Category: Health Benefits

What Are The Health Benefits and Medicinal Properties of Ashwagandha Powder

Overview

King of Ayurvedic herbs, commonly known as Ashwagandha is one of the most powerful natural herbs that has huge importance in the field of Ayurvedic and Herbal medicines. The botanical name of the plant is Withania somnifera. It is very beneficial in increasing strength. It increases testosterone levels and also improves glucose metabolism. Various parts of the plant are used in the formulation of various kinds of medications, but the most common in nutritional supplements is an extract of Ashwagandha roots.

The Ashwagandha has been used for more than 5000 years in Indian cultures, for the treatment of different kinds of body’s ailments such as Constipation, Hormone balance, Weakness in old age, Insomnia, Nervous conditions, Joint inflammation and many more. Traditionally, it is used in the form of powder, which is mixed with honey and hot milk for regulating a person sleep as well as wake cycles.

Benefits of Ashwagandha Powder

Benefits of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Powder

An Ancient Herb:

Ashwagandha is one the most Ancient as well as Important Medicinal herb, which has been used for more than 3000 years to treat the disorder of stress and to improve the concentration. In Sanskrit language Ashwagandha means the smell of the horse referring to its both unique smell and also its ability to enhance strength. Powder prepared from the root and the leaves of Ashwagandha plants are used to treat a variety of diseases.

It is often believed that many of its health benefits are mainly due to the high concentration of Withanolides, which have been very beneficial to fight inflammation and tumor growth. Because of these things, Ashwagandha is considered as one of the most prominent herbs in Indian Ayurvedic medicines and also become a popular supplement because of its health benefits

The name of the disorders is as follows

Lower Blood sugar level:

Ashwagandha has Hypoglycemic activity, it is used traditionally to treat many medical problems including diabetes. The demonstrated therapeutic activity in different kinds of animal models as well as in diabetic patients shows that it is a wonderful agent to reduce high blood sugar levels. In recent years scientists have conducted test-tube studies, After completion of that study, they found the conclusion that it has the potential to enhance insulin secretion and improve insulin sensitivity in the muscle cells. Apart from this, in case of schizophrenia if a patient is taking Ashwagandha tablets, then reduction of high blood sugar levels (fasting) is more as compared to those, patients that are on Placebo.

Anti-Cancer Properties:

Ashwagandha tends to have anti-cancer properties. It stops the uncontrolled growth in different ways. In many Animas and Test-tube studies, it is concluded that Ashwagandha induces apoptosis, which means that it has the ability to kill cancer cells also. Ashwagandha works as an anti-cancer agent by performing its action in two ways: 1. Production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in malignant cells and disrupt their function, 2. It made malignant cells less resistant to the phenomena of apoptosis. It is also used to treat various kinds of cancers like Lung, Breast, Brain, Colon and ovarian cancer. A few years ago, a study on an animal was concluded that when Ashwagandha is given to mice with ovarian tumors along with a combination of an anti-cancer drug then, reduction in growth was 70–80%.

Reduce Cortisol Levels:

Another useful property of Ashwagandha is that it reduces the cortisol levels in the body. Basically, Cortisol is called ‘Stress hormone’ and they are released by the adrenal glands as a response to stress also in those conditions even when the level of blood sugar is very low. In some chronic cases when the level of cortisol reached a very high level, then the blood sugar level also gets elevated, which leads to the storage of fat in the abdomen of the patient. All the studies conducted to check its reducing cortisol activity indicate that adults who take Ashwagandha with other supplements have a greater reduction in cortisol level than the control group.

Reduce Stress and Anxiety:

Stress in medical terms is a state of mental or emotional strain or tension, which leads to underperformance as well as adverse clinical conditions. Researchers have found that Ashwagandha has the ability to reduce stress because it blocks the stress pathway in the brains by regulating chemical signals in the nervous system of humans. Several controlled studies also indicate that it has the ability to treat anxiety as well. When Ashwagandha is given to a patient along with other supplements, the reduction in insomnia and anxiety is much more.

health benefits of ashwagandha powder

Anti-depressant:

Only limited research data is available which suggests, that Ashwagandha may help in reduction of depression. A controlled study which is carried out for 60 days, suggests that a high concentration of Ashwagandha helps greatly in the alleviation of depression in serious cases. However, it works in a similar way as it works in case of stress and anxiety.

