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Ashwagandha Root Benefits for Skin

Do you want to learn more about the various ashwagandha benefits for skin problems like acne, pigmentation, and irritation? Ashwagandha root has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine as an effective and natural way to deal with common skin concerns. 

There are numerous potential ashwagandha root benefits for skin and health, from helping clear up acne to reducing skin inflammation and irritation. Keep reading to learn more about this powerful ingredient!

Also Known As Withania Somnifera

Ashwagandha, or Withania somnifera, is a plant-based therapeutic used for centuries in traditional Indian and African medicine. This evergreen shrub derives its name from the Sanskrit words "Ashva," meaning "horse," and "Gandha," meaning "smell," due to the smell of its root. The plant is native to Pakistan, Sri Lanka, India, and some parts of Africa. 

But what are the potential ashwagandha root benefits for skin and health? 

Ashwagandha Use in Ayurveda 

In Ayurveda, ashwagandha is a prized herb for promoting longevity and overall good health. In Ayurvedic medicine, ashwagandha has a Rasayana classification, which traditionally refers to a class of herbs with rejuvenating properties. 

Its use in Ayurveda dates back thousands of years to treat various ailments, such as stress and anxiety. And its roots, leaves, and orange-red fruit have been used and promoted for centuries in Indian traditional medicine as a tonic to help boost energy and vitality.

Adaptogen Herb 

It's now commonly known as an adaptogen herb, which helps the body adapt better to various stresses by supporting endocrine system balance. An adaptogen is a healthy, non-toxic unique class of plant extracts, minerals, and other natural compounds that helps or restores normal physiological functioning.

They also help boost the body's resilience to physical, chemical, and biological stresses.

Benefits of Ashwagandha Overview 

Ashwagandha, the ancient wonder herb, is known as "winter cherry" due to its rejuvenating properties. In addition, it's sometimes called "Indian ginseng" because of its similar effects on energy levels.

Besides its many health benefits, recent research studies suggest there are indeed ashwagandha root benefits for skin and hair care. So it's no wonder this ancient medicinal herb is increasingly popular even in modern times for its adaptogenic and rejuvenating properties. 

Not only does it benefit our health and skin, but it can also help nourish our hair tissues. Ashwagandha root contains iron, which may help promote thicker hair growth by supporting healthy blood circulation in the scalp. 

Due to its hydrating effects, it may help keep the scalp moisturized and prevent dryness or flaking, which are common symptoms associated with dandruff or dry scalp conditions. 

Is Ashwagandha Root Good for the Skin?

Using ashwagandha supplements for skin issues may be beneficial in many ways. The properties of ashwagandha root are varied and numerous. 

For example, it has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties that help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation associated with skin infections, allergies, and other reactions. 

Moreover, it helps provide deep cleansing and moisturizing of the skin and a calming effect on irritations due to its bio-active components, which helps improve overall health and well-being. 

Active compounds in ashwagandha root are known to have antimicrobial activity against common skin pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus. And studies have shown that ashwagandha root extract contains the necessary natural substances that help control the prevalence and re-occurrence of various skin conditions such as:

  • Acne
  • Eczema
  • Psoriasis
  • Rashes
  • Cancer

In addition, regular consumption of ashwagandha root extract can provide a protective barrier against environmental damage from UV rays and pollutants by reducing inflammation and increasing antioxidant activity. 

Researchers also mention that ashwagandha root may treat psoriasis symptoms like itching, redness, scaling, and skin thickening.

Regular use of an appropriate dosage could result in healthier-looking skin with fewer signs of aging. To get more information about incorporating this powerful herb into your routine for healthy skin, read below!

Ashwagandha for Skin Cancer 

Ashwagandha root has been studied for its potential effectiveness against melanoma. The active ingredient in this plant-based extract is Withaferin A, a terpenoid shown to have an inhibitory effect on various cancer cells.

In vitro studies have found that Withaferin A can induce apoptosis, or cell death, in melanoma cells. It does this by inhibiting the activity of cytochrome c oxidase (COX), an enzyme involved in producing reactive oxygen species (ROS). 

ROS are free radicals that can damage cells and contribute to tumor growth. By inhibiting COX, Withaferin A reduces the ROS produced by melanoma cells, thus slowing their proliferation. 

