Uses and Benefits of Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha   

                    

About Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is an evergreen shrub that grows in India, the Middle East, and parts of Africa. Its roots and orange-red fruit have been used for hundreds of years for medicinal purposes. The herb is also called Indian ginseng or winter cherry.

The name ashwagandha describes the smell of its root (like a horse). By definition, ashwa means horse.

The herb is considered one of the most important herbs in the Ayurvedic medicine system, a healthcare practice that started in India over 3,000 years ago.

Ayurvedic medicine uses herbs, special diets, and other natural practices as treatment for a variety of conditions. In Ayurveda, ashwagandha is considered a Rasayana. That means it’s an herb that helps maintain youth, both mentally and physically.

Historically, the roots of ashwagandha have been used to treat:

• Arthritis
• Constipation
• Insomnia
• Skin conditions
• Stress
• Gastrointestinal issues
• Diabetes
• Nervous breakdowns
• Fevers
• Snake bites
• Memory loss

The leaves, seeds, and even fruit have all been used in different ways for various treatments.

Today, ashwagandha is sold as a supplement in the United States. It’s still used to treat many of the conditions listed above. It also continues to be important in Indian medicine.

Use of ashwagandha

The dosage and the way ashwagandha is used depend on the condition that you are trying to treat. There is not a standard dosage that is been studied by modern clinical trials.

Ashwagandha may be used in powdered form in dosages ranging from 450 milligrams to 2 grams. You can buy it in capsules, powders, or as a liquid extract from health food or supplement stores.

Health benefits

Modern studies have shown that ashwagandha might be beneficial for a number of uses. But a lot is still unknown about how the herb reacts within the human body.

Anxiety

It is possible that ashwagandha has a calming effect on anxiety symptoms when compared to the drug lorazepam (a sedative and anxiety medication). Ashwagandha might be effective for reducing anxiety.

Arthritis

Ashwagandha is considered a pain reliever that acts on the nervous system to prevent pain signals from being sent. It is also have some anti-inflammatory properties. It is to be effective in treating forms of arthritis.

One study carried out by Indian Journal of Medical Research strong potential as a treatment option for rheumatoid arthritis.

Heart health

Ashwagandha may have a variety of benefits to heart health, including treating:

• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Chest pain
• Heart disease

One human study published in the International Journal of Ayurveda Research found that using the herb for heart health (in combination with another Ayurvedic herb) was helpful in improving muscle strength and endurance.

Alzheimer’s treatment

According to the African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicine, several studies have examined ashwagandha’s ability to slow or prevent loss of brain function in people with diseases like Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s, and Parkinson’s.

As these diseases progress, parts of the brain and its connective paths become damaged, which leads to loss of memory and function.

Cancer

A few very promising studies found that ashwagandha might be able to stop cell growth in certain cancers. There are encouraging findings that suggest the herb has potential to slow human cancers including breast, lung, kidney, and prostate.

Side Effects

Ashwagandha is generally considered well-tolerated in small to medium doses. But there haven’t been enough long-term studies to examine possible side effects.

Pregnant women should avoid using ashwagandha because it can cause early delivery.