Ashwagandha is one of the strongest herbs that has a history dating back centuries and it derives its use from traditional Ayurvedic medicine. Today, its potential advantages are thoroughly investigated; one of the most researched areas is joint pain. This article explains the possible benefits of ashwagandha, touching upon its potential use in joint pain treatment.
Ashwagandha is scientifically known as Withania somnifera and it is a small woody plant that grows wild in India, the Middle East, and some parts of Africa. Its roots and berries are widely used for treating various ailments, with studies revealing an array of possible health benefits.
ASHWAGANDHA AND JOINT PAIN
There are several properties that have been attributed to ashwagandha, some of which may aid in the reduction of joint pain.
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY PROPERTIES
Joint pain is usually associated with inflammation, which is a key feature of most joint disease conditions such as arthritis. Ashwagandha has been demonstrated to have effective anti-inflammatory action, which may help in the relief of joint pain caused by inflammation.
ANALGESIC EFFECTS
Ashwagandha may also function as a natural analgesic, providing pain-relieving properties that could be useful for individuals suffering from joint pains.
ADAPTOGENIC PROPERTIES
Ashwagandha is called an adaptogen that can help the body respond to stress. Indirectly, it may also help in the management of chronic pain conditions such as joint pains.
RESEARCH FINDINGS
A number of studies have shown Ashwagandha’s possible effectiveness in the treatment of joint pain.
In a study published in the Journal of Dietary Supplements, it was found that patients suffering from knee joint pain who took ashwagandha showed significant improvement in their severity scores and better functionality regarding activities they did on a daily basis.
For instance, in another study published in the journal Rheumatology, researchers found that ashwagandha along with other herbs significantly reduced pain and disability among individuals suffering from osteoarthritis.
Nevertheless, despite these findings being quite encouraging, broader studies are required to fully comprehend and establish Ashwagandha’s role in joint pain management.
THE HISTORICAL USE OF ASHWAGANDHA
Ashwagandha is a well-known herbal medicine that dates back more than 300 years ago in the traditional Ayurvedic medical practice. It has been employed in a broad spectrum of health disorders such as arthritis and joint pain.
Traditionally, Ashwagandha has been used in various forms such as pastes applied to the painful areas and also orally for systemic health concerns. This traditional method of pain management implies the future prospects of Ashwagandha for contemporary joints relief.
ADVANTAGES OF TINCTURES VERSUS POWDER OR CAPSULE FORMS
Ashwagandha is available in different forms such as powder, capsule and tincture. From these, tinctures have several significant benefits.
HIGHER ABSORPTION RATE
Tinctures are usually absorbed more easily than capsules or powders. This implies that they can provide quicker and possibly greater efficacy.
CONVENIENT DOSING
Tinctures allow you to adjust your dosage in a way that is suitable for yourself. All you need to do is add or subtract a few drops until it reaches the desired amount.
LONG SHELF LIFE
Tinctures generally have a longer shelf life than powders or capsules. If stored in the right manner, they can last for several years.
OTHER NATURAL WAYS OF RELIEF FROM JOINT PAIN
Besides Ashwagandha, there are other natural compounds and treatments that have been proposed to aid in the management of joint pain.
CBD OIL
One of the products that have come from cannabis is CBD Oil, which has become popular for its pain relieving effects. It has been researched that CBD oil may be used to manage joint pain and arthritis, in particular.
THERMAL THERAPIES
Thermal therapies, such as hot and cold treatments, may reduce pain in joints. Warm baths, hot packs and heated blankets can be used to relieve stiff aching joints while cold packs have the potential of reducing inflammation and swelling.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Physical activity can help preserve flexibility of the joints. Physical activities that are not high-impact, such as swimming or cycling, can be very good.
READ MORE: BEETROOT AND ASHWAGANDHA BENEFITS
ADAPTOGENS EXPLAINED: WHAT ARE THEY AND OTHER OPTIONS?
Adaptogens are a category of plants and herbs that have been said to assist the body in resisting various stresses whether physical, chemical or biological. They operate by strengthening the adrenal system and facilitating hormonal balance, which results in more effective stress responses.
Aside from Ashwagandha, other well-known adaptogens include:The person in question was not able to go on with the task due to some reasons.
RHODIOLA ROSEA
Rhodiola rosea has been recommended to have positive effects in enhancing mental performance under stress and reducing physical as well as psychological fatigue.
GINSENG
Ginseng, and especially Panax ginseng is a herb famous for its ability to increase energy. It is recommended to help in stress management and overall well-being.
HOLY BASIL
The other name of Holy Basil is Tulsi and it has been proposed that this plant can be used to reduce physical stress as well as maintain mental balance.
CONCLUSION: ASHWAGANDHA IS ALSO GOOD FOR TREATING JOINT PAIN
Although further studies are necessary, the current evidence seems to indicate that Ashwagandha may be used as a part of treatment for joint pain. Its wide use in history and the results of modern studies make it a potential alternative for those who are looking for non-pharmacological tools to relieve joint pain.
As always, prior to starting any new supplement protocol, it’s important to seek the advice of a health professional first to determine if this is the safe and appropriate product for your personal needs.
The information contained in this article is for general knowledge purposes only and should not be construed as a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment.
REFERENCES
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH): Ashwagandha
- Singh, N., et al. (2015). “A Randomized, Double Blind Placebo Controlled Study of Efficacy and Tolerability of Withania Somnifera Extracts in Knee Joint Pain.” Journal of Dietary Supplements.
- Panossian, A., & Wikman, G. (2010). “Effects of Adaptogens on the Central Nervous System and the Molecular Mechanisms Associated with Their Stress—Protective Activity.” Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland).
- Singh, N., et al. (2015). “A Randomized, Double Blind Placebo Controlled Study of Efficacy and Tolerability of Withania Somnifera Extracts in Knee Joint Pain.” Journal of Dietary Supplements.
- Kimmatkar, N., et al. (2003). “Efficacy and tolerability of Boswellia serrata extract in treatment of osteoarthritis of knee–a randomized double blind placebo controlled trial.” Phytomedicine: international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology.
- The Chopra Center: What is Ashwagandha?
- Athanasiadou, D., et al. (2018). “Comparison of Extraction Methods for the Determination of Essential Oils and Related Compounds from Aromatic Plants and Optimization of Solid-Phase Microextraction/Gas Chromatography.” Journal of Separation Science.
- Russo, E.B. (2008). “Cannabinoids in the management of difficult to treat pain.” Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management.
- Arthritis Foundation: Natural Relief
- Panossian, A., & Wikman, G. (2010). “Effects of Adaptogens on the Central Nervous System and the Molecular Mechanisms Associated with Their Stress—Protective Activity.” Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland).
