However, there is now some startling new research and big data coming out that truly necessitates the use of certain herbs for covid prevention and treatment. On the big data front we see that China and Madagascar eliminated their covid problem by mandating the use of certain herbal formulas for covid. China mandated the use of a TCM formula containing Hypericums, Inula Racemosa, Andrographis and Glycyrhizza. It didn’t matter what tradition the treating Dr or Hospital was from. They all had to use the TCM formula when treating covid patients. 2 months after this mandate COVID infections in China died down completely. Madagascar promoted the use Covid organics containing Artemisia and neem. Not only did their mortality rate shoot down, the mortality rate also went below 0.5 % for every country that used Covid Organics. Artemisia soon became the main herb used in covid treatment. The max planck institute in Germany published a study showing how Artemisia breaks the bonds that a Covid spike protein makes to the cell. Other studies showed how Echinacea and ALpina Galanga molecularly dock into Coronavirus and help eliminate it from the body. Covid also needs medicines that our anti-coagulant and anti-inflammatory in nature and nature of course has some of the best solutions for that. Inula Racemosa was found by China as a particular brocho dilator effective in covid and the increase in SPo2 levels seen in the trial for Immunofree could be attributed to the use of Inula or Pushkarmool as it’s called in Ayurveda. Another lesser known aspect of Covid is the plausible understanding of how it effects the vagus nerve and then travels to the organs of the body. This is a more complete understanding than the nose to lungs route which aren’t directly connected to the pancreas let’s say. Hence toning the vagus nerve is also essential in covid and a few different plant species are possibly the only way to achieve that.

Immunity is essentially the difference between someone who is an asymptomatic covid carrier and someone who ends up in the ICU. Hence modulating immunity is key in these times. Notice that I said Immunomodulation and not boosting immunity as an overactive immune system will go into cytokine storms when effected by Novel Coronavirus. There are numerous supplements that modulate the immune system these include Vitamins such as Vitamin C and D, Amino Acids such as Lysine and Arginine and Minerals such as zinc. There are also numerous herbs that modulate immunity and these include Giloy, Turmeric, Andrographis and Tulsi. Many have been taking them at the start of the pandemic but it seems like the interest in them has waned in time. People today are relying more and more on only the vaccine and the present situation in India is dismal to say the least.

However, there is now some startling new research and big data coming out that truly necessitates the use of certain herbs for covid prevention and treatment. On the big data front we see that China and Madagascar eliminated their covid problem by mandating the use of certain herbal formulas for covid. China mandated the use of a TCM formula containing Hypericums, Inula Racemosa, Andrographis and Glycyrhizza. It didn’t matter what tradition the treating Dr or Hospital was from. They all had to use the TCM formula when treating covid patients. 2 months after this mandate COVID infections in China died down completely. Madagascar promoted the use Covid organics containing Artemisia and neem. Not only did their mortality rate shoot down, the mortality rate also went below 0.5 % for every country that used Covid Organics. Artemisia soon became the main herb used in covid treatment. The max planck institute in Germany published a study showing how Artemisia breaks the bonds that a Covid spike protein makes to the cell. Other studies showed how Echinacea and ALpina Galanga molecularly dock into Coronavirus and help eliminate it from the body. Covid also needs medicines that our anti-coagulant and anti-inflammatory in nature and nature of course has some of the best solutions for that. Inula Racemosa was found by China as a particular brocho dilator effective in covid and the increase in SPo2 levels seen in the trial for Immunofree could be attributed to the use of Inula or Pushkarmool as it’s called in Ayurveda. Another lesser known aspect of Covid is the plausible understanding of how it effects the vagus nerve and then travels to the organs of the body. This is a more complete understanding than the nose to lungs route which aren’t directly connected to the pancreas let’s say. Hence toning the vagus nerve is also essential in covid and a few different plant species are possibly the only way to achieve that.

Any prophylactic or treatment protocol today should:

1. Balance Immunity

2. Keep the blood thin and fluid

3. Fight Inflammation

4. Tone the Vagus Nerve

5. Dilate the Lungs

6. Have intercellular transport mechanisms for active needed

7. Dissolve Viral Envelopes

8. Undock Virus from cells

9. Dock into Virus

10. Prevent Cytokine storms

These collective functions never were in one single ayurvedic or pharmaceutical formulas. Hence repurposing medicines for covid is a losing game the brunt of which we are all suffering. What is needed is new formulas that do all this and have proven themselves in randomized controlled trials for it. Immunofree and Reginmune are two such formulas that set a precedent by showing drastic daily reductions in viral load, inflammation, coagulation and broncho spasm. Hence it is logical for the thinking Indian to understand Ayurveda needs to come out of the shadows of immunity and right into the forefront of covid prevention and treatment!

