10 Benefits of Ashwagandha for Skin and Hair

Are you only beginning to discover Ashwagandha and its numerous Ayurvedic benefits for the skin and hair? If you don’t know where to start, here is an Ultimate Guide to the benefits of Ashwagandha for your skin and hair.    

Introduction

A revered Ayurvedic herb with a noteworthy history of over 3000 years, Ashwagandha or the Indian Ginseng is used as a Rasayana which literally translates to ‘Path of Essence’. As a Rasayana, Ashwagandha essentially rejuvenates, proliferates longevity and elevates youthfulness of the body and mind. 

The benefits of Ashwagandha are profuse. From an Ayurvedic perspective, Ashwagandha belongs to two groups, Balya (strengthening) and Bhruhaniya (nourishing). Its Vata balancing properties alleviate increased stress levels, and its aphrodisiac attributes recuperate stamina and reinstate strength. This superior adaptogenic herb acts as a superfood for the skin and hair.

Read on to learn these 10 venerable benefits of Ashwagandha that you can reap according to your skin and hair type: 

If you have ever compared your hair and skin to those of your peers, the differentiating component lies in the three pillars of Ayurveda or the three Doshas. Kapha, Pitta and Vata form the constitution of an individual and each one of us is a distinct combination of these three forces, which eventually define our Prakriti or personal blueprint. You can consult a certified Ayurvedic Doctor for an in-depth insight into your Dosha type and how it impacts your mind and body. 

Since the Doshas frequently fluctuate, they can have a bearing on your health, mood, energy levels and even the health of your hair & skin. Ashwagandha pacifies both Kapha and Vata dosha. Here is how Ashwagandha improves the health of your skin & hair.

Cures and Corrects Acne 

One of the most noticeable benefits of Ashwagandha for skin include its ability to reduce acne, since it is anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory in nature. Ashwagandha deeply cleanses the skin tissue of its impurities and removes residual dirt and grime from the face. 

Repairs Dull and Dry Skin

Ashwagandha benefits for skin aren’t limited to oily and acne prone skin. The roots of Ashwagandha contain Hyaluronic Acid which hydrates the skin. While you indulge in your day beauty regime, using an Ashwagandha infused products for skincare which leaves the skin looking lustrous and gives it a natural facelift, would be an impeccable choice. 

Retains Natural Moisture

Ashwagandha benefits for men and Ashwagandha benefits for women remain similar even though its uses may vary. If you are a man looking to benefit from Ashwagandha, incorporate a face cream for men containing this traditional herb in your daily grooming regime. Ashwagandha not only moisturises the skin but prevents it from irritation- a common shaving concern. Ashwagandha minimises the natural secretion of oil, without stripping off the natural oils that your skin needs.

Promotes Skin Reparation

Ashwagandha is a rich antioxidant that can help you age gracefully. By boosting the production of collagen, it ensures deep nourishment of the skin along with renewal of dead skin cells. For radiant looking skin, you can use an Ashwagandha infused Shower Gel that is specifically crafted to penetrate the deepest layer of your skin and increase elasticity. Experience the restoring benefits of Ashwagandha, by choosing an age defying Face Serum containing the herb. Use as part of your nightly regime, to repair the skin whilst at rest for revived, radiant skin the next day! 

Contains Anti- Stress Properties

Considered as an exceptional rejuvenator, Ashwagandha increases the body’s resilience to stress, which consequently improves the health of your hair & skin. You can add Ashwagandha powder to a hot cup of water and prepare a stress relieving tea and consume it twice a day.  

Nourishes the Skin

At a time when the ideologies of people are changing for the better, ‘Is Ashwagandha for skin whitening’, might not be an ideal question to ask. Instead, there are several other remarkable benefits of Ashwagandha that you might want to consider. For instance, apart from the internal benefits of Ashwagandha for females (helps in the cure of menopausal syndrome), it keeps the skin nourished, especially when combined with Neem and Turmeric. 

Naturally Plumps the Skin

Ashwagandha possesses calming properties that rejuvenate the body, induce peaceful sleep. It also controls depletion of collagen while smoothening fine lines and retaining the natural plumpness of the skin. Adding an Ashwagandha based Facial Moisturiser which also contains other precious herbs such as Almond oil, fermented Litchi juice and date extracts, to your night skincare ritual can naturally plump and revitalise your skin. 

Rejuvenates the Scalp

If you shed hair frequently and also find it on your pillow each morning when you wake up, you can use Ashwagandha for hair as it acts as a rejuvenator, strengthens the hair follicles and visibly reduces scalp hair loss. Since Ashwagandha is a Vata, Kapha pacifier, Ashwagandha infused tea is recommended for healthy hair.

Encourages Healthy Hair Growth

If you are a female wondering about the benefits of Ashwagandha for hair loss, Ashwagandha for hair growth could be taken as a Rasayana, however, it is advisable to consult a medical practitioner before use, especially in case of pregnancy. 

Increases Hair Pigment

Among varied benefits of Ashwagandha that include increase in hemoglobin, relieving stress, Ashwagandha for hair is beneficial to increase black pigment in the hair.  

From curing stress, anxiety to its ample benefits for the skin and hair, Ashwagandha is truly a mind-body healer!

FAQs:

Is Ashwagandha good for skin?

Ashwagandha encourages the production of natural oils that the skin needs. It helps in the reduction of acne, while keeping the skin soothed, clarified, and replenished. It is known to possess anti-ageing properties which keep the elasticity of the skin intact. 

Does Ashwagandha make skin glow?

Ashwagandha can be used as a Rasayana or rejuvenator which shields the skin from the harmful effects of UV rays. Considered a super food for the skin, Ashwagandha deeply cleanses, moisturises, calms and adds a natural glow to the skin. 

How can I use Ashwagandha on my face? 

You can use Ubtans containing Ashwagandha in appropriate quantities combined with other potent, sun dried herbs and roots. Based on your skin type and skin concern, you can choose an Ubtan appropriate for you. If your skin is dry, add Milk; for combination skin, add Yogurt; and if you have oily skin, add Rosewater, as a mixer to make a thick paste. Apply this over the entire face and neck for less than 15 minutes, and leave. Once partially dry, rinse it off with water.

How can I use Ashwagandha powder on skin?

Ashwagandha churna or fine sieved powder can be applied on the face by mixing it with one teaspoon of the herb with sandalwood powder. You can make a paste by adding water, honey, ghee, or clarified butter, depending on your skin type.

Does Ashwagandha regrow hair?

Ashwagandha is a natural antioxidant and is also anti-inflammatory in nature. Since it strengthens hair follicles and fights free radicals, it may promote hair to grow back, if you use ashwagandha based ayurvedic shampoo.

Can Ashwagandha help hair loss?

Ashwagandha helps in the visible reduction of hair loss, by strengthening the hair follicles. It is a great ingredient for stress induced hairfall, but it is recommended to consult a certified Ayurvedic Doctor before using Ashwagandha. 

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3252722/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4543599/

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/284801881_Withania_somnifera_Ashwagandha_A_Review

https://www.google.co.in/books/edition/Simple_Ayurvedic_Remedies/_D1IdEVinPIC?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=ashwagandha+for+hair&printsec=frontcover