Ashwagandha is a herb that is commonly found in markets as powders and capsules and is used to treat a variety of illnesses. In addition to treating semen disorder, which is a cure-all for many diseases, it has been used to reduce obesity. Additionally, compared to plants found in forests, Ashwagandha grown through farming is of higher quality. The Ashwagandha plant, which grows in forests, is thought to be effective for making oil, though.
What Is Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is a vital component of traditional Ayurveda, Long-standing traditional alternative medicine practiced in India. Withania somnifera, the small, woody shrub’s botanical name, gives the node some of its common uses (somnifera is Latin for “sleep-inducing”).
The common name, Ashwagandha, is loosely translated as “the smell of horses,” which is an appropriate description of the pungent smell released when the roots and leaves of the plant are crushed. ‘Indian ginseng’ or ‘winter cherry’ may be the names you are more familiar with.
The Ashwagandha shrub is native to the Indian subcontinent and can be found in Pakistan, India, and other nearby countries. Additionally, it is indigenous to North Africa and is also present in the Middle East, China, and Nepal.
What Do People Use Ashwagandha For
An essential herb in Ayurvedic medicine is Ashwagandha. This is one of India’s healthcare systems and one of the oldest medical systems in existence.
Ashwagandha is regarded as a Rasayana in Ayurveda. This means that it promotes physical and mental youth.
The herb may have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, according to some evidence. Inflammation underpins many health conditions, and reducing inflammation can protect the body against a variety of conditions.
For example, people use Ashwagandha to help treat the following:
- stress
- anxiety
- fatigue
- pain
- skin conditions
- diabetes
- arthritis
- epilepsy
The leaves, seeds, and fruit of the plant are among the parts used in various treatments.
In the West, this herb is becoming more well-known. Ashwagandha is now available in the United States as a supplement.
Health Benefits Of Ashwagandha
According to scientific research, Ashwagandha may be helpful for a variety of conditions.
Despite this, little is understood by scientists about how the herb affects the human body. Since animal or cell models have been used in the majority of studies to date, scientists are unsure if the same outcomes will be observed in people.
There is some evidence to support the use of Ashwagandha for the following:
Stress And Anxiety
When compared to the sedative and anxiety drug lorazepam, Ashwagandha may have a calming effect on anxiety symptoms.
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, instead of using humans for this study, the researchers used mice.
In a 2019 study trusted Source 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. Cortisol, a stress hormone, was also at lower levels.
In another 2019 study Trusted Source 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 the research is encouraging, much more information is required before the herb is suggested as a treatment for anxiety.
Arthritis
Ashwagandha may act as a painkiller by obstructing the central nervous system’s transmission of pain signals. It could also possess some anti-inflammatory qualities.
For this reason, some research has shown it to be effective in treating forms of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis.
A small 2015 study Trusted Source 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
There is not much evidence to back up these advantages, though.
One 2015 study Trusted Source in humans suggested that Ashwagandha root extract could enhance a person’s cardio respiratory endurance, which could improve heart health. However, more study is required.
Alzheimer’s Treatment
According to a 2011 review Trusted Source, 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.
Memory loss and functional decline result from damage to the brain’s connective tissue as these conditions worsen. According to this review, Ashwagandha may provide protection when given to mice and rats during the early stages of a disease.
Cancer
The same 2011 review Trusted Source also describes a few promising studies that found that Ashwagandha might be able to stop cell growth in certain cancers. In animal studies, this also includes a decrease in lung tumors
Side Effects Of Ashwagandha
1) may cause inability to sleep or insomnia.
Avoid consuming Ashwagandha at night because it stimulates the brain and can lead to issues with insomnia or lack of sleep.
2) Ashwagandha shouldn’t be taken by people with low blood pressure because it can further lower blood pressure.
3) Its excessive use can result in pain, fatigue, and fever.
4) Stomach disorders can result from overusing this.
5) Diarrhea could be an issue.
6) If you take Ashwagandha in excess, you might experience nausea and vomiting.
7) A longer course of Ashwagandha use may be harmful.
How To Take Ashwagandha
Depending on the condition they’re trying to treat, different people will use Ashwagandha in different ways and at different dosages. Based on current clinical trials, there is no set dosage.
The dosages used in various studies varied. Some research Trusted Source suggests that taking 250–600 mg per day can reduce stress. Other research has employed much higher dosages.
Between 250 and 1,500 mg of Ashwagandha are frequently found in capsule dosages. The herb is available in capsule, powder, and liquid extract forms.
High doses can occasionally have unpleasant side effects. Before using any new herbal supplements, including Ashwagandha, it is best to consult a healthcare provider about safety and dosage.