Increases Fertility in Men:

Ashwagandha increases the amount of testosterone in the body. Due to the increase in the level of testosterone in the body, it improves reproductive health. In a study when 50 infertile men were treated with Ashwagandha that it leads to an increase in sperm count and motility. The men who take this powerful herb has increased the level of antioxidant in their blood. Apart from this, in stress conditions, if a man is on Ashwagandha medication better quality of sperm.

Increases Mass and Strength of muscles:

Ashwagandha improves overall composition of the body. It enhances the mass as well as the strength of muscles. In a study conducted by researchers in order to find the proper dosage regimen of Ashwagandha, men who take Ashwagandha for 30 days have gained more muscle strength. In persons who have an almost two-fold reduction in body fat percentage and improved muscle gains and size.

Inflammation:

The activity of natural killer cells is increased by Ashwagandha. The natural killer cells are those cells that fight against different kinds of infections. So, Ashwagandha helps a person to stay healthy. Apart from this, it also alleviates the number of markers that cause inflammation, like C-reactive protein (CRP). This marker is responsible for an increased risk of heart diseases.

Health Benefits of Ashwagandha PowderHow to Buy Ashwagandha  Online

Lower Cholesterol and Triglycerides:

Along with anti-inflammatory activity, Ashwagandha also has the ability to reduce the high cholesterol levels cholesterol and triglyceride levels. This activity is very helpful in maintaining a healthy heart. When a study was conducted on animals, to determine the effect of Ashwagandha, results indicated that there is a reduction of fat levels in the blood. In another study, a person was on a high dosage of standardized Ashwagandha. It was exactly found then 11% decrease in triglyceride and 17% decrease in “bad” LDL cholesterol was observed, which indicates that Ashwagandha is good cholesterol and triglyceride reducing agent.

Improves Memory:

Memory and brain function problems due to injury and disease are also treatable with the help of Ashwagandha. The antioxidant property of Ashwagandha protects the nerve cells from various harmful free radicals. The pure extract of Ashwagandha has taken two times a day to improve general memory, task performance, as well as attention. In a study conducted in epileptic rat, Ashwagandha showed a complete reversal of spatial memory impairment. All these things indicate that Ashwagandha powder improves brain reaction, memory and its ability to perform various kind of tasks.

Safe and Widely Available Herb:

Ashwagandha is safe for almost all the people except pregnant and breastfeeding women. Individuals with disorders like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and type 1 diabetes should avoid Ashwagandha unless it is prescribed by a patient’s physician. Thyroid hormone levels may increase in some individuals who are taking medicines for thyroid disorders. Sometimes it may reduce blood pressure level so, it is necessary to adjust its dose before taking it. It is recommended to buy it in high quality from retail shops such as health food stores or herbal medicines stores.

Why Vision of Young Children is Being Affected These Days

Role of vision in child development: Overview

Vision has a very important role to play in the physical, cognitive, and social development of children. Vision disorders are being detected in an increasing number of children these days, because of which their development is being affected to a great extent. Hence, it is pertinent that vision disorders in children are treated in a timely manner, so that vision problems do not affect their health and well-being in adulthood.

Children with uncorrected vision disorders generally have poor academic performance because vision problems interfere with learning. Moreover, vision problems also impair the recreational activities of children, and may even lead to permanent vision loss in certain cases.

Children can suffer from a number of vision problems. However, vision problems in children cannot easily be figured out by parents because children do not complain about their difficulty in vision. Mostly, parents come to know of the vision problems of their children only when the problems become perceptible, and there is deterioration in the eyesight of the affected child

Children affected by vision problems may suffer from low-to-no vision, blurred vision, loss of side vision, or color blindness

Why vision of children is being affected: Causes

Usually, children who have a family history of childhood vision disorders are potentially at a high risk of vision problems.

Besides family history, several vision problems in children — especially infants — are also commonly linked to the permeability of ultraviolet radiation and blue light, and sensitivity to glare. Although light is essential for the development of visual function in children because it conveys signals that are converted by the brain into information, which influences the development of neural connections, it is important to protect the eyes of the children from strong light during the first few months of their life.

Ayurvedic Medicine for Weak Eyesight

Improper care of the eyes in the early years can affect the vision of children. Generally speaking, vision disorders in children are associated with the following conditions :

  • Exposure to sunlight
  • Exposure to ‘bad blue’ light that can cause retinal damage
  • Exposure to different kinds of display screens, especially LED screens
  • Improper quality and quantity of lighting while reading/writing
  • Improper and unhealthy diet
  • Sleep disorders.

