{"id":48,"date":"2017-11-15T15:11:33","date_gmt":"2017-11-15T15:11:33","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.herbexaminer.com\/?p=48"},"modified":"2019-09-04T23:36:36","modified_gmt":"2019-09-04T23:36:36","slug":"ashwagandha-the-wonder-herb","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.herbexaminer.com\/herbs\/ashwagandha-the-wonder-herb\/","title":{"rendered":"Ashwagandha: The Wonder Herb"},"content":{"rendered":"
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A few years ago while prowling through my local farmer\u2019s market, on the hunt for the freshest head of cabbage I could find, a woman with long frizzy Janis Jopline-esque hair yelled out to me from across the street. She was sitting down, neatly perched behind a white pop up table that was filled to the brim with colorful, psychedelic taper candles that stood upright next to bars of soap, which were nested in wool and bags of what I\u2019m pretty sure was ground up Mugwort<\/a>. Above her, hanging from a worn canopy tent, was a large brightly colored Mandala banner with the words, \u2018Healing Herbs\u2019 embroidered in moss green.<\/span><\/p>\n

Now, up until this point I actually didn\u2019t know people like this existed. I mean, of course I knew that there were hippies and colorfully dressed new age- spiritual dwellers who walked around talking about their seven Chakras and nine inner energy fields. But being from a small rural town, I sort of assumed that these people all fled to a forest somewhere in Northern California where they shared helpings of tree bark and danced around holding hands while chanting to Mother Gaia<\/span>. I certainly didn\u2019t expect one of them to break loose from the bunch and start trying to sell me shit at a farmers market\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n

I walked over to her stand and politely asked how she was doing. After a brief exchange of pleasantries, she informed me that I was walking with a bit of a limp, which is why she called me over. She quickly reached over her shoulder and pulled out a 4 oz bag of what looked like twigs. Suddenly and without any warning I was thrust into a full blown lecture about the bone healing properties of Ashwagandha. A volley of full blown woo woo and mystical gobbledygook was raining down upon me and my only defense was to smile and nod.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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\u201cAshwagandha is a sacred herb and has been used by the people of India for thousands of years to strengthen bones and increase spiritual well being\u201d.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\u201cThe most esteemed Hindu sages would administer Ashwagandha to the kings\u201d<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\u201cRishi himself, may blessed peace be upon him, incorporated Ashwagandha into his teachings of what is now Chakra!\u201d<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

At the time, I just couldn\u2019t take it. I did everything in my power to politely disengage from the conversation, just short of throwing the I Ching<\/em> myself. After a few more volleys of metaphysical Jesus herb talk, I informed her that I was late for a meeting and evacuated the area, praying that she wouldn\u2019t hunt me down on a broomstick.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Looking back on it, my sense of skepticism (and closed mindedness) was fairly startling. If I so much as heard the slightest amount of herbalist murmurings, I\u2019d grab my SSRIs and make haste to the nearest prescription pharmacist, to be assured that the scary people would go away soon and take their plants with them.<\/span><\/p>\n

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This dogmatic attitude was completely paradoxical. In an attempt to be a science absolutist, I found myself ending up as an anti-science ignoramus; overlooking vast swaths of data which verifies the health benefits of a vast garden of herbs.<\/span><\/p>\n

As you can tell from the blog name, I\u2019ve since corrected my misgivings and have thus found myself digging deeper and deeper into the world of herbs, uprooting a handful of gems, like Ashwagandha; an herb so rich in history that the sages themselves recommend it\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n

Ashwagandha and Ancient Indian Medicine<\/h3>\n
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Let\u2019s jump all the way back to the Indian Subcontinent in 1,000 B.C, where the oldest scriptures of Hinduism are being completed. These scriptures, written in Vedic Sanskrit and called the Vedas, are a collection of hyms and verses, stuffed with ancient knowledge and wisdom, compiled into four different collections.<\/span><\/p>\n

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  1. Rig Veda\u200a\u2014\u200a<\/strong>Loaded with 1,028 hymns (technically divided into 10 books) making it the largest of the four Vedas. \u201cKnowledge of the Hymns of Praise\u201d.<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Sama-Veda\u200a\u2014\u200a<\/strong>Contains many of the same verses in the Rig Veda, but formatted in a way that\u2019s suppose to be chanted. \u201cKnowledge of the Melodies\u201d.<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Yajur-Veda\u200a\u2014\u200a<\/strong>Essentially a how to book on sacrifices and rituals.\u201cKnowledge of the Sacrificial formulas\u201d.<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Atharva-Veda\u200a\u2014\u200a<\/strong>Filled with charms and mystical enchantments . \u201cKnowledge of the Magic formulas\u201d.<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Each of these texts initiated their own unique cultural practices, but the Artharva Veda in particular was the first of the four Vedas to mention Ayurveda; an ancient and incredibly well documented body-mind health system. As far as ancient texts go, this one was revolutionary for the time period, being the first to point out the importance of getting a full nights rest, to exercise and to use Ashwagandha to strengthen the immune system.<\/span><\/p>\n

    In many ways Ashwagandha was the backbone of Ayrveda; as it was known to be perhaps the most powerful herb. It even means \u201cthe smell of a horse\u201d in Vedic Sanskrit; a comparison to the strength and fortitude of a stallion (and also that the root smells a little bit like a horse).<\/span><\/p>\n

    The impact of Ashwagandha within Hindu culture is something I can\u2019t possibly overstate. The herb was used as a tonic for such a wide variety of ailments\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n

