Ashwagandha (withania somnifera) or “Indian ginseng”, is an herb that is extensively used in Ayurveda, the traditional health care system in India for over 3000 years. Ashwagandha is used as a general tonic and adaptogen for a wide range of health issues. An adaptogen is a substance said to increase the body’s ability to withstand stress of all types.
According to on study in animals, ashwaghanda may raise thyroid hormone levels. For this reason, it should not be used by people with hyperthyroidism. In addition, based on traditional beliefs that ashwagandha has sedative effects, interactions with sedative drugs are a potential concern.
- Acts as a rejuvenative with anti-stress and adaptogenic actions, helping the body cope with life’s daily challenges
- Supports a healthy response to stress
- Improves physical endurance and energy
Scientists have discovered that the Indian herb ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) counters some of the oxidative damage generated by nervous tension.
Ashwagandha has been the subject of animal studies and is believed to confer improvements in well-being and a healthy outlook in humans. In a large clinical trial, ashwagandha reduced levels of the hormone cortisol by up to 26% while maintaining already normal blood sugar levels and lipid profiles. Subjects who took the standardized ashwagandha extract reported improvements in energy, sleep and well-being, as well as diminished fatigue. Additional research suggests that ashwagandha confers neuroprotection by supporting the regeneration of axons and dendrites, nerve cell components that support brain and nervous system function.
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- Ashwagandha as Adaptogen: It is generally used as an adaptogen to help the body in order to reduce the stress and changing conditions. This non-toxic herb will works on a nonspecific basis in order to normalize the psychological functions, working on the neuroendocrine system and the HPA axis.
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- Ashwagandha as a stress reliever: Ashwagandha has very effective and remarkable stress-relieving properties. Premature aging which is linked with chronic nervous tensions may lead to the enhanced the production of oxidative stress. This oxidative stress is generally prohibits the potent antioxidants which are generally present in ashwagandha. The stress-relieving properties of ashwagandha are comparable to the medicines used to treat depression and anxiety. It is also generally used in tranquilizers and antidepressant drugs.
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- Ashwagandha for arthritis pain: It is basically a natural treatment for arthritis. It is naturally occurring steroid compounds which are effective in reducing the pain as effectively as aspirin and phenylbutazone which is generally given in the same amount, but without the side effects that those drugs cause. Plus, it is also effective in lowering the swelling and redness in the arthritic joints.
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- Ashwagandha for good sleep: Because ashwagandha has anti-anxiety and nerve calming effects, it is effective in promoting the sound, restful sleep. It is also effective in stopping the mental chatter which goes round and round in your head.
- Ashwagandha for fighting the signs of aging: Ashwagandha consists of high levels of antioxidants that savage the free radicals which is effective in fighting the signs of aging i.e. wrinkles, dark spots, fine lines and blemishes. It is also effective in protecting from skin cancer.
- Ashwagandha stimulates collagen production: Ashwagandha consists of steroidal compounds which is effective in enhancing the estrogen levels in the body. DHEA and estrogen will help in keeping the skin youthful by regulating the collagen production and enhances the natural skin oils.
Using Ashwagandha Supplements or Ayurvedic Ashwagandha Products
- The general dosage of this plant is around 4 – 5 grams a day.
- Ashwagandha is often sold in the form of capsules.
- Take 1-2 two capsules every day in the evening.
- For preparing infusion and decoction, take 2 grams of dried root for one infusion. Boil the plant for 15 minutes and leave it to infuse for 10 minutes. Do not consume more than 2 cups of decoction per day. Ashwagandha has embalming properties and natural powers to heal the body and spirit.
References:
http://www.academia.edu/18910317/Multipurpose_Efficacious_Medicinal_Plant_Withania_somnifera_L._Dunal_Ashwagandha_
http://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/ashwagandha-health-benefits#1
http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/health-benefits-ashwagandha/
http://www.food.ndtv.com/ayurveda/ashwagandha-the-powerful-health-benefits-and-beauty-benefits-you-need-to-know-1220328
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