In addition to its potential anti-cancer properties, Withaferin A's antioxidant activity can help protect healthy cells from oxidative stress caused by toxins and pollutants. As a result, it may offer protection against certain environmental factors that can contribute to skin cancer development. 

Finally, Withaferin A may be able to modulate specific signaling pathways associated with cancer progression. For example, it inhibits the PI3K/Akt pathway, which helps regulate cell proliferation and survival in some types of cancer. 

By blocking this pathway, Withaferin A may reduce tumor growth and spread while also helping repair damage done by oxidative stressors. 

Ashwagandha for Skin Glow and Radiance

Ashwagandha root supplements may boost the hemoglobin levels in the body, increasing the red blood cell count and oxygen supply to the cells. As a result, they may help to promote a healthy glow in your skin. The increased oxygen levels, as well as nutrients, help to nourish the skin cells, making them more radiant and glowing. 

The root is also known to provide an energy boost, which can help you feel more alert and full of stamina throughout the day. It means you will have more energy for your daily activities, including taking care of your skin. 

Additionally, increased stamina can help reduce stress levels, which helps keep your skin looking youthful and vibrant. Moreover, supplements containing ashwagandha root help protect the skin against environmental damage, such as UV radiation and pollution. 

Additionally, it helps reduce redness caused by sunburns or other irritations on the skin. 

Ashwagandha Topical Use

The ingredient is available in creams, lotions, and powders. Make sure to test a small area first to be sure there is no adverse reaction, such as itching or burning sensations, before applying it more widely over your body. 

Ashwagandha Oral Use

The most common type is a capsule supplement. These capsules are made from the dried root of the plant and taken with or without food.

Ashwagandha is particularly potent in supplement form because it can be incorporated with other powerful natural ingredients that enhance and add to its effects. For instance, the MDcalm supplement combines lavender flower extract, which can ease the body's fight-or-flight response without inducing sleepiness; reishi mushroom, which helps relax the nervous system; and ashwagandha, which has calming properties and stamina-boosting power at the same time.

By taking a supplement that incorporates multiple natural medicines in one capsule, you get the benefit of each ingredient, and you also benefit from the way they interact with each other and strengthen each other's healing potential.

If you have trouble swallowing pills, you can also find ashwagandha in liquid form. The liquid extract is applied under the tongue and absorbed quickly into the bloodstream. It is also possible to find ashwagandha powder, which can be mixed with water or added to smoothies.

A Natural Way to Deal With Skin Problems

Overall, the ashwagandha benefits for skin and health care are well studied. Most experts agree the entire herb is a safe and effective ingredient that helps promote healthy skin and a lighter complexion.  

It contains active ingredients with potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help protect against UV damage, reduce inflammation, improve elasticity, increase collagen production and even lighten dark spots on the skin. 

Additionally, its hydrating and rejuvenating properties make it a valuable additive for many cosmetic products. It's also unique in that ingesting ashwagandha can promote a feeling of calm without making you drowsy or causing you to lose energy; in fact, it can actually enhance your stamina.

If you're interested in adding ashwagandha root to your daily intake, check out our MDcalm supplements for more information about this wonder herb.

Ashwagandha for Skin Cancer 

Ashwagandha root has been studied for its potential effectiveness against melanoma. The active ingredient in this plant-based extract is Withaferin A, a terpenoid shown to have an inhibitory effect on various cancer cells.

In vitro studies have found that Withaferin A can induce apoptosis, or cell death, in melanoma cells. It does this by inhibiting the activity of cytochrome c oxidase (COX), an enzyme involved in producing reactive oxygen species (ROS). 

ROS are free radicals that can damage cells and contribute to tumor growth. By inhibiting COX, Withaferin A reduces the ROS produced by melanoma cells, thus slowing their proliferation. 

In addition to its potential anti-cancer properties, Withaferin A's antioxidant activity can help protect healthy cells from oxidative stress caused by toxins and pollutants. As a result, it may offer protection against certain environmental factors that can contribute to skin cancer development. 

