Ashwagandha is a popular "adaptogenic" herb, meaning it helps your body to cope with stress factors. You can also use ashwagandha to treat many different psychological and physical problems or conditions. As with any herbal remedy, you should talk with your doctor before taking ashwagandha extract to discuss any potential side effects or negative interactions.
History
Ayurvedic medicine in India has used ashwagandha for centuries to treat a wide range of health conditions, including inflammation, tumors and infectious diseases, says the University of Michigan Health System. Ayurvedic medicine used ashwagandha as an overall health tonic, earning the herb the nickname "Indian ginseng," notes the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Ashwagandha has also been used in traditional medicine to treat fevers, particularly in African tribes.
Benefits
Today, ashwagandha is used to treat stress, fatigue, pain, diabetes, gastrointestinal ailments, arthritis, epilepsy and skin diseases or infections, says the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. You can take ashwagandha to boost your immune system, treat rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, as well as ease stress. Ashwagandha may also help treat anxiety and depression, as well as offer sedative effects and promote sleep.
Function
Ashwagandha contains withanolides, compounds that are responsible for the herb's anti-inflammatory and immunostimulant effect. In addition to withanolides, ashwagandha contains saponins, steroidal lactones and alkaloids.
Scientific Evidence
Animal studies published in 1994 confirmed that ashwagandha's withanolides stimulate lymphocytes, which are immune system cells. A 1981 study conducted in India found that ashwagandha had anti-inflammatory activities, and another study in India published in 1995 revealed that withanolides derived from ashwagandha improved mental cognition in rats. A 2008 Indian study found that ashwagandha helped to treat hyperglycemia and insulin problems related to type 2 diabetes in rats. Test tube studies published in 2003 and 2007 have found that ashwagandha extracts can inhibit cancer cell growth in the breasts, colon, lungs and central nervous system. A 2009 randomized controlled clinical trial found that ashwagandha helped to treat anxiety, and another double-blind clinical trial published in 1991 found that the herb helped to treat osteoarthritis.
Dosage
You can make a tea by boiling 1 to 2 grams of ashwagandha root in 1 cup of milk or water for 15 to 20 minutes, drinking the tea three times per day. You can also take ½- to ¾-teaspoon three times daily of the ashwagandha extract tincture or 3 to 6 grams of dried root in capsule form once each day.
Dangers
Ashwagandha is generally safe and has produced few reported side effects. But you should beware of certain risks involved with this herbal extract. If you have hyperthyroidism, you shouldn't take ashwagandha extract because the herb can increase your hormone levels and worsen your condition. Also, ashwagandha may increase the effects of barbiturates, due to the herb's sedative actions. You shouldn't take ashwagandha at the same time as other sedative medications. If you're pregnant, you should also avoid taking ashwagandha because it may cause a spontaneous abortion.
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