India is well-known for being the birthplace of Ayurveda and other medicinal herbs. One of the reservoirs’ richest herbs. Here are some of the benefits and side effects of ashwagandha:
What exactly is Ashwagandha?
Withania somnifera, also known as ashwagandha or winter cherry, is a Solanaceae or nightshade family evergreen shrub native to India, the Middle East, and parts of Africa. Ashwagandha has been used for hundreds of years to make medicines. Its roots and fruits contain elements that are known to calm the mind, boost the immune system, and lower blood pressure. As a result, it is classified as an adaptogen, implying that it regulates stress levels in the human body.
Interesting Ashwagandha facts:
- The name Ashwagandha comes from the Sanskrit language and means “Smell of a Horse,” referring to the horse-like smell of its roots and its ability to increase body strength.
- Winter Berry is another name for Indian Ginseng.
- It is useful due to the presence of bioactive compounds in its root, such as withaferins, withanolide glycosides, saponins, alkaloids, and acylsteril glycosides.
- Ashwagandha has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for over 3000 years.
- It has been reported that the healing properties of Ashwagandha have aided in the treatment of chronic diseases such as Alzheimer’s, cancer, and anxiety.
Ashwagandha advantages for medicinal properties and elements include:
- Stress and anxiety relief
- Arthritis, insomnia, and skin conditions are all treated.
- Aids in the prevention of memory loss
- Insulin is produced, and blood sugar levels are reduced.
- Reduces bad cholesterol
- Helps to increase testosterone levels in men
- Aids in the treatment of Alzheimer’s
- Treats digestive problems
Ashwagandha advantages:
- Stress Reduction
According to several types of research, Ashwagandha advantages include the ability to help reduce stress. When tested on rats, the elements in the herb were found to block stress trails in the brain by sending chemical signals through the nervous system. As a result, it was classified as an adaptogen. However, there is no solid evidence to support the other claimed uses.
- Blood Sugar Level Reduction
Several human studies conducted by researchers found that Ashwagandha stimulated insulin secretion in both healthy and diabetic people. As a result, the body’s blood sugar level was reduced.
- Certain Cancers Benefit From It
Animal and Test-tube studies have recorded that there is a component of Ashwagandha called Withaferin which helped in inducing Apoptosis- a form of ‘programmed cancer cell death’.
- Furthermore, animal studies revealed that the same element aided in the reduction of lung tumours. There have been numerous claims that Ashwagandha can slow the progression of human cancers such as breast, lung, kidney, and prostate cancer. However, there is no solid evidence to back up the speculations.
- Arthritis Treatment
Regular but controlled consumption of Ashwagandha supplements has shown promising results in the treatment of Arthritis. Its components act on the nervous system, preventing the transmission of pain-related signals throughout the body. It is also used to treat arthritis due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Reduce Cholesterol
Ashwagandha advantages also include its ability to lower cholesterol levels in people who have high cholesterol. The herb reduced blood fat levels in the Animal bodies. In addition, a rat study found that taking cholesterol reduced cholesterol by 53%. Thus, it is proven that ashwagandha for cholesterol is very effective!
- Alzheimer’s Disease Patients with Alzheimer’s disease frequently experience memory and brain function loss as a result of brain damage that connects different parts of the brain. Studies on rats in the early stages of the disease revealed that the herb may protect against excessive health damage.
- Increases Testosterone in Men
According to the findings of a few animal studies, Ashwagandha may help to alleviate problems with brain function caused by injuries or damage. It protects nerve cells and promotes antioxidant activity.
Ashwagandha side effect:
It is recommended that one take a limited and controlled dose of Ashwagandha churna in order to avoid some side effects that are not beneficial to a healthy body.
- Oral Consumption: Taking the herb for a maximum of three months is thought to be potentially safe. When taken on a regular basis and in larger doses, it may cause stomach upset, diarrhoea, and vomiting.
- Can Cause Miscarriages: Among people who shouldn’t take ashwagandha, pregnant women should definitely avoid consuming the herb as it may result in an early delivery or miscarriage. It is a dangerous ashwagandha side effect.
- Stomach Ulcers: The use of Ashwagandha can cause gastrointestinal irritation, leading to stomach ulcers.
- Thyroid: Regular consumption of the herb may cause an increase in thyroid hormones in the body. As a result, it should be avoided if a person has Thyroid disease or is taking thyroid-related medications.
- The Nervous System Slowdown After Surgery: In some cases, Ashwagandha causes a nervous system slowdown, and different medications taken during or after surgery may cause major damage. One should discontinue use of the herb at least two weeks before surgery.
Conclusion:
Despite this, Ashwagandha and Ayurvedic medicine continue to be a mystery to modern science. Several studies have been conducted, but they were either too small, performed exclusively on animals, or had a few flaws in the overall plan. As a result, specialists cannot confidently state that it is a successful treatment. However, the benefits cannot be overlooked.
Even though there are various benefits and side effects of ashwagandha, it is strongly advised that Ashwagandha not be used in place of any clinical medications prescribed by your primary care physician. If you intend to use the herb as a major component of your treatment plan, consult with your primary care physician first.