Common vision problems in children

Vision problems in children can largely be divided into two groups:

  • Refractive eye disorders, which are marked by blurred vision due to the inability of the eye to focus the light that enters it.
  • Non-refractive eye disorders, which are caused by eye diseases.

Refractive eye disorders are the most common cause of vision problems among school-age children. Nearly 20% children of school-going age suffer from refractive errors. Some of the noticeable indications of refractive errors in children are: squinting, tilting the head to see better, holding the book too close, frequent eye rubbing, sensitivity to light, closing one eye to read or watch TV, avoiding activities that require near vision, headache complaints, and getting lower grades than usual.

The most common vision disorders that affect children these days are:

  • Strabismus, which affects babies and is caused because of poor eye muscle control
  • Amblyopia or Lazy Eye, which is caused by the disruption of the normal development of vision
  • Myopia or Short-sightedness, a refractive eye problem in which children cannot clearly see objects at a distance
  • Hyperopia or Long-sightedness, a refractive eye problem in which children cannot clearly see objects close to them
  • Astigmatism, an eye condition in which light entering the eye can do not focus correctly on the retina, resulting in blurred images.

Vision problems in children: Ayurvedic Treatment

According to Ayurveda, there are a number of herbs that can have beneficial effects on eye health. Ayurvedic experts use these herbs for the preparation of herbal formulations that enhance the health of the eyes by providing adequate nourishment.

Planet Ayurveda, a renowned herbal manufacturing company offers excellent herbal products, which can keep the eyes healthy and manage vision problems affecting children these days. These products are prepared from 100% pure and natural herbs and other components, and are, therefore, completely safe to use.

Planet Ayurveda’s herbal products for managing vision disorders are:

Amalaki Rasayan

This herbal formulation is prepared from the pure standardized extract of the extremely beneficial ‘Amalaki’ herb (Emblica Officinalis). The herb is widely known in Ayurveda for its immense medicinal value, due to abundant amounts of vitamins, iron, minerals, calcium, antioxidants, and essential amino acids.

Amalaki Rasayan is useful in managing eye problems and several other disorders because of its ability to enhance eyesight, treat eye conditions, improve eye health, treat dryness, rejuvenate the body, and helps in balancing the Vata, Pitta and Kapha energies of the body.

Brahmi Chavanprash

Brahmi Chyawanprash is a jam-like herbal product prepared from a combination of some extremely potent herbs — including Brahmi (Bacopa monieri), Amla (Emblica officianalis), and several other herbs — which have proven properties for improving the body’s overall health.

The regular use of Brahmi Chyawanprash can be beneficial for enhancing vision in children because it can manage degenerative changes, nourish the eyes, keep the eyes healthy, treat eye problems, enhance the nervous system, and rejuvenate the body

Bilberry capsules

The preparation of these capsules involves the use of the Bilberry herb (Vaccinium myrtillus), which is a rich source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, magnesium, zinc, and iron; and is also abundant in antioxidants.

The Bilberry herb acts as a vasodilator — that is, it has the ability to open blood vessels and lower the high blood pressure. Since the eyes have a high concentration of blood capillaries, the herb can have immense nutritional benefits for the eyes.

The use of Bilberry capsules is beneficial for children affected with eye problems because the capsules can improve eyesight, strengthen the walls of blood vessels, maintain a healthy vision, and boost the production of the ‘rhodopsin’ pigment, which improves night vision and helps the eye adapt to changes in light.

Angel Eye Vitale capsules

These capsules are considered an excellent herbal supplement for treating eye disorders because they are rich in minerals and vitamins. Some of the key ingredients of these capsules include Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, beta carotene, zinc, copper, titanium dioxide, almond oil, grape seed oil, shea butter, and high oleic sunflower oil deodorized.

The use of these capsules can manage eye problems by providing proper nutrition to the eyes, reducing puffiness of the eyes, reducing dark circles under the eyes, and improving overall eye health.

Conclusion

Children diagnosed with vision impairment can benefit from the use of Planet Ayurveda’s herbal products. These products can support the overall development of children suffering from various vision disorders. The preparation of the products does not involve the use of any chemicals, preservatives, binders, fillers, artificial colors, or additives. However, it is advisable to use herbal products under the expert guidance of an experienced Ayurveda practitioner.