Finally, Withaferin A may be able to modulate specific signaling pathways associated with cancer progression. For example, it inhibits the PI3K/Akt pathway, which helps regulate cell proliferation and survival in some types of cancer. 

By blocking this pathway, Withaferin A may reduce tumor growth and spread while also helping repair damage done by oxidative stressors. 

Ashwagandha for Skin Glow and Radiance

Ashwagandha root supplements may boost the hemoglobin levels in the body, increasing the red blood cell count and oxygen supply to the cells. As a result, they may help to promote a healthy glow in your skin. The increased oxygen levels, as well as nutrients, help to nourish the skin cells, making them more radiant and glowing. 

The root is also known to provide an energy boost, which can help you feel more alert and full of stamina throughout the day. It means you will have more energy for your daily activities, including taking care of your skin. 

Additionally, increased stamina can help reduce stress levels, which helps keep your skin looking youthful and vibrant. Moreover, supplements containing ashwagandha root help protect the skin against environmental damage, such as UV radiation and pollution. 

Additionally, it helps reduce redness caused by sunburns or other irritations on the skin. 

Ashwagandha Topical Use

The ingredient is available in creams, lotions, and powders. Make sure to test a small area first to be sure there is no adverse reaction, such as itching or burning sensations, before applying it more widely over your body. 

Ashwagandha Oral Use

The most common type is a capsule supplement. These capsules are made from the dried root of the plant and taken with or without food.

Ashwagandha is particularly potent in supplement form because it can be incorporated with other powerful natural ingredients that enhance and add to its effects. For instance, the MDcalm supplement combines lavender flower extract, which can ease the body's fight-or-flight response without inducing sleepiness; reishi mushroom, which helps relax the nervous system; and ashwagandha, which has calming properties and stamina-boosting power at the same time.

By taking a supplement that incorporates multiple natural medicines in one capsule, you get the benefit of each ingredient, and you also benefit from the way they interact with each other and strengthen each other's healing potential.

If you have trouble swallowing pills, you can also find ashwagandha in liquid form. The liquid extract is applied under the tongue and absorbed quickly into the bloodstream. It is also possible to find ashwagandha powder, which can be mixed with water or added to smoothies.

A Natural Way to Deal With Skin Problems

Overall, the ashwagandha benefits for skin and health care are well studied. Most experts agree the entire herb is a safe and effective ingredient that helps promote healthy skin and a lighter complexion.  

It contains active ingredients with potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help protect against UV damage, reduce inflammation, improve elasticity, increase collagen production and even lighten dark spots on the skin. 

Additionally, its hydrating and rejuvenating properties make it a valuable additive for many cosmetic products. It's also unique in that ingesting ashwagandha can promote a feeling of calm without making you drowsy or causing you to lose energy; in fact, it can actually enhance your stamina.

If you're interested in adding ashwagandha root to your daily intake, check out our MDcalm supplements for more information about this wonder herb.

Meet the Doctors

Babak Larian, MD, FACS

Dr. Babak Larian, Clinical Chief at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, is a renowned expert in minimally invasive head and neck surgery. Board-certified and active in global medical missions, he also oversees surgical operations at the La Peer Surgery Center and PathMD pathology laboratories.

Dr. Kiarash Michel, MD

Dr. Kia Michel, a globally acclaimed Urological Oncological Surgeon, founded the Comprehensive Urology Medical Group in Los Angeles, known for his expertise in robotic and minimally invasive therapies. Alongside his medical achievements, he contributes to businesses like La Peer Surgery Center, finding joy in nature and bringing smiles to loved ones.

Kamran Jamshidinia, DPM, FACFAS

Dr. Jamshidinia, a certified Foot and Ankle Surgeon and Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, founded Tower Foot & Ankle Surgery and co-founded successful enterprises, including La Peer Health Systems. His involvement in medical research and the cannabinoid medicine market, highlights his multifaceted contributions to the field.

Siamak Tabib, MD

Dr. Siamak Tabib, a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist in Beverly Hills, holds a medical degree from UCLA Geffen School of Medicine and serves as Assistant Clinical Professor at UCLA.

He actively contributes to research in digestive diseases, co- founding healthcare entities and advocating for adaptive sports opportunities through his advisory role at Angel City Sports.

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