Ashwagandha an Ayurvedic Herb
Ashwagandha is one of the herbs from India that are quick to gain international attention. It is chiefly medicinal and has been in use in healing practices associated with folk medicine of many Indian communities. Not surprisingly, it is a priced ingredient in Ayurvedic medicine, being quite ubiquitous as an herbal preparation. It is purported to cure a long list of ailments and to contribute to the overall health of the digestive, muscular, nervous, and reproductive systems.
Withania somnifera or Physalis somnifera are scientific names for the ashwagandha. In the vernacular, it is also known as Indian ginseng or winter cherry. Like all shrubs, it has multiple stems but belongs to the shorter group, growing only up to 75 centimeters. The central stem branches out in a star-shaped pattern. The plant bears fruits that are bright red in color, looking much like cherries. While it is grown for the tuberous roots utilized as an herbal remedy, other parts of the plants such as the berries and the leaves have also been used as topical applications to various skin lesions.
Ashwagandha Stimulates Production of Hemoglobin
Among the commercially touted benefits of ashwagandha, there have been a few that are supported by scientific data. One study points to its alleged role in facilitating iron absorption, the reason why it is given to those diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia as a therapeutic remedy in conjunction with other medications. Iron content in the blood is an important indicator of the healthy red blood cells as it determines the capacity of each cell to take up oxygen. Also, the medical condition anemia is more often than not attributable to low count of hemoglobin in the blood. Intake of ashwagandha has shown to be effective in raising the levels of hemoglobin and affecting the overall health of red blood cells.
Combats Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Consumptions of ashwagandha have also yielded promising results among patients afflicted with mental disorders, notably anxiety related to chronic stress. In fact, it is gaining popularity as an energy-boosting health tonic, and recent mentions of its herbal extracts tied ashwagandha to the alleviation of symptoms collectively identified as chronic fatigue syndrome. It is widely believed by Ayurvedic physicians that it contains phytochemicals responsible for inducing proper circulation and countering the effects of daily stress. Indeed this plant species contain antioxidants that are helpful against the deleterious effects of free radicals especially during prolonged exposure to stress.
Lowers Releases of Pain Chemicals
Of special note are the studies associating ashwagandha with inflammatory disease as is the case with arthritis. There is an increasing number of arthritis sufferers that give testimonials concerning its analgesic effects, and medical professionals have also started looking into it. It is postulated that the chemical compounds present in ashwagandha extracts interact with eicosanoids, a group of organic compounds that supervise the healing process in the form of inflammation. This is the reason why it’s used not only in treatment of arthritis but also other forms of inflammatory responses.