Ashwagandha and Parkinson’s (Should You Try It?)

There is a lot of talk about the potential benefits of ashwagandha these days and for a good reason. This herb has been used for centuries to treat many conditions, and some experts believe it could benefit people with Parkinson’s disease.

So is ashwagandha worth trying out? We’ll discuss the evidence in this article and let you decide.

What Is Parkinson’s?

Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system that affects movement. Tremors, rigidity, slow movement, and postural instability characterize it.

The cause is unknown, but the leading theory is that it is caused by the loss of dopamine-producing cells in the substantia nigra, a brain region. The symptoms typically develop gradually and worsen over time.

There is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, but there are treatments that can help to manage the symptoms. These include medication, surgery, and lifestyle changes. The most common symptom of Parkinson’s disease is tremors, which usually affect the hands. The tremor may be mild initially and only occur when the hand rests.

As the disease progresses, the tremor may become more severe and affect the arms, legs, and head. Other symptoms of Parkinson’s disease include rigidity, slowness of movement, and postural instability. Rigidity is when the muscles become stiff and difficult to move.

The slowness of movement, also called bradykinesia, is when it takes longer to start moving, and the movements are smaller and slower than usual.

Postural instability is when it becomes difficult to maintain balance. As the disease progresses, people with Parkinson’s may also experience speaking, swallowing, and writing problems.

They may also have cognitive problems, such as difficulty with memory, decision-making, and planning. No one test can diagnose Parkinson’s disease. The diagnosis is based on the medical history, a physical examination, and a neurological examination.

Sometimes, additional tests, such as imaging studies or laboratory tests, may be done to rule out other conditions. There is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, but treatments can help to manage the symptoms. The most common treatment is medication.

Medications to treat Parkinson’s disease include levodopa, dopamine agonists, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Surgery is another treatment option for Parkinson’s disease. The most common type of surgery is deep brain stimulation, which involves implanting a device that sends electrical impulses to the brain.

Lifestyle changes can also help to manage the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. These include exercise, a healthy diet, and stress management.

What Is Ashwagandha?

If you’ve ever heard of ashwagandha, chances are you know it as an Ayurvedic herb. But what is ashwagandha? Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an evergreen shrub that grows in India, the Middle East, and Africa. The leaves and roots are used to make medicine.

Ashwagandha has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine. It is a popular remedy for many common ailments like anxiety, stress, insomnia, and low energy levels.

The active compounds in ashwagandha are responsible for their health benefits. These compounds include withanolides, alkaloids, and saponins. Research on the health effects of ashwagandha is ongoing. Some studies suggest it may help improve memory and cognitive function, reduce inflammation, and boost energy levels.

If you’re looking for a natural way to improve your health, ashwagandha may be worth a try.

Related: What Ashwagandha is Good for? Science-Backed Health Benefits

How Could Ashwagandha Help with Parkinson’s?

Parkinson’s disease is a chronic and progressive neurological disorder affecting millions worldwide. Although there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, treatments can help improve the quality of life and manage symptoms.

One such treatment is ashwagandha, an ancient herb used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. Ashwagandha benefits from various health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and chronic stress.

Recent studies have shown that ashwagandha may also benefit people with Parkinson’s. One study found that ashwagandha could improve quality of life and reduce symptoms in people with Parkinson’s.

One study found that the herb helped to improve motor function in Parkinson’s patients. Another study found that ashwagandha improved cognitive function in people with Parkinson’s.

Overall, the evidence suggests that ashwagandha may be a helpful treatment for people with Parkinson’s disease. Talk to your doctor if you consider taking ashwagandha for Parkinson’s disease.

The Science Behind Ashwagandha and Parkinson’s

Many people turn to ashwagandha when finding a natural treatment for Parkinson’s disease. The science behind ashwagandha and Parkinson’s is still emerging, but there is some evidence to suggest that this herb may help to improve symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.

Ashwagandha is thought to work in several ways to benefit people with Parkinson’s.

First, it is a powerful antioxidant that can help to protect cells from damage.

Second, it is believed to have neuroprotective effects and may help slow nerve cell deterioration.

Third, ashwagandha is known to have anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is thought to play a role in the development of Parkinson’s, and by reducing inflammation, ashwagandha may help slow the disease’s progression.

Fourth, ashwagandha is believed to boost levels of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter critical for movement and balance, and dopamine levels are lower in people with Parkinson’s.

