Many people use herbal remedies as an alternative to medicine because they believe this route provides a “natural” way for healing and treatment of illness. Ashwagandha, a plant that grows year round in India, is an herb used for its therapeutic properties. In the language, Sanskrit, ashwagandha means “the smell of a horse.” One theory on how this evergreen shrub was given its name is because of the strong odor of the root of the plant. Another theory suggests the name was acquired for the belief that people who consume the herb can attain the strength and vitality of a horse. The ashwagandha plant’s use dates back to ancient times and is well known in the medicinal practice called, Ayurveda, which originated in India, still used today
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(Shrivastava, 2016) Every part of the plant can be used, but the root is considered the most useful part because of its supposed antioxidant, analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have been conducted to test the benefits of ashwagandha in people with rheumatoid arthritis, a disease that manifests in the joints as chronic inflammation and although results showed potential for the herb to reduce inflammation; more research on a larger scale is needed to prove a true benefit. (Shrivastava, 2016) Supplying a calming and sedative effect on the nervous system, as well as helping to induce sleep, are among other therapeutic claims of this botanical. For this reason it has been tested and compared against benzodiazepines in clinical trials for the treatment of anxiety disorders, but again, more research is needed to evaluate the efficacy. (Tweed, 2016) Finally, ashwagandha is listed as an adaptogen. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, an adaptogen is a nontoxic plant extract that increases the body’s resistance to damaging effects of stress. Ashwagandha holds the claim that it helps the body maintain homeostasis and lowers the level of the stress hormone, cortisol. (Tweed,
(Shrivastava, 2016) Every part of the plant can be used, but the root is considered the most useful part because of its supposed antioxidant, analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have been conducted to test the benefits of ashwagandha in people with rheumatoid arthritis, a disease that manifests in the joints as chronic inflammation and although results showed potential for the herb to reduce inflammation; more research on a larger scale is needed to prove a true benefit. (Shrivastava, 2016) Supplying a calming and sedative effect on the nervous system, as well as helping to induce sleep, are among other therapeutic claims of this botanical. For this reason it has been tested and compared against benzodiazepines in clinical trials for the treatment of anxiety disorders, but again, more research is needed to evaluate the efficacy. (Tweed, 2016) Finally, ashwagandha is listed as an adaptogen. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, an adaptogen is a nontoxic plant extract that increases the body’s resistance to damaging effects of stress. Ashwagandha holds the claim that it helps the body maintain homeostasis and lowers the level of the stress hormone, cortisol. (Tweed,