Ashwagandha what is, benefits and contraindications

Ashwagandha (somniferous withania l) also known as OROVAL, Mora grass, Indian ginseng and buffer, is a very famous herb in Ayurveda medicine in India, valued by its adaptogenic and revitalizing properties.

According to a study published in the medical journal cureus, the former Ashwagandha has positive effects on stress and anxiety relief. In addition, it also attributes other health benefits.

In this post we will investigate what are the properties and Medicinal benefits that this plant has to treat a set of health conditions, many of them related to mental disorders.

Next, we tell you more about this famous herb.

Content

• What is Ashwagandha?
• Ashwagandha properties
  • 1. Alcaloids
  • 2. Esteroidal lactonas
  • 3. Triethyleneglycol
  • 4. Flavonoids
  • 5. Mineral salts
• In what cases is this plant used?
• What should we remember about Ashwagandha?
• Ashwagandha contraindications
• Dose and presentations of Ashwagandha

What is Ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha is a plant that according to traditional medicine has a large number of uses, as the case may be. This herb belongs to the Solanaceae family, and is a native of India. It has spread in several countries to treat conditions, despite not having a firm support on its healing properties. However, there is evidence that helps fight stress

In addition, this plant has managed to transcend its borders and is now used in many countries as an alternative to treat even emotional physical ailments that may be afflicting many people.

Ashwagandha properties

In the following lines we will detail some medicinal properties that are attributable to the bug.

1. Alcaloids

Thanks to alkaloids this plant has analgesic and sedative components. It presents in total twelve types of alkaloids, of which the main ones are: somniferos, anaferina and pseudotropin.

2. Esteroidal lactonas

One of the main functions that this plant possesses is that they are anti -inflammatory, And this is due to the more than 30 fuss that are found in it; Wiraferina A and Withanolide D are two of the most highlight at the pharmacological level. These have an effect on the human organism as if of steroidal hormones it would be.

3. Triethyleneglycol

The effectiveness contained in this component To improve sleep quality It is supported, since there are evidence where it manages to improve the symptoms of insomnia in mice. In addition, it is a component that is used in chemistry as a solvent.

4. Flavonoids

Flavonoids have Antioxidant capabilities that help the body to prevent the oxidation of their molecules, thanks to them, this component slows the chemical reaction process in which the body transfers electrons of a substance to an oxidizing agent.

5. Mineral salts

The mineral salts that present this plant are iron and potassium. These help Maintain the health of bones, In addition to providing the body with an important energy load during the day.

In what cases is this plant used?

Ashwagandha is famous for its high healing properties, it is also assumed that blackberry gras.

These are The conditions for which this medicinal plant is generally used, regardless of their effectiveness to treat them:

• Arthritis
• Anxiety
• Balance problems
• Difficulties to sleep
• Asthma
• Leukoderma
• Bronchitis
• Back pains
• Menstrual problems
• Parkinson's disease

Ashwagandha is also used to control high levels of fat and blood sugar. Some people consume this plant daily, with the aim of relieving the stress levels caused by the daily routine. While others do it to improve their memory capacity, among other cognitive functions such as analysis capacity.

However, there is no evidence that it works for anything that has nothing to do with stress regulation.

What should we remember about Ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha is well known in Ayurveda medicine due to its antioxidant and revitalizing action. In popular medicine It is recognized as a medicine to reduce stress, anxiety and other mood disorders.

In addition, it is recommended to Take care of cardiovascular health and improve the physical state. However, it is important to know that this herb should not be consumed prolonged but that some forecasts must be taken. Therefore, it should be borne in mind that there are some contraindicated cases, in which it can be detrimental.

Ashwagandha contraindications

It is very important to keep in mind that all herbal remedies derived from Ashwagandha should be used very carefully. Just as it happens with other plants, there are risks of side effects and possible reactions.

In this case, your Alcaloid content makes it incompatible with some patients and their medical treatments.

Ashwagandha is contraindicated in the following cases:

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding
• Children under 12 years
• Hyperthyroidism
• Hemochromatosis
• Gastric sensitivity
• Antidepressant treatments such as zolpiden, clonazepan, sertraline and others
• Use of sleepy
• Medications for hypertension or high cholesterol: in this case, medical consultation is recommended before consuming it

Dose and presentations of Ashwagandha

At the moment there are no data from an exact dose of Ashwagandha. Despite this, Root extracts vary between 300 and 500 milligrams daily. In tea they are usually used between 3 and 5 grams a day.

The plant can be found in any herbal store in the following presentations:

• Dry, chopped or powder root, for decoction use
• Dry or powder leaves for infusion
• Dry or dehydrated berries, seedless
• Liquid extracts
• Powdered root extracts

Bibliographic references

• Medlineplus (2017). US National Library of Medicine.
• Withania Somnifera (2012). Dunal. Tropics. Missouri Botanical Garden.