Difference between revisions of "Ashwagandha"

Revision as of 12:44, 23 October 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
• stress
• Cancer : Studies have shown the herb inhibits the growth of various types of cancer cells in a lab although further human tests are necessary. The reproduction of breast cancer, lung cancer and colon cancer cells was slowed or stopped in lab tests. In addition, ashwagandha appears to inhibit the growth of supporting blood vessels which supply cancer cells with oxygen and other nutrients to feed on. This means it slows or inhibits the growth of cancerous tumors which begin to thrive and multiply based on this network of supportive blood vessels.
• The herb is also being studied as a potential natural remedy for diseases associated with the degeneration of nerve pathways and brain function such as Alzheimer's, dementia and Parkinson's disease. This is because it has demonstrated an ability to promote the growth of nerve cells.

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

• Osteoarthritis (OA) : 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.