Difference between revisions of "Ashwagandha"
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*skin infections | *skin infections | ||
*epilepsy | *epilepsy | ||
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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: | Research on ashwagandha is limited, but several studies have shown that the herb may be useful in addressing the following health problems: | ||
| − | *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. | + | *[[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. |
| − | *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. | + | *[[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. |
*Type 2 Diabetes : Ashwagandha may help normalize high blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity, according to preliminary, animal-based research published in 2008. | *Type 2 Diabetes : Ashwagandha may help normalize high blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity, according to preliminary, animal-based research published in 2008. | ||
| − | *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. | + | *[[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. |
| + | * [[Hypothyroidism]] : ashwagandha can aid normalization of various pathogenic states without overstimulating or under-stimulating hormones, Ayurvedic practitioners use it to treat both hyper- and hypothryoidism. | ||
[[Category:Treatments]] | [[Category:Treatments]] | ||
[[Category:herbal medicine]] | [[Category:herbal medicine]] | ||
Revision as of 12:10, 2 July 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
- immunity-boosting : 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.
- rheumatoid arthritis
- pain
- fatigue
- gastrointestinal disorders
- skin infections
- epilepsy
Research on ashwagandha is limited, but several studies have shown that the herb may be useful in addressing the following health problems:
- 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.
- 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.
- Type 2 Diabetes : Ashwagandha may help normalize high blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity, according to preliminary, animal-based research published in 2008.
- 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.
- Hypothyroidism : ashwagandha can aid normalization of various pathogenic states without overstimulating or under-stimulating hormones, Ayurvedic practitioners use it to treat both hyper- and hypothryoidism.