Finally, ashwagandha is also known to have stress-reducing effects. Stress is thought to contribute to the development of Parkinson’s, and by reducing stress, ashwagandha may help to prevent or slow the onset of the disease.

Ashwagandha is currently being studied by researchers at several universities, including Harvard Medical School and the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center. This study is being conducted on A

ashwagandha after they identified it as having potential benefits against PD and other neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

The study will evaluate how ashwagandha affects brain activity in people with PD while they are under its influence. These participants will be administered Ashwagandha extract (1:1) twice daily for four days. The results will be compared with a placebo before the treatment session begins and at regular intervals throughout the study.

While ashwagandha and Parkinson’s science is still emerging, the herb is generally considered safe and well-tolerated.

Related: 18 Evidence-Based Health Benefits of Quinoa

How to Use Ashwagandha for Parkinson’s?

When choosing an herbal remedy for Parkinson’s, many patients and caregivers often ask about ashwagandha.

There are a few different ways that ashwagandha can be used to help treat Parkinson’s. One way is to take the herb in supplement form. Ashwagandha supplements are readily available online and in health food stores.

Another way to use ashwagandha for Parkinson’s is to make tea from the herb. To do this, add one teaspoon of the dried herb to a cup of boiling water. Allow the tea to steep for 10 minutes before drinking.

Take an evening glass of water with an herbal blend containing two parts ashwagandha powder (2 grams) and one part milk thistle leaf powder (1 gram) at least two hours before bedtime. For best results, you should take it before bedtime.

You should take it 15-30 minutes before bedtime so your body does not tire from taking it too early in the day.

You should also avoid drinking alcohol during this time, as alcohol interferes with the absorption rate of ashwagandha.

If you are very sensitive to caffeine, then do not drink coffee or other caffeine-containing beverages as they may interfere with ashwagandha’s absorption rate by making way for catechins which could be responsible for causing insomnia in people who are sensitive to caffeine drinks in general since catechins are thought to affect sleeping patterns more than caffeine itself does.

Suppose you drink coffee or other caffeinated drinks but are sensitive to them because of your sensitivity to caffeine drinks in general. In that case, we advise against drinking any caffeinated drinks around ashwagandha because they could potentially interfere with the absorption rate of ashwagandha and possibly cause insomnia.

You can also find these supplements online if you want to take ashwagandha in capsule form. Take the recommended dosage as directed on the package.

No matter how you choose to take ashwagandha, it’s essential to speak with your doctor first. This is especially important if you are taking other medications for Parkinson’s.

Ashwagandha may interact with some medications, so it’s always best to check with your doctor before starting any new supplement.

The Potential Side Effects of Ashwagandha

Some potential side effects of ashwagandha include stomach upset, diarrhea, vomiting, and headache. Ashwagandha may also interact with other medications, so speaking with a healthcare provider before taking this herb is essential.

Additionally, pregnant women should avoid using ashwagandha due to the lack of safety information. Overall, ashwagandha appears relatively safe for most people in small doses.

Conclusion

Ashwagandha is a herbal medicine used for centuries in India for its wide range of health benefits. While no scientific evidence supports its use for Parkinson’s disease, some studies have shown it to reduce stress and anxiety and improve sleep quality effectively.

Given its low risk of side effects and potential benefits, ashwagandha is worth trying for anyone with Parkinson’s looking for a natural treatment option.

FAQs | Ashwagandha and Parkinson’s

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• Ashwagandha Skin Benefits You Didn’t Know About
• Ashwagandha and Heart Health
• The Truth About Ashwagandha for Stress and Anxiety
• Ashwagandha Good for Sleeping?
• Link Between Ashwagandha and Breast Cancer (or Any Cancer)
• Can We Use Ashwagandha for Inflammation?
• Ashwagandha and Immune System
• Chronic Fatigue | Does Ashwagandha Give You Energy?
• Benefits of Ashwagandha for Arthritis
• 11 Benefits of Ashwagandha for Menopause
• 3 Proven Ashwagandha Benefits for Sexual Dysfunction (Based on Research)
• Ashwagandha for Alzheimer’s Disease | What Does Science Say?

Featured Photo by Lewis Roberts on Unsplash

Editor’s Note: It is important to note that the articles found on this website are for informational purposes only and are not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The information on this website is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Neither the author nor the publisher of this information can be held liable for any misunderstanding or misuse of the information contained herein.