Ashwagandha is a perennial shrub, its roots and berries have been identified for medicinal purposes in ancient Ayurvedic system of medicine. It commonly grows in the Middle East, Africa, and is native to India. The botanical name of Ashwagandha is Withania Somnifera, it is a member of the Solanaceae family and is commonly referred to as winter cherry and Indian ginseng. The literal meaning of Ashwagandha is the “smell of a horse”. It is also believed that the herb helps a man develop strength and vitality like that of a horse. It is considered as a “royal herb” and is one of the most prominent herbs in India because of wide use in Ayurvedic medicine as narcotic, anthelmintic, aphrodisiac, diuretic, stimulant and astringent.

Health Benefits Of Ashwagandha

Historically Ashwagandha is a multipurpose herb which is used to treat the following conditions

Ashwagandha To Treat Stress And Anxiety

According to the Indian journal of psychological medicine, a study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of extracts of Ashwagandha roots in reducing stress and anxiety. A total of 64 subjects were enrolled with a history of chronic stress and the findings suggested that Ashwagandha root extract can safely and effectively improve quality of life by improving resistance towards stress and anxiety. There was a significant reduction in serum cortisol levels of the Ashwagandha group compared to the placebo group.

ashwagandha

Ashwagandha helps by calming the brain, it is believed to have adaptogenic properties therefore significantly reduces anxiety. another Research suggests that consuming about 300 mg root extract of Ashwagandha twice daily after food for about 60 days helps in improving the symptoms of stress. Research also shows that Ashwagandha helps in reducing anxious mood in case of early anxiety.

Some research also suggests that consuming Ashwagandha extract for 8 weeks also helps in improving brain function in people with bipolar disorder.

Ashwagandha Helps To Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis

Since Ashwagandha acts efficiently on the central nervous system, it relieves pain in rheumatoid arthritis. Likewise, it possesses anti-inflammatory properties and analgesic properties. Clinical studies show that Ashwagandha is a prominent rejuvenating tonic, it impressively increases longevity and relieves pain in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Ashwagandha Helps To Treat Diabetes

Some research also shows evidence that Ashwagandha can also help in reducing blood sugar levels in diabetic people. It is important to consider, since Ashwagandha reduces blood sugar levels it may interfere with diabetic medication, therefore it is vital to monitor your blood sugar levels closely.

Ashwagandha Helps In Reducing High Ccholesterol

Evidence also suggests that Ashwagandha helps in reducing cholesterol levels in patients with the high level of blood cholesterol.

Ashwagandha For Hypothyroidism

Ashwagandha has been identified to have a beneficial effect on the endocrine system. A mild form of underactive thyroid has shown considerable improvement, decrease in TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) and increase in the functioning of the thyroid gland is observed by consuming Ashwagandha on a daily basis. Studies have shown that Ashwagandha plays a significant role in normalizing hormonal levels in the body.

Ashwagandha For Hypothyroidism

Since the body naturally manufactures thyroid hormones, and Ashwagandha has the tendency to increase the thyroid hormones it is important to keep track of TSH levels. Likewise, consuming thyroid hormones pills with Ashwagandha extract might result in too much thyroid hormone in the body.

Ashwagandha For Alzheimer’s Treatment

Numerous studies prove that Ashwagandha has the capability to slow and reverse the neurotic atrophy and synaptic loss. Therefore it can be used to treat Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and other neurodegenerative diseases. Roots of  Ashwagandha contains Glycowithanolides withaferin-A and sitoindosides VII-X , which are helpful in reversing cognitive defects in case of Alzheimer’s disease

ashwagandha

Early research also suggests reduced tiredness in patients undergoing chemotherapy, consuming a specific amount of Ashwagandha extract also helps in coping with symptoms post-chemotherapy in cancer patients.

Ashwagandha is commonly given in milk to kids who are in a state of being abnormally weak or thin, it is considered as one of the best tonics for kids. It is also used to treat constipation, leucoderma, insomnia, and goiter.

Side Effects Of Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is considered possibly safe when it is consumed via mouth for up to 3 months. Long term usage may cause diarrhea, stomach upset, and vomiting.

While there are no side effects from this magical herb, It is unsafe to consume Ashwagandha during pregnancy, there is evidence that it may result in miscarriage. Ashwagandha should be avoided in case of stomach ulcers since it may irritate the gastrointestinal tract.

It also advised stopping consuming Ashwagandha before any surgical intervention, because Ashwagandha has shown to slow down the activity of the central nervous system. Similarly, since Ashwagandha has a mild sedative effect it may cause sleepiness and drowsiness. Therefore it is advised not to take

Ashwagandha along with synthetic sedative medicines to avoid drug interactions.

It is always recommended to consume this herb in significant quantity under guidance of a a professional to avoid any form of inconvenience.

The post Health Benefits Of Ashwagandha appeared first on Home Health Beauty Tips.

Joint pain is a very common health issue that troubles many people especially older. Joint pain itself is not a disease. Painful joints can be caused due to some reasons such as inflammation of joints, injury, sprain, viral infections and rarely due to cancer.

