What Is Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha is a popular plant used extensively in the traditional systems of medicine to manage or treat various problems. It is used as an adaptogen because it helps in managing stress. Ashwagandha is a Sanskrit word meaning the smell of the horse that ultimately points toward its unique smell and the ability to increase its strength as a stallion. Its botanical name is Withania somnifera. It has many other names, out of which the common ones are Indian ginseng and Winter cherry.
Ashwagandha is a small plant containing yellow flowers and is native to India and North Africa. It has high concentrations of withanolides that can fight against inflammation and tumor growth. Its root and berry are mainly used to make Ayurvedic preparations. Though it is used to manage several problems in traditional systems of medicine, its scientific efficacy is not yet proven in humans. However, many clinical trials have proved its role in various problems.
What Are the Benefits of Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha is one of the oldest herbs having medicinal properties. It is used in Indian Ayurvedic medicine. Its use has been known for more than 3,000 years in relieving stress, increasing energy, and improving concentration.
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Reduction of Blood Sugar Levels - Some studies have shown that it can reduce blood sugar levels. It acts by showing its effects on the secretion of insulin and insulin sensitivity.
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Anti-Cancer Properties - It has been shown in some clinical trials that it helps stop the growth of new cancer cells in many ways. It is believed that ashwagandha generates reactive oxygen species that are toxic to the cancer cells but do not affect the normal cells. Secondly, it can also make cancer cells less resistant to apoptosis.
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Reduces Cortisol Levels - Cortisol is called the stress hormone as the adrenal glands release it in situations of stress and also when the blood sugar levels become low. But, in some cases, cortisol levels may become raised for long durations, and in such conditions or problems, Ashwagandha can be helpful to play an effective role in reducing it.
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Reduce Stress and Anxiety Levels - It is seen in animal and human studies that ashwagandha can reduce stress and anxiety.
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Reduce the Symptoms of Depression - Though there are not enough studies to prove it, it is suggested that it can reduce depression.
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Increases Fertility in Men - Ashwagandha supplements are believed to have positive and powerful effects on testosterone levels and men's reproductive health by increasing sperm quality and, thus, improving fertility in men.
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Increases Muscle Mass and Strength - Studies show that ashwagandha can increase muscle mass and strength and reduce body fat.
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Reduction of Inflammation - Some clinical studies showed that it increases the natural killer cell activity and decreases inflammatory markers.
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Lowers Cholesterol and Triglycerides - Ashwagandha is known to reduce the risk of heart diseases by decreasing cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
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Improves Brain Function and Memory - Studies show that ashwagandha supplements can improve the brain's functioning, memory, reaction timings, and ability to perform various tasks.
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Its Safety and Availability - Since it is herbal medicine, it is safe and easily available. But, it is advisable to consult the physician before consuming it as some people can show negative effects too.
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Treatment of Arthritis - Ashwagandha may act as a pain reliever and have anti-inflammatory properties. It prevents pain signals from traveling along the central nervous system. People with joint pains have found this herb a potential treatment option for rheumatoid arthritis.
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Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease - Studies show that Ashwagandha can slow down or prevent the loss of brain functioning in patients with Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, and Parkinson's disease. However, only a limited number of clinical trials have been done, and more elaborate studies are still required. So always take it after consulting the Ayurveda physician.
What Are the Side-Effects of Ashwagandha?
It is seen that ashwagandha is tolerated well in minimum to moderate doses. Since there are not enough studies to show the side effects, it is safer to avoid taking it during pregnancy as it may cause early delivery. So it is always advisable to consult the physician before consuming it and explain the complete medical history to the doctor.
How to Consume Ashwagandha?
The dosage and the form of taking it depends on the condition aimed to be treated. There is no standard dose put forward by any modern clinical trials. It can vary from one person to another. Some studies suggest taking 250 to 600 milligrams per day can reduce stress. Sometimes, taking high doses can cause unpleasant side effects. It is available in powder form, liquid extract, and capsule form. Capsule dosages usually contain between 250 to 1500 milligrams of Ashwagandha. The physician can advise after the clinical examination on how much amount of Ashwagandha the person needs to take.
When to Avoid Taking Ashwagandha?
It is mostly safe if taken via the mouth in the short term. Long-term safety is not known. Also, the safety of its topical application is not known. Large doses might cause nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, and diarrhea. As mentioned earlier, it is better not to take it during pregnancy, breastfeeding, diabetes, high or low blood pressure, ulcers in the stomach, or any autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis, SLE (systemic lupus erythematosus), etc., before going for any surgery, thyroid disorders, etc. Pregnant women should avoid it because it can cause premature labor and distress to the fetus. Kindly consult the physician before consuming it. It is likely for herbs to contain contaminants such as heavy metals, or they may not contain the actual herb at all. People should make sure they do some research on the manufacturer before buying any product.
Can Ashwagandha Interact with Medications?
Ashwagandha can interact with diabetes, blood pressure, and immunosuppressant medications. Hence, be cautious if taking these medications and want to take Ashwagandha also. It is mandatory to get consent from the doctor before taking it.
Conclusion:
Modern times are full of stress triggers, which calls for relaxing methods and remedies. Ashwagandha is an option for those who prefer herbal medicines. Ashwagandha has many beneficial effects but also has some precautions and side effects. Hence, getting complete details about it and obtaining the doctor's consent is important before consuming it, and this can be done with the help of medical platforms at the ease of the home.
