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Ashwagandha (Indian ginseng, welcoming lethargic) is a plant whose properties and healing effects have been used in Ayurvedic medicine for years. In medicine, the fruits and the root of this plant have been used as a tonic to strengthen, increase vitality and improve the work of the mind. Besides, ashwagandha helps fight male infertility. What else does ashwagandha do? Should I use it in the morning or at night? How to dose ashwagandha tablets? What are the contraindications and side effects of its use?

Ashwagandha - what is it?

Ashwagandha , also known asIndian ginsengor saying sluggish (LatinWithania somnifera) is a plant that has been used in alternative medicine thanks to its properties and healing effects.

Other namesashwagandhyto indian ginseng, Winter cherry, Kanaje Hindi and Samm Al Ferakh.

In Ayurvedic medicine, ashwagandha is used as a remedy for:

  • arthritis
  • sleep disturbance
  • tuberculosis
  • bronchitis
  • asthma
  • vitiligo
  • back pain
  • fibromyalgia
  • menstrual disorders
  • hiccup
  • chronic liver diseases.

Ashwagandhain pill or capsule form is sold in pharmacies and he alth food stores. The priceashwagandhydepends on the size of the package and the auxiliary substances added to the preparation - it ranges from 40 to even 200 PLN per package.

Dosageashwagandyis described on the packaging - it is recommended to take from one to four tablets (capsules) a day, which, however, depends both on the type of preparation and individual needs.

Ashwagandha - operation and properties

Ashwagandha- opinions on the properties of this plant are divided. However, it has been proven thatashwagandhacan actually prove helpful in these and other diseases. All thanks to the content of several compounds.

  • in the herb of the plant you can find withanolides with antibacterial and anti-cancer properties
  • in the root there are glycovitanolides that act adaptogenic (supportthe body's immunity) and compounds called vitanosides.

Ashwagandha (Indian ginseng) improves brain function

In Ayurvedic medicineashwagandhais treated as a tonic to strengthen, increase vitality and improve the work of the mind.

Similar toginseng(hence the second nameashwagandhy ) improves physical and mental condition, improves concentration and memory, helps fight with stress and weakening of the body. The anti-stress and stimulating effect on the processes of association and memory is probably due to theashwagandhyglycovitanolide contained in the root.

Ashwagandha for depression and schizophrenia

Research shows that the antidepressant effect of the substances contained in the lethargic vitamin is similar to that obtained when administering imipramine (an antidepressant), so it can help people struggling with depression. Its use can also bring positive results to people who struggle with other mental illnesses.

Indian scientists argue thatashwagandhacan improve the he alth of schizophrenic patients who struggle with the metabolic syndrome caused by taking antipsychotic drugs. It also improves cognitive functions in patients with bipolar disorder.

Besides,ashwagandhacan be helpful in the case of anxiety states, neurosis. Isashwagandhafor sleep a good idea? Absolutely - this plant also helps with insomnia.

Ashwagandha for Alzheimer's disease

High hopes are the fact thatashwagandhahas a positive effect on Alzheimer's disease. The main causative agent of Alzheimer's disease is the build-up of certain types of fibers in the brain tissue. In a study in rats in which the disease was artificially induced, dry water extract from the roots ofIndian ginseng .

was used.

It was found that under the influence of the extract with a concentration of 50 μg / ml, the inhibition of the formation of these fibers was 50%. On this basis, the authors of the study suspect that the water extract of sluggish greetings may inhibit the formation of this peptide in the brain tissue of people suffering from Alzheimer's disease and delay its neurodegenerative development .¹

Ashwagandha and cancer

Preliminary studies show that withanolides - substances contained in the leavesashwagandhy- contribute to the inhibition of the growth of many cancers, such as: breast cancer, colorectal cancer, lung cancer or pancreatic cancer without adversely affecting the cellshe althy.

What's more, studies in mice also show that the substances contained in this plant can prevent neutropenia (too low levels of neutrophils - white blood cells - in the blood) caused by chemotherapy. In a study of breast cancer patients,ashwagandharelieves fatigue caused by chemotherapy and improves quality of life.

Ashwagandha protects the liver and stomach

Ashwagandhacan protect the liver from damage from toxic compounds. Therefore, modern phytotherapy recommends its use in conditions of excessive exposure of the body to heavy metals. According to research, the effects ofIndian ginsengare similar to those of silymarin, a substance that protects liver cells from toxic compounds.

In addition, the active substances from vitania roots also protect against stress-induced stomach ulcers.

Ashwagandha for joint diseases

In vitro studies suggest thatashwagandhahas neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects, so it may protect against cartilage damage in osteoarthritis, and thus alleviate the symptoms of osteoarthritis .

Ashwagandha for male infertility

Ashwagandhacan be helpful in treating male infertility as it improves sperm quality. According to a study by scientists from Chhatrapati Shahuji Maharaj Medical University in India,ashwagandhaincreases the number and motility of sperm. 75 he althy men (control group) and 75 men diagnosed with infertility participated in the experiment.

Ashwagandha strengthens the immune system

Herbal treatment with tea containing e.g.Indian ginsengincreased NK (Natural Killer) cell activity in he althy volunteers with recurring colds and low NK cell activity in the body.

NK cells are the main group of cells of the immune system, whose task is to attack and destroy, among others viruses and bacteria. Therefore,ashwagandhais recommended in order to strengthen immunity, especially before the fall / winter illness season.

Ashwagandha is rich in iron. Therefore, it is recommended for people struggling with anemia.

Ashwagandha and diabetes

Ashwagandhareduces blood sugar levels, glycosylated hemoglobin and increases insulin sensitivity - this is what results from studies on animals with type 2 diabetes. Such effects were obtained after the end of the 5-week experiment , in timewhose water extracts fromIndian ginsengwere administered orally to rodents once a day.

Ashwagandha - side effects

Ashwagandhaand the thyroid gland - is there a relationship? Isashwagandhasafe? Basically yes, but you may experience side effects when taking it.

Possible ashwagandha side effects include:

  • hyperthyroidism
  • burning, itching and discoloration of the skin.
Important

Ashwagandha - contraindications

The contraindication to the use ofIndian ginsengis pregnancy. It should also be abandoned by people who take sedatives, sleeping pills (e.g. triazolam), antiepileptics, and anesthetics.

What does ashwagandha (Indian ginseng) look like? See photos:

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Category:

Alternative medicine