Joint pain: Causes and Management

The most common joint that is affected is the knee joint, but the pain of hip joint, ankles, shoulders, feet and hand are also not uncommon.

If we can diagnose the cause of joint pain, then with the help of certain medication and exercises, inflammation and the pain in the joints can be eased, and joint function can be restored and preserved.

Common causes of joint pain

Osteoarthritis-

The most common cause of joint pain is osteoarthritis. It may be defined as degenerative joint disease that causes inflammation of the joints. It happens when the flexible protective tissues that surround the joints wears down and is characterized by ache, stiffness, pain, and swelling.

This condition may affect any joint of the body and may affect one or more joints. The symptoms may either develop gradually or suddenly. Arthritis is more common in older people but may affect anyone above the age of 20. Also in comparison to males, the incidence of arthritis is more common in females.

2. Gout-

This condition is more common in males. It is characterized by red-hot skin over the joint along with severe pain in the joints. Also, the pain comes in the form of repeated attacks. Gout is a type of arthritis caused due to the deposition of too much uric acid crystals in the joints. Mostly the first joint to be affected by this condition is the big toe.
One of the conditions similar to gout is Pseudogout that affects the knee joints first.

Rheumatoid arthritis-

It is a chronic autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system starts attacking its tissues. It may affect people of any age group. Here the linings of the joints are affected and is characterized by the inflammation, pain, and swelling.

In the early phases of this disease the symptoms may come and go, and attacks may have a gap of long periods. With time there is an erosion of the bone and deformity. Any of joint of the body, including the joints of the feet and hands, can also be affected by this condition. There is no cure for this disease but with certain medication and physical therapy, the condition of the patient can be improved, and the disease progress can be slowed down.

Ankylosing spondylitis-

It is inflammation of the spine and is characterized by pain and stiffness in the lower back and hips. This condition is more common in men and usually starts in early adulthood. The exact cause of this disease is not known, but it may run in the family and certain genes are believed to be responsible for causing it. By reducing the flexibility of the spine, this condition may cause hunched-forward posture. Usually, this condition is treated by medications and physical therapy, but in rare cases, surgery is required.

Psoriatic arthritis-

This type of arthritis is seen in the patients with psoriasis. Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that is characterized by itching and scaly rashes on the skin. Not all patients with psoriasis suffers from psoriatic arthritis, but it affects about 30 percent of victims of psoriasis. Along with pain, this condition may also cause stiffness and swelling of the affected joints. This condition may affect all the joints of the body and lead to permanent damage to the surrounding tissues. About 50 percent of psoriatic arthritis is symmetrical where at the same time joints of both sides are affected.

Reactive arthritis-

Earlier known as Reiter’s syndrome this disease is an autoimmune disease. Here pain and swelling in the joint are triggered as a response to infection caused in some other body part. It is a systematic and chronic disease. Most commonly it follows a bacteria or STD infection. The larger joints of, the lower extremity are the most common site of the development.

Besides the pain in the joints, this disease may exhibit 2 more symptoms that are urinary tract infection and red and inflamed eyes. In comparison to females, males are more at the risk of developing it, and the symptoms are more severe in them. Treatment of reactive arthritis depends on the condition of the patient. With certain medicines and exercise, most of its patient recovers fully.

 Juvenile idiopathic arthritis-

It is a common type of arthritis affecting children. It is a chronic disease, and the exact aetiology is unknown.
It is characterized by pain in the joints, swelling, stiffness, tenderness and limping. Also, there may be a rash, weight loss, fever, and irritability. Treatment includes certain medicines, physical therapies and in some cases surgery.

Management of joint pain

Management of the joint pain depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the disease.
In the case, of any cold injury application, rest, anti-inflammatory medicines and painkillers are enough to provide you relief. In some cases, physical therapy may be needed to restore the joint function.

In the case of arthritis, anti-inflammatory and certain other medications along with physical therapy may improve your condition and prevent further damage. In some cases, surgery may also be required.
To manage gout beside, the medication changes in diet, such as limiting, the intake of protein decreased intake of alcohol, and proper exercise is found helpful in treating gout.
In the case of rheumatoid arthritis, immune-suppressing medicines are given.
Biological medication is given to treat ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis
The outcome of the joint pain depends on the evaluation and the treatment plan. In the case of severe pain, any deformity or disability reports your doctor immediately.

The post Joint pain: Causes and Management appeared first on Home Health Beauty Tips.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. Our immune system which usually protects our body against the attack of virus, bacteria and other foreign substances by mistakes starts attacking our joints. Due to this the tissues that line the joints becomes thick, swollen, red and inflamed. It is a very painful condition.