(This article was originally published on the Financial Express. The author is Founder, Biogetica. The article is for informational purposes only. Please consult experts and medical professionals before starting any therapy or medication.

It’s classified as an adaptogen, meaning that it can help your body manage stress.

Ashwagandha also provides numerous other benefits for your body and brain.

For example, it can boost brain function, lower blood sugar and cortisol levels, and help fight symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Here are 12 benefits of ashwagandha that are supported by science.

1. Is an ancient medicinal herb

Ashwagandha is one of the most important herbs in Ayurveda, a form of alternative medicine based on Indian principles of natural healing.

It has been used for over 3,000 years to relieve stress, increase energy levels, and improve concentration.

Ashwagandha is Sanskrit for smell of the horse, which refers to both its unique smell and ability to increase strength.

Its botanical name is Withania somnifera, and it’s also known by several other names, including Indian ginseng and winter cherry.

The ashwagandha plant is a small shrub with yellow flowers that’s native to India and North Africa. Extracts or powder from the plant’s root or leaves are used to treat a variety of conditions.

Many of its health benefits are attributed to its high concentration of withanolides, which have been shown to fight inflammation and tumor growth.

SUMMARY

Ashwagandha is a prominent herb in Indian Ayurvedic medicine and has become a popular supplement due to its health benefits.

2. Can reduce blood sugar levels

In several studies, ashwagandha has been shown to lower blood sugar levels.

One test-tube study found that it increased insulin secretion and improved insulin sensitivity in muscle cells.

Also, several human studies have suggested that it can reduce blood sugar levels in both healthy people and those with diabetes.

Additionally, in a 4-week study in people with schizophrenia, those treated with ashwagandha had an average reduction in fasting blood sugar levels of 13.5 mg/dL, compared with 4.5 mg/dL in those who received a placebo.

What’s more, in a small study in 6 people with type 2 diabetes, supplementing with ashwagandha for 30 days lowered fasting blood sugar levels. However, the study didn’t include a control group, making the results questionable.

SUMMARY

Limited evidence suggests that ashwagandha reduces blood sugar levels through its effects on insulin secretion and sensitivity.

3. Might have anticancer properties

Animal and test-tube studies have found that withaferin — a compound in ashwagandha — helps induce apoptosis, which is the programmed death of cancer cells.

It also impedes the growth of new cancer cells in several ways.

First, withaferin is believed to promote the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) inside cancer cells, disrupting their function. Second, it may cause cancer cells to become less resistant to apoptosis.

Animal studies suggest that it may help treat several types of cancer, including breast, lung, colon, brain, and ovarian cancer .

In one study, mice with ovarian tumors treated with withaferin alone or in combination with an anti-cancer drug showed a 70–80% reduction in tumor growth. The treatment also prevented the spread of cancer to other organs.

Although no evidence suggests that ashwagandha exerts similar effects in humans, the current research is encouraging.

SUMMARY

Animal and test-tube studies have shown that withaferin, a bioactive compound in ashwagandha, promotes the death of tumor cells and may be effective against several types of cancer.

4. Can reduce cortisol levels

Cortisol is known as a stress hormone given that your adrenal glands release it in response to stress, as well as when your blood sugar levels get too low.

Unfortunately, in some cases, cortisol levels may become chronically elevated, which can lead to high blood sugar levels and increased fat storage in the abdomen.

Studies have shown that ashwagandha may help reduce cortisol levels.

In one study in chronically stressed adults, those who supplemented with ashwagandha had significantly greater reductions in cortisol, compared with the control group. Those taking the highest dose experienced a 30% reduction, on average (3).

SUMMARY

Ashwagandha supplements may help lower cortisol levels in chronically stressed individuals.

5. May help reduce stress and anxiety

Ashwagandha is perhaps best known for its ability to reduce stress.

Researchers have reported that it blocked the stress pathway in the brains of rats by regulating chemical signaling in the nervous system.

Also, several controlled human studies have shown that it can reduce symptoms in people with stress and anxiety disorders.

In a 60-day study in 64 people with chronic stress, those in the group that supplemented with ashwagandha reported a 69% reduction in anxiety and insomnia, on average, compared with 11% in the placebo group (14Trusted Source).

In another 6-week study, 88% of people who took ashwagandha reported a reduction in anxiety, compared with 50% of those who took a placebo.

SUMMARY

Ashwagandha has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety in both animal and human studies.

6. May reduce symptoms of depression

Although it hasn’t been thoroughly studied, a few studies suggest ashwagandha may help alleviate depression.

In one controlled 60-day study in 64 stressed adults, those who took 600 mg of high-concentration ashwagandha extract per day reported a 79% reduction in severe depression, while the placebo group reported a 10% increase.

However, only one of the participants in this study had a history of depression. For this reason, the relevance of the results is unclear.

