Benifits of Ashwagandha

• What is Ashwagandha? 

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), also known as “Indian winter cherry” and "Indian ginseng".Ashwagandha is Sanskrit for smell of the horse, which refers to both its unique smell and ability to increase strength.

Ashwagandha is one of the most important herbs in Ayurveda, a form of alternative medicine based on Indian principles of natural healing. It has been used for over 3,000 years to relieve stress, increase energy levels, and improve concentration.

• Benifits of Ashwagandha

•  Stress and anxiety

Ashwagandha may have a calming effect on anxiety symptoms when compared with the drug lorazepam, a sedative and anxiety medication. 

 A 2000 study suggested that the herb had a comparable anxiety-reducing effect with lorazepam, suggesting that ashwagandha might be as effective for reducing anxiety. However, the researchers conducted this study in mice, not humans.

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, which is a 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 need to collect much more data before recommending the herb to treat anxiety. 

•  Arthritis 

Ashwagandha may act as a pain reliever, preventing pain signals from traveling along the central nervous system. It may also have some anti-inflammatory properties. For this reason, 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 

Some people use ashwagandha to boost their heart health, including: lowering high blood pressure lowering high cholesterol easing chest pain preventing heart disease However, there is little research to support these benefits. 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 in animal studies

• Tips:

 Pregnant women should avoid using ashwagandha because it may cause distress for the fetus and premature labor.  

• 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.