Ashwagandha : Powerful Adaptogen.
In our lightning paced world packed with energy depleting distress , a little help to deal with the hustle and bustle is always useful. Ashwagandha is an important herb in Ayurvedic medicine.
In Ayurveda, ashwagandha is called a Rasayana. This means that it helps maintain youth, both mentally and physically.
There is some evidence to suggest that the herb can have neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects. Inflammation causes many health conditions, and decreasing inflammation can protect the body against a variety of conditions.
People use ashwagandha to help treat the following: stress, anxiety ,fatigue ,pain, skin conditions, diabetes, arthritis, and epilepsy.
It is an adaptogen similar to Panax ginseng and it helps the body to normalize during distress.
Different treatments make use of different parts of the plant, including the leaves, seeds, and fruit.
Scientific studies have suggested that ashwagandha might be beneficial for a number of conditions.
There is some evidence to support the use of ashwagandha for the following:
Stress and anxiety
Ashwagandha may have a calming effect on anxiety symptoms when compared with the drug lorazepam, a sedative and anxiety medication.
In a 2019 study , in humans, researchers found that taking a daily dose of 240 milligrams (mg) of ashwagandha significantly reduced people’s stress levels when compared with a placebo. This included reduced levels of cortisol, a powerful stress hormone.
In another 2019 study in humans, taking 250 mg or 600 mg of ashwagandha per day resulted in lower self-reported stress levels, as well as lower cortisol levels.
Although this research is promising, scientists usually collect much more data before recommending the herb to treat anxiety.
Arthritis
Ashwagandha may act as a pain killer, preventing pain signals from traveling along the central nervous system. It may also have anti-inflammatory effects.
Some research has shown it to be effective in treating forms of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis.
A small 2015 study in 125 people with joint pain found the herb to have potential as a treatment option for rheumatoid arthritis.
Heart health
One 2015 study in humans suggested that ashwagandha root extract could enhance a person’s cardiorespiratory endurance, which could improve heart health. However, more research is necessary.
Alzheimer’s treatment
According to a 2011 review, several studies have examined ashwagandha’s ability to slow or prevent loss of brain function in people with neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease.
As these conditions progress, parts of the brain and its connective paths become damaged, which leads to loss of memory and function. This review suggests that when mice and rats receive ashwagandha during the early disease stages, it may be able to offer protection.
Cancer
The same 2011 review also describes a few promising studies that found that ashwagandha might be able to stop cell growth in certain cancers. This includes reducing lung tumors with animal studies.
How to take ashwagandha:
The dosage of ashwagandha and the way people use it depends on the condition they are hoping to treat. There is no standard dosage based on modern clinical trials.
Different studies have used different dosages. Some research suggests that taking 250–600 mg per day can reduce stress. Other studies have used much higher dosages.
Capsule dosages often contain between 250 and 1,500 mg of ashwagandha. The herb comes in the form of a capsule, powder, and liquid extract.
In some cases, taking high doses can cause unpleasant side effects. It is best to speak with a healthcare professional about safety and dosage before taking any new herbal supplements, including ashwagandha.
People can usually tolerate ashwagandha in small-to-medium doses. However, there have not been enough long-term studies to fully examine the possible side effects.
Taking large amounts of ashwagandha can lead to digestive upset, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. This may be due to irritation of the intestinal mucosa.
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 many food and herbal supplements 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.
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.
