator that can make a significant difference in one's overall health.

Tulsi and Ashwagandha Green Tea benefits

Paring Ashwagandha with Tulsi in your green tea will enhance the many health benefits including an abundance of potent phytonutrients and antioxidants, which protect the body from damaging free radicals.

Do include this healing recipe of Ashwagandha Tea in your daily diet to promote your wellness and help you stay relaxed and stress free.