Difference between revisions of "Ashwagandha"

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(→‎The benefits of Ashwagandha are)
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==The benefits of Ashwagandha are==
 
==The benefits of Ashwagandha are==
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Extracts from Ashwagandha roots, which are grown in India, Africa, the Middle East and the Mediterranean, are claimed to provide medicinal benefits by reducing stress, inflammation, and cancer-causing agents and by improving cardiovascular, central nervous system and endocrine, and thyroid hormonal health. But do the conflicting scientific reports mean that Ashwagandha is perhaps too wild for proper thyroid health? If so, what may Ashwagandha be used for?
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Ashwagandha is regarded as an adaptogen (a type of herb said to strengthen your resistance to stress while enhancing your energy). Often used to boost the immune system after an illness, ashwagandha is also included in formulations that aim to treat these conditions:
  
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Everyone has a thyroid gland, a butterfly shaped gland in the front of the neck, which is part of the endocrine system producing hormones for regulation of all organ systems in the body. The thyroid hormones, which are released into the blood, travel throughout the body controlling heart, liver, kidney, brain, immune and skin systems, as well as metabolism.
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*rheumatoid arthritis
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*pain
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*fatigue
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*gastrointestinal disorders
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*skin infections
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*epilepsy
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*Ashwagandha Benefits
  
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Those with hyperthyroidism experience an overproduction of hormones; those with hypothyroidism suffer a deficiency. Patients with thyroid issues sometimes seek relief from Ashwagandha root; whereby, certain components of the root increase glucose-6-phosphatase function in the liver, thereby increasing thyroid function, according to various holistic practitioners.
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Research on ashwagandha is limited, but several studies have shown that the herb may be useful in addressing the following health problems:
  
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From animal studies with mice, researchers at D.A. University in Indore, India suggest that Ashwagandha root extracts have the ability to stimulate thyroid hormones. Basically, the data suggests that Ashwagandha increases serum concentrations of thyroid hormones; thus, one case study states that excessive hormonal effects, or thyrotoxicosis, may be quite a serious side effect of the root. This may mean that those suffering hypothyroidism will temporarily suffer hyperthyroidism and vice versa. Studies also provide evidence that ceasing supplementation corrects thyrotoxicosis.
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1) Osteoarthritis
  
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While Ashwagandha has not been extensively studied for thyroid health to date, some patients say that short-term use of Ashwagandha, or its periodic use, provides relief from symptoms of hypothyroidism, most notably chronic fatigue and decreased sexual libido. All reports advise caution while supplementing with Ashwagandha, as there is simply not enough scientific evidence to support its continued, chronic use. It is necessary to work closely with a medical practitioner before, during and after a decision to implement Ashwagandha usage for thyroid health.
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For a 2008 study, scientists tested ashwagandha's effects on human cartilage and found that the herb may help protect against inflammation and cartilage damage associated with osteoarthritis.
  
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Other animal studies provide information that Ashwagandha root extracts stimulate the cells of the immune system, decrease swelling and increase brain function, or memory capacity. Historic Indian Ayurvedic medical practitioners often touted Ashwagandha as an adaptogen, i.e. an herbal remedy which defeats the ill effects of stress and boosts overall wellness. Typical dosing remains at 3-6 grams of the dried root per day and may be purchased in capsule, powder, tincture, or tea formats.
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2) Anxiety
  
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Ashwagandha, which means horse's odor in the ancient Indian Sanskrit language, is currently the subject of conflicting evidence for its use in regulating or treating thyroid issues. Nevertheless, Ashwagandha root remains on the cutting edge of new scientific breakthroughs for medical treatments of thyroid and other health issues.
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In an animal-based study published in 2000, researchers found that ashwagandha had an anti-anxiety effect similar to that of lorazepam (a medication used to treat anxiety disorders). The herb also appeared to ease depression.
  
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Studies already completed provide evidence that Ashwagandha helps in easing drug withdrawal symptoms and in reducing anxiety and painful arthritis of the knees. Ongoing studies for Ashwagandha use in Tuberculosis, Parkinson's Disease, Bone Cancer, Bipolar Disorder, and Diabetes patients are either currently underway or recently completed.
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3) Type 2 Diabetes
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Ashwagandha may help normalize high blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity, according to preliminary, animal-based research published in 2008.
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4) Cancer
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In a 2003 study, tests on human tumor cell lines revealed that ashwagandha may slow the growth of lung, breast, and colon cancer cells.
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Published in 2007, another study on human cells shows that ashwagandha may inhibit tumor growth without harming normal cells.
 
[[Category:Treatments]]
 
[[Category:Treatments]]
 
[[Category:herbal medicine]]
 
[[Category:herbal medicine]]

Revision as of 01:50, 16 March 2012

The roots of Ashwagandha, scientifically referred to as Withania Somnifera, are deeply embedded in ancient Indian Ayurvedic medicine.

Special Precautions of Ashwagandha

  • Although ashwagandha is generally considered safe, the herb may induce abortion when taken in very large doses. Therefore, pregnant women should avoid the use of ashwagandha.
  • Ashwagandha may also increase the potency of barbiturates (a class of drugs that depresses the central nervous system).

The benefits of Ashwagandha are

Ashwagandha is regarded as an adaptogen (a type of herb said to strengthen your resistance to stress while enhancing your energy). Often used to boost the immune system after an illness, ashwagandha is also included in formulations that aim to treat these conditions:

  • rheumatoid arthritis
  • pain
  • fatigue
  • gastrointestinal disorders
  • skin infections
  • epilepsy
  • Ashwagandha Benefits

Research on ashwagandha is limited, but several studies have shown that the herb may be useful in addressing the following health problems:

1) Osteoarthritis

For a 2008 study, scientists tested ashwagandha's effects on human cartilage and found that the herb may help protect against inflammation and cartilage damage associated with osteoarthritis.

2) Anxiety

In an animal-based study published in 2000, researchers found that ashwagandha had an anti-anxiety effect similar to that of lorazepam (a medication used to treat anxiety disorders). The herb also appeared to ease depression.

3) Type 2 Diabetes

Ashwagandha may help normalize high blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity, according to preliminary, animal-based research published in 2008.

4) Cancer

In a 2003 study, tests on human tumor cell lines revealed that ashwagandha may slow the growth of lung, breast, and colon cancer cells.

Published in 2007, another study on human cells shows that ashwagandha may inhibit tumor growth without harming normal cells.

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