Ashwagandha, an Ayurvedic herb also known as Indian ginseng, has been valued for its medicinal properties for centuries. This fragrant plant, whose name means “horse” in Sanskrit (ashwa), represents strength and vitality. The root is often made into powder or capsules that kids can easily take.
In recent years, many have studied its benefits for managing anxiety and stress, supporting memory functions, and helping with insomnia. Its adaptogenic properties allow it to boost the body’s ability to handle challenges.
Parents appreciate how this natural remedy can improve overall well-being and treat common issues like gastric and skin ailments, including arthritis and leukoderma.
Health Benefits of Ashwagandha For Kids
Reduces Stress and Anxiety
Ashwagandha is an herb known for its adaptogenic properties, making it an excellent choice for helping kids manage stress and anxiety. This natural remedy can counteract the harmful effects of stress on the body, supporting the immune, endocrine, and neurological systems.
Instead of relying on stimulant products, families can turn to herbal supplements like ashwagandha to help children tolerate and handle everyday pressures.
Studies have shown that it is an immensely helpful stress reliever, providing a way for children and teenagers to thrive without the physical changes that stress can bring.
By promoting a calmer mind and a healthier body, ashwagandha may help children manage not only academic and social pressures but also help reduce the triggers that lead to such unhealthy relationships with food.
Boosts Immunity
Ashwagandha is known for its powerful benefits in boosting the immune system of children. Many parents seek ways to improve their kids’ immunity, especially during times like a pandemic. This popular herb acts as an immunomodulator, helping the body adapt and respond better to threats.
The root of ashwagandha activates and increases the levels of important enzymes and macrophages, which are white blood cells that engulf and digest harmful substances.
By promoting the development of antibodies, ashwagandha plays a major role in improving the body’s response to health-threatening infections, making it an excellent choice for supporting a healthy, resilient body.
Improves Brain Power
Ashwagandha offers impressive benefits for improving brain power in children. Studies show that this herb can help raise the level of acetylcholine, an important neurotransmitter for cognitive function.
Lower levels of acetylcholine are often linked to impaired learning and memory, which can be a challenge for kids, especially those with conditions like ADHD. Research shows that ashwagandha may boost acetylcholine levels by inhibiting the activity of an enzyme that breaks it down.
Additionally, the root of ashwagandha contains choline, a substance necessary for the formation of acetylcholine, making it a valuable addition to support healthy brain development and enhance learning abilities.
Increases Muscle Mass & Strength
Ashwagandha is a safe and natural herb that can significantly support a kid’s muscle and strength development. It helps children grow stronger while also working to avoid injuries that might occur during play or sports.
An 8-week randomized clinical trial showed that 40 healthy adult college students who took 500 mg/day of ashwagandha root extract experienced improved muscular strength, increased endurance, speed, and coordination compared to those taking a placebo.
Paired with a protein-rich diet, such as including health benefits of chana dal, ashwagandha might support children’s muscle growth and injury prevention, providing a balanced approach to strength-building and overall health.
Enhancing Sleep and Relaxation
Ashwagandha is a powerful herb that can help improve sleep for children. Its natural sleep-inducing compounds work by reducing stress and supporting a good night’s sleep. With the rise of electronic devices and their exposure to electromagnetic frequencies (EMF), many kids struggle with improper sleep patterns.
Research suggests that using ashwagandha can be a great way to counter these negative consequences, helping to create a relaxing bedtime routine.
By combining ashwagandha with existing sleep methods, such as reducing screen time and discussing options with a pharmacist or doctor, families can find effective combinations to enhance their child’s overall well-being and ensure they wake up refreshed and ready for the day.
Reduces Depression
Ashwagandha has been thoroughly studied and shown to help alleviate depression in various age groups. In a 60-day study involving 64 stressed adults, those who took 600 mg of a high-concentration extract each day reported a remarkable 79% reduction in severe depression compared to only a 10% increase in the placebo group.
While these results are impressive, their direct relevance to children is still being explored, but they suggest that ashwagandha could be a supportive option for kids dealing with emotional challenges. As parents seek ways to improve their children’s mental health, incorporating ashwagandha might provide a natural alternative worth considering.
May Reduce Inflammation
Ashwagandha may be effective in reducing inflammation, which is important for keeping kids healthy. In various animal studies, this herb has shown a significant decrease in inflammation markers, including C-reactive protein (CRP), which can be linked to heart disease and other health issues.
A controlled study found that a daily dose of 250 mg of a standardized extract led to a 36% reduction in CRP levels compared to only 6% in the placebo group. Furthermore, ashwagandha increases the activity of natural killer cells, which are crucial for the immune system to fight off infection.
These benefits suggest that ashwagandha can support overall health by helping maintain a healthy immune response in children.
Might Reduce Blood Sugar Levels
Ashwagandha might help reduce blood sugar levels, making it a valuable option for supporting children’s health. Some human studies have shown that this herb can improve insulin secretion and sensitivity, which is essential for managing blood sugar.
In research involving participants with conditions like diabetes and schizophrenia, those treated with ashwagandha experienced an average reduction in fasting blood sugar levels, with decreases of about 13.5 mg/dL compared to only 4.5 mg/dL in the placebo group.
These findings suggest that ashwagandha could be a natural way to help maintain healthy blood sugar levels in kids, promoting overall wellness as they grow.
Improves Heart Health
Ashwagandha can play a significant role in improving heart health for kids. This herb has been shown to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which are important for a healthy heart.
In studies, children and adults taking ashwagandha experienced notable decreases in bad cholesterol (LDL) and improved overall lipid profiles.
By aiding in inflammation reduction and promoting healthy blood circulation, it supports a stronger, healthier heart. Combined with heart-friendly foods rich in nutrients, such as moong dal benefits, ashwagandha can be part of a natural approach to enhance long-term heart health and keep children active and thriving as they grow.
Fights Sickness
Ashwagandha is a powerful herb that can help fight sickness in kids by enhancing their immune health. With its anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial properties, this root extract works to strengthen the body’s defenses against infections.
Studies show that children who include ashwagandha in their diet, such as in a morning smoothie, may experience lower rates of illness.
Its immune-boosting qualities make it an excellent supplement for kids, especially during the back-to-school season when germs are more common. By incorporating ashwagandha, parents can support their children’s overall health and resilience against sickness.
How To Take Ashwagandha?
To enjoy the many benefits of ashwagandha, parents can easily incorporate it into their child’s daily routine.
One convenient way is to mix ashwagandha root powder into smoothies, juices, or even warm milk. You can add it to breakfast options like dosa, cheela, or into the dough for roti or paratha.
For a nutritious twist, consider making a separate dish like Sathu Maavu. This way, your child gets the goodness of this herb while enjoying their favorite meals. Regular intake can promote better health and overall well-being.
Conclusion
Incorporating ashwagandha into your child’s routine can offer numerous benefits for their overall health and well-being.
This ancient herb supports mental clarity, reduces stress and anxiety, improves sleep, boosts immunity, and enhances physical strength. As parents look for natural ways to promote their kids’ health, ashwagandha stands out as a safe and effective option.
By adding this powerful herb to meals or drinks, families can help their children thrive physically and emotionally, ensuring they grow strong and resilient in today’s fast-paced world. Embracing ashwagandha could be a meaningful step toward nurturing a healthier, happier future for your little ones.
I’m Ayesha Zahid, a certified Nutritionist and Dietitian with over 3 years of hands-on experience helping individuals and families improve their health through nutrition.
