Anti-ageing herb for your skin: Ashwagandha

Ayurveda considers Ashwagandha to be one of its most important herbs. Ashwagandha has been used for thousands of years to relieve stress, increase energy levels, and improve concentration.

- Amritha K

It is also known as Indian ginseng and winter cherry. The root, leaves, seeds and fruits of the ayurvedic herb are used for medicinal purposes. An adaptogen, the herb is popular for its ability to manage stress. The therapeutic properties of Ashwagandha are the major reason for its incorporation into modern medical science. Rich in antioxidants, tannins, iron, nitrates, potassium, fatty acids and glucose, the herb can positively affect the endocrine, cardiovascular, and central nervous systems. Today, we will look at the anti-ageing benefits of Ashwagandha.

Simply consuming or topically using Ashwagandha will not miraculously improve your skin or provide you with anti-ageing properties. So, how does it work?

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. Ashwagandha's high antioxidant content helps to battle skin ageing symptoms, such as wrinkles, fine lines, blemishes and dark spots. In addition, reducing wrinkles contributes to the appearance of younger-looking skin.