    Feeling stressed? Ashwagandha!<\/span><\/p>\n

    Are your children a tad bit emaciated? Ashwagandha!<\/span><\/p>\n

    A wee bit tired? Throw em\u2019 the gandha!<\/span><\/p>\n

    This all encompassing use of the herb certainly proves it\u2019s effectiveness on an anecdotal level; but let\u2019s throw all of that aside for the moment, and look at the extensive literature surrounding Ashwagandha\u2019s health benefits.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Ashwagandha\u2019s Usefulness<\/h3>\n

    Anti Cancer Properties:<\/h4>\n

    Ashwagandha\u2019s leaves are filled with a potent cytotoxic withanoloid known as Withaferin A. This bio-active molecule is known for its ability to kill both TEP and ALT cells (cells that lengthen telomerase<\/a> and deteriorate chromosomes).<\/span><\/p>\n

    Withaferin A. also induces cell degeneration within certain cancerous cells by engaging pro-apoptotic<\/a> proteins and obstructing anti-apoptotic proteins.<\/span><\/p>\n

    These stunning cancer fighting features have sparked huge interest from the oncology community. Within the next few years, we could see Withaferin A. take center stage in the fight against cancer.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Studies:<\/strong>https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pubmed\/23667686?dopt=Abstract<\/a>https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pubmed\/7556065?dopt=Abstract<\/a><\/p>\n

    Cognitive Decline:<\/span><\/h4>\n

    It\u2019s believed that oxidative stress is the primary contributor of age induced degenerative disorders such as Parkinson disease and Alzheimer\u2019s. In multiple rat studies, administering 300 mg of Ashwagandha extract daily was found to have a \u201cbeneficial effect on cognitive deficit by ameliorating oxidative damage induced by streptozotocin in a model of cognitive impairment\u201d.<\/span><\/p>\n

    (https:\/\/link.springer.com\/article\/10.1007\/s00709-013-0482-2<\/a>)<\/span><\/p>\n

    Ashwagandha was also found to activate antioxidant defense systems, saving nerve cells from apoptosis and DNA damage. As well as causing up-regulation of memory linked neuroplasticity genes and neuronal arborisation, which translates into increased memory.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Studies:<\/strong> https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pubmed\/15901053?dopt=Abstract<\/a>https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pubmed\/19705549?dopt=Abstract<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

    Bi-Polar Disorder:<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n

    https:\/\/link.springer.com\/chapter\/10.1007\/978-3-319-59192-6_17<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

    \u201cThe bioactive constituents of Ashwagandha, including withanolides, indosides, Withaferin A, and others, possess anti-inflammatory-immunomodulatory, anti-oxidant, cortisol lowering, anti-stress, pro-cholinergic, anti-glutamatergic and neuroprotective properties, the very processes that are thought to underlie cognitive impairments not only in in bipolar disorder but also in other psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia and major depression\u201d.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Anxiety:<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n

    Ashwagandha is a natural adaptogen<\/a> and has been found in multiple double blind, placebo controlled studies to lower general and social anxiety. It has also been found to increase general well being over the course of 60 days.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Studies:<\/strong> https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pubmed\/21407960<\/a>https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pubmed\/19718255<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

    Some of Ashwagandha\u2019s Organic Compounds<\/span><\/h3>\n

    beta-Sitosterol\u200a<\/strong>\u2014\u200aCan reduce blood cholesterol levels, and prostate enlargement.<\/span><\/p>\n

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    beta-Sitosterol<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    Kaempferol<\/strong>\u200a\u2014\u200aFound to have some anti cancer effects in vitro studies, has been shown in malignant cancer cells to interrupt cell growth, limit angiogenesis, and induce apoptosis.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Withaferin A\u200a<\/strong>\u2014\u200aSuppresses pro-inflammatory molecules, cytotoxic properties, fights cancerous cells.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Naringenin<\/strong>\u200a\u2014\u200aSignificant antioxidant properties.<\/span><\/p>\n

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    Naringenin<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    Catechin\u200a<\/strong>\u2014\u200aAntioxidant, may favorably affect cholesterol.<\/span><\/p>\n

    However, There Are a Few Pitfalls\u2026<\/span><\/h3>\n

    Despite the hype that numerous supplement companies are pumping out around Ashwagandha, there are a few serious downfalls that are not mentioned enough\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n

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    1. Ashwagandha\u2019s Neurotrophic Properties are interceded through activation of RET<\/a>; RET also has a role as an oncogene, or a gene that has the potential to turn cancerous.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Therefore, It\u2019s possible that long term use of Ashwagandha could possibly raise your chances of cancer.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Source<\/strong>: https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC2765306\/<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

      2. Ashwagandha is an adaptogen, and adaptogens do not have a well known action mechanism. How and why does Ashwagandha work in the way that it does? We\u2019re not entirely sure.<\/span><\/p>\n

      All in all, Ashwagandha has a rich cultural and historical background which compliments it\u2019s effectiveness as an adaptogen. If Anxiety, Depression or Bi-Polar disorder is hindering your day to day life, Ashwagandha is a herb you should seriously consider.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

       <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

      A few years ago while prowling through my local farmer\u2019s market, on the hunt for the freshest head of cabbage I could find, a woman with long frizzy Janis Jopline-esque hair yelled out to me from across the street. She was sitting down, neatly perched behind a white pop up table that was filled to … Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"image","meta":{"_coblocks_attr":"","_coblocks_dimensions":"","_coblocks_responsive_height":"","_coblocks_accordion_ie_support":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[6,31],"tags":[11,13,12],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":null,"featured_image_src_square":null,"author_info":{"display_name":"Eric","author_link":"https:\/\/www.herbexaminer.com\/author\/ewoodliff\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.herbexaminer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/48"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.herbexaminer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.herbexaminer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.herbexaminer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.herbexaminer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=48"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.herbexaminer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/48\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.herbexaminer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=48"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.herbexaminer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=48"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.herbexaminer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=48"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}