supersudo
Purple Belt
- Joined
- May 27, 2004
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i found out about this herb from chad... and after doin some research on it, it sounded pretty cool so i decided to try it out.. just started taking the stuff at night to help my sleep patterns, boost my immune system and for minor aches and pains from working out.. pretty good stuff.. just like GABA except that it has a buttload of other benefits which is always great... (plus, i didn't like how GABA dehydrated me sometimes givin me a headache in the morning... i guess i wasted my money on GABA.. :icon_cry2 )
summary of what i've learned about this stuff:
anti-inflammatory = for minor aches, pain
mild sedative = sleepiness, drowsiness
boosts immune function = promoting energy
aphrodisiac = :icon_chee
diuretic = remember to drink a lot of water!
anti-oxidant
anti-bacterial
anti-carcinogenic
anti-depressant
anti-anxiety
relieves stress
muscle relaxant
endurance enhancer
i got the planetary formulas brand from vitacost.com in tablet form... i'm sure u can also find it at like a local vitamin shop or something...
and also like any herb.. it should be used in CYCLES... remember that! ^_^
take with a lot of water and/or with meals with a lot of water.. and to be safe.. DO NOT use with any types of medications or herbs...
--------------------
just google "ashwagandha" for more info.. here's what i found from
http://www.raysahelian.com/ashwagandha.html
http://www.wholehealthmd.com/refshelf/substances_view/1,1525,10132,00.html
(cut and paste):
Traditionally, ashwagandha has been used in many ways--as a sedative, a diuretic, a rejuvenating tonic, an anti-inflammatory agent, and as an "adaptogen" (endurance enhancer). Many Western herbalists refer to this herb as "Ayurvedic ginseng" because of its reputation for increasing energy, strength, and stamina, and for its ability to relieve stress.
One reason for ashwagandha's reputation as a general energy-promoting, disease-preventing tonic may be its effect on the immune system. Multiple studies have shown significant increases in white blood cell counts and other measures of strengthened immunity in rodents given ashwagandha or certain chemicals extracted from the herb. Ashwagandha also has a mild sedative effect on the central nervous system, and has been shown in animal studies to be a muscle relaxant. No studies have been done to determine appropriate human uses for these effects, however, so caution is advised.
As a central nervous system depressant, or tranquilizer, the herb should be used in moderation.
Antioxidant properties of Ashwagandha root
Researchers from Banaras Hindu University in Varanasi, India, have discovered that some of the chemicals within ashwagandha are powerful antioxidants. They tested these compounds for their effects on rat brain and found an increase in the levels of three natural antioxidants ��� superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase. They say, "These findings are consistent with the therapeutic use of ashwagandha as an Ayurvedic rasayana (health promoter). The antioxidant effect of active principles of ashwagandha root may explain, at least in part, the reported anti-stress, cognition-facilitating, anti-inflammatory and anti-aging effects produced by them in experimental animals, and in clinical situations."
Aphrodisiac properties of Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is historically used as an aphrodisiac. Ashwagandha is mentioned in the ancient Kama Sutra as an herb to be used for heightening sexual experience, Ashwagandha has the ability to restore sexual health and improve overall vitality while promoting a calm state of mind. I have included an ashwagandha extract in a libido product called Passion Rx (see below).
Laboratory studies show ashwagandha can produce nitric oxide which is known to dilate blood vessels.
Ashwagandha: a Mood Enhancing and Anti-anxiety Herb
The roots of ashwagandha are used extensively in Ayurveda, the classical Indian system of medicine, and ashwagandha is categorized as a rasayana, which are used to promote physical and mental health, to provide defense against disease and adverse environmental factors and to slow the aging process. In rodent studies ashwagandha has been shown to reduce anxiety and have positive effect on mood.
Ashwagandha and the Brain
Ashwagandha is used in India to treat mental deficits in geriatric patients, including amnesia. Researchers from the University of Leipzig in Germany, wanted to find out which neurotransmitters were influenced by ashwagandha. After injecting some of the chemicals in ashwagandha into rats, they later examined slices of their brain and found an increase in acetylcholine receptor activity.The researchers say, "The drug-induced increase in acetylcholine receptor capacity might partly explain the cognition-enhancing and memory-improving effects of extracts from ashwagandha observed in animals and humans."
A study done in 1991 at the Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center indicated that extracts of ashwagandha had GABA-like activity. This may account for this herb���s anti-anxiety effects.
A 2002 laboratory study indicates ashwagandha stimulates the growth of axons and dendrites. A 2001 study in rodents showed ashwagandha had memory boosting ability. A 2000 study with rodents showed ashwagandha to have anti-anxiety and anti-depression effects.
Additional benefits of Ashwagandha
One small study (see bottom of page) found ashwagandha was able to reduce blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and had a diuretic effect.
Ashwagandha Side Effects
Ashwagandha does not have any significant side effects reported in the medical literature, but long term studies are not yet available. Nevertheless, it is best to take breaks from use, for instance, one can take a week off each month or take ashwagandha 3 or 4 times a week as opposed to daily.
