May 20, 2012

Ashwagandha – India’s Ancient Healing Herb

Ashwagandha – India’s Ancient Healing Herb

Article by Susan Lamont









Ashwagandha is a shrub from The Indian sub-continent that has been used for thousands of years in traditional Ayurveda medicine. There are multiple uses of this shrub including preventing dementia, stimulating the immune system, treating hypothyroidism and preventing cancer. In India the root of the shrub is sometimes brewed into a tea.

Withanolide is the main compound in ashwagandha that lends it its curative abilities. This compound is recognized as steroidal and its effects directly mimic the curative effectiveness of ginseng. Other terms for the bush include Indian ginseng, winter cherry, ajagandha and kanaje hindi. This herbal remedy is regarded as safe with no recorded negative interactions with other medications.

Ashwagandha acts like an antioxidant with its various flavonoids which gives it its immune boosting powers.Contemporary studies by universities around the world have agreed that the shrub both promotes the growth of and helps restore the connections in the brain. This plant can even help prevent cancer and stimulate thyroid hormone production which increases the metabolism.

Ashwagandha simulates the immune system, decreases inflammation and reports are showing that it increases brain performance in mammals. Frequently, the root of the plant is dried and turned into a powder that is utilized in the shape of a tablet. To make the tea, a little part of the root of the plant is boiled for 15 minutes before consuming. For the tea method to be effective, one ought to consume about 3 cups each day.

The plant itself is a shrub that reaches about 5 and a half feet in height. It produces yellow-orange flowers that become big berries. This plant is classified in the solanaceae, or nightshade, family of plants. This family of vegetation has performed a considerable role in human history. They are both the source of common vegetables like tomatoes, peppers and potatoes while other plants in this category yield some of the most poisonous plants in the world.

Adding an ashwagandha supplement into your daily diet so that you can also profit from its various healing powers. This fantastic plant is like a best kept secret from India to Western populations. Search for this herb both in specialty health stores and food co-ops, or order it via the internet. You can find it in the form of pills, oils and teas. It is feasible to plant one of these shrubs in your own yard granted that you don’t live in a place that is overly rainy or becomes cold enough to snow.



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You can learn more about the recognized the effects of ashwagandha and added essential information you really should understand if you are considering using additional organic remedies.










Introduction to dementia (Alzheimer’s, others): material for awareness programs in India

This presentation is from dementia-care-notes.in The presentation provides an overview of dementia, including (1) basic facts about dementia and its prevalence (2) how dementia affects patients and people around them (3) how we can help reduce the patient distress and caregiver burden This presentation was prepared for use by persons conducting dementia awareness programs in India. It can also be used by laypersons to get an initial understanding of dementia. While it contains information useful for anyone interested, it includes data and examples from India. This material is not a substitute for medical advice.
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