Ashwagandha is an ancient herb that has been used for millennia in Indian Ayurvedic medicine. It is said to lower stress levels and help people sleep, among other benefits. The Ashwagandha plant (also known as Indian ginseng and Winter Cherry) grows in India, parts of Africa and the Middle East. Formally known as Withania Somnifera, medicine from it is principally made from its roots and berries. Extracts from the plant are grouped into the category of compounds known as adaptogens that help the body control stress and resist disease.
Some research has been undertaken on the benefits of Ashwagandha supplements with the following benefits identified:
• Stress and Anxiety
Some studies have shown that Ashwagandha may have a calming effect in people suffering from symptoms of anxiety. In one study, people taking between 250mg and 650mg of Ashwagandha supplements per day were showing lower self-identified levels of stress as well as having reduced levels of cortisol. More research is required to prove its use in the treatment of anxiety.
• Arthritis
The herb may act by relieving pain in people suffering from arthritis by preventing pain signals from being transmitted through the central nervous system, it has been proposed, and also has anti-inflammatory properties which makes it an effective treatment for the condition.
• Heart Conditions
Some people use Ashwagandha to help with improving heart health and underlying conditions. It is said to help in lowering blood pressure, lowering the impacts of high cholesterol, with chest pain and preventing heart disease. Some studies suggest that it helps improve a person’s cardiorespiratory performance but more research is required.
• Alzheimer’s Disease
Some studies have shown the ability of Ashwagandha to slow or prevent the loss of brain function in people suffering from neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and others.
Ashwagandha supplements are readily available but the dosage that should be used depends on the condition to be treated. Some practitioners of traditional medicine suggest taking between 250mg and 600mg a day for stress relief while some researchers suggest much higher dosages. Supplements are available in capsule form which contain dosages ranging from 250mg to 1,500mg of Ashwagandha. Extracts from the herb come in various forms including capsules, liquid extracts and powders. It should be noted that in cases where high dosages are taken there can be some side effects including drowsiness and digestive discomfort such as diahhrea. A doctor should be consulted before taking the supplement.