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment and Home Remedies

Most commonly affected joints in rheumatoid arthritis are:

• Hand joints
• Feet joints
• Elbows
• Knees and
• Ankles

What are the Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis:

Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis may mimic symptoms of other diseases. Few characteristic symptoms of this disease are:

• The stiffness of joints that may limit motion.
• Pain and redness of the affected joint.
• Joints are affected in a symmetrical pattern.
• Tiredness
• Multiple joints may be affected
• Limping
• Warmth of the joints
• Deformity of joints.
• Redness of joints
• Rheumatoid nodules
• It is a chronic disease and there may be remission and flares of the symptoms.

the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis

What are the Causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis:

The cause of rheumatoid arthritis- the exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis is not known. It has been found that people with a specific genetic marker known as HLA shared epitope have more chance of developing rheumatoid arthritis

However, There may some Triggering Factors such as:

1. An infectious agent such as virus and bacteria.
2. Heredity
3. Smoking
4. Exposure to silica
5. Chronic periodontal diseases.
6. Gut bacteria
7. Obesity
8. Physical and emotional trauma
9. Stress
10. Pollution and insecticides.

the causes of Rheumatoid arthritis

How is Rheumatoid Arthritis Diagnose:

• Your doctor may ask you questions related present history, any other medical condition and family history. He may also examine affected joint.
• The blood test is done to detect the presence of rheumatoid factor. It is an antibody that is present in the blood of about 80 percent of patients suffering from RA.
• A blood test is also done to check the level of C-Reactive protein and ESR which are usually high in inflammatory conditions.
• X-ray and MRI may be done for further investigation and to look for the loss of bone or erosion.

What is the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis:

The main goal in the treatment of Rheumatoid arthritis is to stop the inflammation, ease the existing symptoms, prevent further damage to organs and joints and improve the physical functions.
Your health care provider may prescribe medicines to slow the activity of the disease and to relieve the symptoms. Surgery may also be recommended in some cases where permanent damage limits the daily activities.
Further, in this article, we will discuss the home remedies to treat rheumatoid arthritis.

9 Home Remedies to Relieve the Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis:

1. Fish Oil- Fish oil is rich in omega-3fatty acid, which reduces the inflammation and pain.
   Take 2.6 grams of fish oil every day. You may also eat cold water fishes such as salmon and tuna fish as are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
   *In some people fish oil increases bruises and may cause bleeding. Also, it interferes with certain medications so it is better to consult your doctor before taking it.
   

   Home remedies to relieve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis fish oil

2. Apple cider vinegar- Apple cider vinegar is rich in magnesium, potassium, calcium and phosphorous. It is anti- inflammatory and reduces pain.
   Add 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in a cup of warm water. You may add a teaspoon of honey to it. Drink it once a day to relieve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
3. Tea tree oil- This is an ancient remedy to treat joint pains. It is anti-inflammatory and antiseptic.
   Take equal quantities of tea tree oil and olive oil. Mix it properly and apply to your joint. Massage gently before going to the bed.
4. Turmeric- Curcumin present in the turmeric is and anti-arthritic an anti-inflammatory. It blocks the enzymes that are responsible for causing inflammation. It is a good substitute to NSAIDs given by your physician to relieve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
   Take a cup of water and boil it. Add a tablespoon of turmeric powder to it and again boil for about 15 minutes. Cool it and drink it times a day.

   * The High dose of turmeric may thin your blood and can also upset your stomach so consult your doctor before having it.

5. Evening primrose oil- It contains gamma linolenic acid, which reduces inflammation.
   Take 4 grams of evening primrose oil daily to relieve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
   * It may cause a headache, nausea, diarrhea, gas, can interfere medications, so it is better once consulting your doctor before having it.
   

   Evening primrose oil-

6. Hot and cold application- Hot compress relaxes the muscles and cold application reduces inflammation and swelling. This finally reduces the pain.
   Take a hot water bag and wrap it in the towel it over the affected joint. After 3 minutes, remove hot compress and then place ice cubes wrapped in cheesecloth for about a minute. Repeat this for 20 minutes 2 times a day to relieve the symptom of rheumatoid arthritis.
7. Garlic- It inhibits cytokines that are pro-inflammatory substance. It also fights against free radicals and prevents oxidative damage.
   Eat 1 to 2 fresh cloves of garlic daily to relieve symptoms and treat rheumatoid arthritis.
8. Ginger tea- Gingerol present in the ginger is anti-inflammatory and reduces t-cells and immune -cell action.
   Grate a piece of ginger and add it to boiling water. Steep it for 15 minutes. Strain and drink the tea 2 times a day. You may also eat stir-fried or fresh pickle of ginger. You may also apply ginger oil to the affected joint and massage for a few minutes to reduce the pain.
9. Green tea- Green tea contains antioxidants that suppress the immune system and prevents oxidative damage. Drink green tea daily 2 to 3 times.
   

   Green tea remedies to relieve of rheumatoid arthritis

   Besides above home remedies avoid red meat, gluten containing foods, refined sugar, fried foods, alcohol and processed foods as they can make the symptom of rheumatoid arthritis worse.

If inflammation caused due to rheumatoid arthritis is not checked, it mat lead to damage of cartilage and bones. The joint may lose their mobility by becoming loose, unstable and painful. Once the damage is caused t can not be reversed. Thus, an early diagnosis and treatment of the disease are very important.

The post What is Rheumatoid Arthritis: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment and Home Remedies appeared first on Home Health Beauty Tips.