Ashwagandha is also known as Indian ginseng or winter cherry. This herb is commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine for pain, stress and strain and as a general herbal tonic. It also is added to ointments to use as a topical analgesic treatment for pain and inflammation.
Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spine that usually occurs in the neck or lower-back region. The narrowed canal of the vertebrae can compress the nerves, causing pinching or damage. This can cause pain, numbness, weakness and tingling in the neck, shoulders, arms, back and legs.
Ashwagandha can help decrease pain from spinal stenosis. Consult your doctor before self-treating this potentially serious disorder.
Step 1
Consult your primary care doctor to determine if your pain is due to spinal stenosis. You might be referred to a neurologist and prescribed MRI scans of the spine if necessary. Inform your doctor of all prescription and herbal medications you are taking, as well as what you are using for the pain. Your doctor might prescribe other treatments as needed.
Step 2
Purchase Ashwagandha if your doctor advises that it is safe for you to take. Read the product label carefully to ensure you are not allergic to any of the ingredients in this herbal supplement. Ingest the recommended oral dose of 1 to 6 grams per day as directed on the label.
Step 3
Continue taking Ashwagandha herbal supplement for up to 180 days or as needed for the pain caused by spinal stenosis. Alternately, try using an external ointment containing Ashwagandha for localized pain. Rub the ointment into the skin over the affected area as directed on the product.
If the pain doesn't subside or gets worse after using Ashwagandha for up to one week, see your doctor.
Step 4
Ask your doctor if it is safe to take other prescription or over-the-counter painkillers while using Ashwagandha oral supplements or skin ointment. Your doctor might prescribe these for your spinal stenosis if needed. Do not take this herb with steroid anti-inflammatory drugs, as it might interact negatively.
Tips and Warnings
- Ashwagandha is used for several other conditions, but it has not been medically tested on its potential benefits. These uses include diabetes, epilepsy, gastrointestinal disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, skin infections, stress and fatigue. Consult your doctor before supplementing with Ashwagandha for any reason.
- Spinal stenosis symptoms include tingling, numbness, loss of sensation in the arms or legs, limb weakness, lack of coordination and problems with bladder or bowel function. It does not always cause pain. Nerve damage caused by the compression of the narrowed spine is serious and can cause long-lasting damage. See your doctor immediately if you have any of these symptoms. Ashwagandha should not be used by pregnant women, as it can induce a miscarriage or abortion. Do not use Ashwagandha herbal supplements if you are taking immune-suppressing medications such as corticosteroids. This herb helps boost the immune system and might interact negatively.
Things You'll Need
- Ashwagandha supplements
- Ashwagandha ointment