SUMMARY

The limited research available suggests that ashwagandha may help reduce depression.

7. Can boost testosterone and increase fertility in men

Ashwagandha supplements may have powerful effects on testosterone levels and reproductive health.

In one study in 75 infertile men, the group treated with ashwagandha showed increased sperm count and motility.

What’s more, the treatment led to a significant increase in testosterone levels.

The researchers also reported that the group who took the herb had increased antioxidant levels in their blood.

In another study, men who received ashwagandha for stress experienced higher antioxidant levels and better sperm quality. After 3 months of treatment, 14% of the men’s partners had become pregnant.

SUMMARY

Ashwagandha helps increase testosterone levels and significantly boosts sperm quality and fertility in men.

8. May increase muscle mass and strength

Research has shown that ashwagandha may improve body composition and increase strength.

In a study to determine a safe and effective dosage for ashwagandha, healthy men who took 750–1,250 mg of pulverized ashwagandha root per day gained muscle strength after 30 days.

In another study, those who took ashwagandha had significantly greater gains in muscle strength and size. It also more than doubled their reductions in body fat percentage, compared with the placebo group.

SUMMARY

Ashwagandha has been shown to increase muscle mass, reduce body fat, and increase strength in men.

9. May reduce inflammation

Several animal studies have shown that ashwagandha helps decrease inflammation.

Studies in humans have found that it increases the activity of natural killer cells, which are immune cells that fight infection and help you stay healthy.

It has also been shown to decrease markers of inflammation, such as C-reactive protein (CRP). This marker is linked to an increased risk of heart disease.

In one controlled study, the group who took 250 mg of standardized ashwagandha extract daily had a 36% decrease in CRP, on average, compared with a 6% decrease in the placebo group.

SUMMARY

Ashwagandha has been shown to increase natural killer cell activity and decrease markers of inflammation.

10. May lower cholesterol and triglycerides

In addition to its anti-inflammatory effects, ashwagandha may help improve heart health by reducing cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Animal studies have found that it significantly decreases levels of these blood fats.

One study in rats found that it lowered total cholesterol and triglyceride levels by 53% and nearly 45%, respectively.

While controlled human studies have reported less dramatic results, they have observed some impressive improvements in these markers.

In a 60-day study in chronically stressed adults, the group taking the highest dosage of standardized ashwagandha extract experienced a 17% decrease in LDL (bad) cholesterol and an 11% decrease in triglycerides, on average.

SUMMARY

Ashwagandha may help reduce the risk of heart disease by decreasing cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

11. May improve brain function, including memory

Test-tube and animal studies suggest that ashwagandha may mitigate memory and brain function problems caused by injury or disease.

Research has shown that it promotes antioxidant activity that protects nerve cells from harmful free radicals.

In one study, rats with epilepsy that were treated with ashwagandha had nearly a complete reversal of spatial memory impairment. This was likely caused by a reduction in oxidative stress.

Although ashwagandha has traditionally been used to boost memory in Ayurvedic medicine, only a small amount of human research has been conducted in this area.

In one controlled study, healthy men who took 500 mg of standardized extract daily reported significant improvements in their reaction time and task performance, compared with men who received a placebo.

Another 8-week study in 50 adults showed that taking 300 mg of ashwagandha root extract twice daily significantly improved general memory, task performance, and attention.

SUMMARY

Ashwagandha supplements may improve brain function, memory, reaction time, and the ability to perform tasks.

12. Is safe for most people and widely available

Ashwagandha is a safe supplement for most people, although its long-term effects are unknown.

However, certain individuals should not take it, including pregnant and breastfeeding women.

People with autoimmune diseases should also avoid ashwagandha unless authorized by a healthcare provider. This includes people with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and type 1 diabetes.

Additionally, those on medication for thyroid disease should be careful when taking ashwagandha, as it may increase thyroid hormone levels in some people.

It may also decrease blood sugar and blood pressure levels, so medication dosages may need to be adjusted if you take it.

The recommended dosage of ashwagandha depends on the type of supplement. Extracts are more effective than crude ashwagandha root or leaf powder. Remember to follow instructions on labels.

Standardized root extract is commonly taken in 450–500-mg capsules once or twice daily.

It’s offered by several supplement manufacturers and available from various retailers, including health food stores and vitamin shops.

SUMMARY

Although ashwagandha is safe for most people, certain individuals shouldn’t use it unless authorized to do so by their healthcare provider. Standardized root extract is commonly taken in 450–500-mg capsules once or twice per day.

The bottom line

Ashwagandha is an ancient medicinal herb with multiple health benefits.

It can reduce anxiety and stress, help fight depression, boost fertility and testosterone in men, and even boost brain function.

Supplementing with ashwagandha may be an easy and effective way to improve your health and quality of life.

Originally published on healthline. Please follow link for original article.