MEDICINAL PLANT ASHWAGADHA
- Ashwagandha is frequently used by people to address several chronic illnesses, including stress and anxiety. There is conflicting evidence about the effectiveness of ashwagandha for these uses.
- People have been using the orange-red fruit and roots of ashwagandha for therapeutic purposes for hundreds of years. The herb is also referred to as winter cherry or Indian ginseng.
- The word "ashwagandha," which means "like a horse," refers to the root's aroma. Ashwa, by definition, is a horse.
- This plant is used by practitioners as a general tonic to increase energy and lessen tension and anxiety. Some people additionally assert that the herb may be helpful for anxiety, Alzheimer's illness, and specific malignancies.
- Promising studies into the health advantages of ashwagandha have mostly been conducted on animals; more investigation is required.
- This page examines the historical use of ashwagandha, its administration, and the scientific data supporting both its potential health advantages and hazards.
ASHWAGADHA used for;-
- An essential herb in Ayurvedic treatment is ashwagandha. This is one of India's healthcare systems and one of the oldest medical systems in existence.
- Ashwagandha is classified as a Rasayana in Ayurvedic medicine. In other words, it supports the preservation of youth—both intellectually and physically.
- The plant may have neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties, according to some data .many illnesses are characterized by inflammation, which can be reduced to defend the body from a number of ailments.
For example, people use ashwagandha to help treat the following:
- stress
- anxiety
- fatigue
- pain
- skin conditions
- diabetes
- arthritis
-
epilepsy
- In the West, this herb is becoming more well-liked. Today, Americans can purchase ashwagandha as a supplement.
- What health advantages does it have?
- According to scientific research, ashwagandha may be helpful for a variety of illnesses.
- However, little is known about how the herb interacts with the human body, according to researchers. Since animal or cell models have been utilized in the majority of studies to date, experts are unsure if the same outcomes will occur in people.
The following uses for ashwagandha are supported by some evidence:
- When compared to the sedative and anxiety medicine lorazepam, ashwagandha may have a soothing effect on anxiety symptoms.
- According to a study from 2000, ashwagandha may be just as good at reducing anxiety as lorazepam in terms of its ability to do so. However, mice rather than people were used in this study by the researchers.
- In a human study conducted in 2019, it was discovered that ingesting 240 mg of ashwagandha daily considerably reduced stress levels when compared to a placebo. This included lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
- In a different 2019 investigation in humans, ingesting 250 mg or 600 mg of ashwagandha daily led to decreased cortisol levels and self-reported stress levels.
Arthritis
Ashwagandha may work as a painkiller by obstructing the central nervous system's transmission of pain signals. Additionally, it might have some anti-inflammatory qualities.
Because of this, several studies have indicated that it can effectively cure many types of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis.
Cardiac health
Some people take ashwagandha to improve their cardiovascular health, such as:
- bringing down high blood pressure
- bringing down high cholesterol
- relief of chest discomfort
- keeping heart disease at bay
There isn't much evidence to back up these advantages, though.
One 2015 researchIn humans, ashwagandha root extract may increase a person's cardiorespiratory endurance, which may promote heart health, according to a Trusted Source.
Treatments for Alzheimer's
Several studies have looked at ashwagandha's capacity to reduce or prevent loss of brain function in persons with neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, and Parkinson's disease, claims a 2011 reviewTrusted Source.
Memory loss and functional decline are caused by damage to the brain's connective tissue as these disorders worsen. According to this review, ashwagandha may provide protection when given to mice and rats during the early stages of a disease.
Cancer
- identical 2011 review A few encouraging studies that suggest ashwagandha may be able to halt cell development in some tumors are also discussed by Trusted Source. In animal studies, this also involves a decrease in lung tumors.
What is the use of ashwagandha power ?
- Ashwagandha powder is obtained from a fruiting plant and is referred to as Withania somnifera in the Western world. The trees that bear the fruits of ashwagandha produce small berry-like fruits. However, these small fruits are not the most sought after, the dried roots of this plant from which ashwagandha powder is extracted are of most value. Ashwagandha has been used in India since ancient times as a rejuvenator and immunity booster. It has been considered in medical Ayurveda as a stress reliever, helps in changing moods and recharges energy levels.
Have any medicinal uses of ashwagandha Roots?
- Ashwagandha roots are known for containing natural steroids called withanolides that make this plant an Ayurvedic medicine. The first record of the use of ashwagandha dates back to 6,000 BC where it was used to treat arthritis, anxiety tumours, and more. In modern medicine, it is used as a relief to cognition and behavioural errors.
Are you thinking of taking Shatavari and Ashwagandha together? If so, you might be wondering if combining these two herbs is safe. Both are well-known for their many health advantages, such as immune support, hormone balancing, and stress relief. Based on empirical research and historical usage, we'll examine the advantages and possible drawbacks of combining Ashwagandha with Shatavari in this article.
Let's look at the advantages of taking Ashwagandha and Shatavari individually before discussing any potential hazards of doing so.
For thousands of years, ashwagandha has been utilized to strengthen the body's stress response. It has been demonstrated to lower cortisol levels, lower anxiety, and enhance sleep. Ashwagandha may also have neuroprotective qualities.
DOSAGE
- The recommended dosage for ashwagandha can vary depending on your needs, but most research suggests that taking 250–500 milligrams (mg) per day for at least 1 month may be beneficial.
- Ashwagandha, also known by its botanical name Withania somnifera, is a small woody plant with yellow flowers native to India and North Africa.
- It’s classified as an adaptogen, as it’s believed to help your body manage stress better.
- The plant — particularly its root — has been used for over 3,000 years as a natural Ayurvedic remedy against various ailments .
- Modern science also links it to health benefits, such as reduced stress and anxiety and improved blood sugar levels, mood, and memory.
This article reviews the optimal dosages needed to reap different health benefits.
There is no standard dosage based on current clinical trials, and different studies have used different dosages. Some research suggests that taking 250-600 mg of ashwagandha per day can reduce stress. Other studies have used much higher dosages. Capsule dosages frequently contain between 250 and 1,500 mg of ashwagandha. The herb is available as a capsule.
High doses might occasionally have undesirable side effects. Before using any new herbal supplements, including ashwagandha, it is best to discuss safety and dose with a healthcare expert.
Exist any negative effects?
- Small to medium doses of ashwagandha are typically tolerated by most people. However, insufficient long-term research have been conducted to adequately investigate any potential negative effects.
- Ashwagandha can cause stomach problems, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting when taken in large doses. This might be brought on by intestinal mucosal inflammation.
Is it safe?
- Pregnant women should avoid using ashwagandha because it may cause distress for the fetus and premature labor.
- Another potential concern for Ayurvedic herbs is that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) do not regulate the manufacturers. This means that they are not held to the same standards as pharmaceutical companies and food producers.
- It is possible for herbs to contain contaminants such as heavy metals, or they may not contain the actual herb at all. People should be sure to do some research on the manufacturer before purchasing any product.
- According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative HealthTrusted Source, some Ayurvedic products may contain lead, mercury, and arsenic in levels above what experts consider to be acceptable for human daily intake.
Summary
- Ashwagandha is a herbal treatment in Ayurvedic medicine. Some studies suggest that ashwagandha could have a range of health benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety and improving arthritis.
- Pregnant women and people with preexisting health conditions should talk to their doctor before using ashwagandha.
- Many of the studies so far have been small, conducted in animals, or had flaws in their design. For this reason, researchers cannot say with certainty that it is an effective treatment. More work is necessary.
If a person chooses to use this herb as part of a treatment plan, they should be sure to discuss it with their doctor first.