USE:
There are no dietary restrictions with ashwagandha. Most herbs are better absorbed on an empty stomach. In some people, certain preparations of ashwagandha can lead to sleepiness or a very relaxed feeling. For those who are tense and anxious, and hyper alert, ashwagandha can be taken during the day, for others, ashwagandha is best taken in the evening.
summary of what i've learned about this stuff:
anti-inflammatory = for minor aches, pain
mild sedative = sleepiness, drowsiness
boosts immune function = promoting energy
aphrodisiac = :icon_chee
diuretic = remember to drink a lot of water!
anti-oxidant
anti-bacterial
anti-carcinogenic
anti-depressant
anti-anxiety
relieves stress
muscle relaxant
endurance enhancer
i got the planetary formulas brand from vitacost.com in tablet form... i'm sure u can also find it at like a local vitamin shop or something...
and also like any herb.. it should be used in CYCLES... remember that! ^_^
take with a lot of water and/or with meals with a lot of water.. and to be safe.. DO NOT use with any types of medications or herbs...
--------------------
just google "ashwagandha" for more info.. here's what i found from
http://www.raysahelian.com/ashwagandha.html
http://www.wholehealthmd.com/refshelf/substances_view/1,1525,10132,00.html
(cut and paste):
Traditionally, ashwagandha has been used in many ways--as a sedative, a diuretic, a rejuvenating tonic, an anti-inflammatory agent, and as an "adaptogen" (endurance enhancer). Many Western herbalists refer to this herb as "Ayurvedic ginseng" because of its reputation for increasing energy, strength, and stamina, and for its ability to relieve stress.
One reason for ashwagandha's reputation as a general energy-promoting, disease-preventing tonic may be its effect on the immune system. Multiple studies have shown significant increases in white blood cell counts and other measures of strengthened immunity in rodents given ashwagandha or certain chemicals extracted from the herb. Ashwagandha also has a mild sedative effect on the central nervous system, and has been shown in animal studies to be a muscle relaxant. No studies have been done to determine appropriate human uses for these effects, however, so caution is advised.
As a central nervous system depressant, or tranquilizer, the herb should be used in moderation.
Antioxidant properties of Ashwagandha root
Researchers from Banaras Hindu University in Varanasi, India, have discovered that some of the chemicals within ashwagandha are powerful antioxidants. They tested these compounds for their effects on rat brain and found an increase in the levels of three natural antioxidants ��� superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase. They say, "These findings are consistent with the therapeutic use of ashwagandha as an Ayurvedic rasayana (health promoter). The antioxidant effect of active principles of ashwagandha root may explain, at least in part, the reported anti-stress, cognition-facilitating, anti-inflammatory and anti-aging effects produced by them in experimental animals, and in clinical situations."
Aphrodisiac properties of Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is historically used as an aphrodisiac. Ashwagandha is mentioned in the ancient Kama Sutra as an herb to be used for heightening sexual experience, Ashwagandha has the ability to restore sexual health and improve overall vitality while promoting a calm state of mind. I have included an ashwagandha extract in a libido product called Passion Rx (see below).
Laboratory studies show ashwagandha can produce nitric oxide which is known to dilate blood vessels.
Ashwagandha: a Mood Enhancing and Anti-anxiety Herb
The roots of ashwagandha are used extensively in Ayurveda, the classical Indian system of medicine, and ashwagandha is categorized as a rasayana, which are used to promote physical and mental health, to provide defense against disease and adverse environmental factors and to slow the aging process. In rodent studies ashwagandha has been shown to reduce anxiety and have positive effect on mood.
Ashwagandha and the Brain
Ashwagandha is used in India to treat mental deficits in geriatric patients, including amnesia. Researchers from the University of Leipzig in Germany, wanted to find out which neurotransmitters were influenced by ashwagandha. After injecting some of the chemicals in ashwagandha into rats, they later examined slices of their brain and found an increase in acetylcholine receptor activity.The researchers say, "The drug-induced increase in acetylcholine receptor capacity might partly explain the cognition-enhancing and memory-improving effects of extracts from ashwagandha observed in animals and humans."
A study done in 1991 at the Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center indicated that extracts of ashwagandha had GABA-like activity. This may account for this herb���s anti-anxiety effects.
A 2002 laboratory study indicates ashwagandha stimulates the growth of axons and dendrites. A 2001 study in rodents showed ashwagandha had memory boosting ability. A 2000 study with rodents showed ashwagandha to have anti-anxiety and anti-depression effects.
Additional benefits of Ashwagandha
One small study (see bottom of page) found ashwagandha was able to reduce blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and had a diuretic effect.
Ashwagandha Side Effects
Ashwagandha does not have any significant side effects reported in the medical literature, but long term studies are not yet available. Nevertheless, it is best to take breaks from use, for instance, one can take a week off each month or take ashwagandha 3 or 4 times a week as opposed to daily.
USE:
There are no dietary restrictions with ashwagandha. Most herbs are better absorbed on an empty stomach. In some people, certain preparations of ashwagandha can lead to sleepiness or a very relaxed feeling. For those who are tense and anxious, and hyper alert, ashwagandha can be taken during the day, for others, ashwagandha is best taken in the evening.
