The Medicinal Benefits of the Herb Ashwagandha

By Heather Caruso B.Sc., Hom, ROHP/RNCP

     The herb ashwagandha has a long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine. It’s other name is Withania Somniferum or Indian Ginseng. It is from the same family as the tomato and is a shrub up to 5 feet high. It bears yellow flowers and red fruit, but the fruits are smaller and more like berries than tomatoes are. This herb grows in hot climates like India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan. The name Ashwagandha means “horse’s smell” in Hindi and it not only refers to its smell but the strength that horse’s have and how the herb can impart additional strength and stamina on it’s user. This herb has been used for over 2500 years as an energy rejuvenator. It helps relieve fatigue, nervous exhaustion and memory loss. It is prevents sterility and improves male energy. It helps to reduce the activity of a busy mind and aids in a more sound sleep.

     Ashwagandha increases energy and improves nervous exhaustion. In studies, lab animals had an increased tolerance to physical activity using this herb. It is often used in people with long periods of stress and helps to modify cortisol, a stress hormone, that causes symptoms like frequent waking at night, anxiety and irritability.

     This herb has fantastic anti-inflammatory properties for people with joint problems. According to a study done by Anabalgan and Satidque in 1981, this herb has great benefit in rheumatoid arthritis. Studies found that ashwagandha has similar properties to synthetic steroid drugs like prednisone for controlling inflammation and pain. However, the herb does not decrease immunity or have multiple side effects like hydrocortisone or prednisone do. In one trial of 63 patients with arthritis and 46 with rheumatoid arthritis, researchers found that doses of 3 grams of ashwagandha per day for 6 weeks found that 22 percent of participants had a good response to the herb with decreased swelling, reduced pain and inflammation. 53 percent had a fair or moderate response and 3 percent had no response.

     Ashwagandha helps to activate immune system cells, like lymphocytes, thus helping the immune system to ward off infectious agents like bacteria and viruses. Some research published in Life Sciences Journal by Luvuno in 2003 found that it can induce macrophages which means it creates immune cells that eats up bad bacteria, like staphylococcus aureus.

     Ashwagandha has antioxidant properties. It reduces free radical damage especially in brain cells according to a study by Bhattacharya et al, posted in Phytotherapy Research journal in 1995. It can also improve mental cognitive performance in both healthy subjects and those with Alzheimer’s disease. It seems to improve memory by changing the way the brain uses a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine. It seems to alter its use in a way that protects the health of nerve cells in the brain that is related to memory and cognition.

     This herb can help to increases hemoglobin, serum iron and other blood markers according to studies on children. Another study of healthy males found that after one year, hemoglobin and red blood cell counts improved. As well at least 70 percent of men found their performance in the bed room improved. Some of the participants noticed their hair colour return from gray due to an increase in melanin. In autoimmune disorders ashwagandha improves red and white blood cells that were dropping due to the use of immunosupressants or prednisone.

     No side effects have been found in Ashwagandha but because no research has been done on pregnant or lactating women, it is advised to avoid this herb at that time. For more information on how we can help you, go to www.carusohomeopathy.com and book a free get acquainted chat today.

Should Children Use Protein Bars and Powders?

      Many people consume shakes and protein bars as meal replacements or snacks. In the clinic I often get asked by parents if they should give their children these food articles because the manufacturers do a great job of advertising these products as the key to health. Protein shakes and bars have a wide range of ingredients and may be made from egg, soy, rice, pea, whey or casein (milk) protein. In a pinch and on a rare occasion consuming a bar or shake to satisfy hunger, quell cravings and balance blood sugar is reasonable. In the long term these foods are not recommended for the health of children.

       In a nutshell, these types of food products are basically "astronaut food" because they are a dehydrated food source for rapid consumption. There are no fresh ingredients in these products and they are preserved in order to be shelf stable for long periods of time and to deter mold growth. Protein bars and shakes may contain artificial flavors, sweeteners and as much sugar and saturated fat as a regular candy bar. Bars and shakes that contain a ratio of 40% carbohydrates, 30% fat and 20% protein do tend to improve athletic performance, blood sugar and sustained energy levels. Bars that contain this ratio and even a few grams of fiber are a better choice than bars that don't. 

      Many protein supplements contain ingredients like amino acids, vitamins and herbs. Very little research has been done on children and toddlers or pregnant and nursing women for that matter, with regards to vitamin, herbs and amino acid supplement consumption. Below is a nutritional label from a popular protein shake blend that targets vegans. It contains quite a few vitamins, minerals, probiotics and some herbs. Looking at the label, one would think that those vitamins, minerals and other ingredients may not be suited to a young developing child. It is unknown, how children will respond to long term use of herbs like maca, which is used for hormone production, endurance and libido. This company is not targeting children as their consumer, but very often in the clinic we hear of parents using this powder to make a quick shake for their kids with good intentions. 

      A protein powder or bar may contain 20 to 25 grams of protein per serving. When you consider all other protein sources that will be consumed for the day, a small body may be harmed with that dose of protein on a continual basis. According to the National Institute of Health, for the average protein requirement for children 10 years old is .74 to .91 g/kg/day. That means if your child weighed 70 pounds (31.25 kg), they would require 22 to 28.4 grams of protein per day. One protein bar may be your child's daily dose of protein in one serving. Considering that many unsuspecting foods contain protein such nuts, seeds, bread, bagels, oatmeal, spinach, sweet potatoes and broccoli for example, it can easily become an excess of protein for a small body.

     There is a lot of controversy about the use of soy protein in both adults and children. Some conclude that non genetically modified soy is a better choice than GMO, (genetically modified) soy. Over consumption of soy has been linked to issues like increased estrogen, hormonal cancers and thyroid issues. However, giving a child an adult dose of protein powder of any kind can be detrimental to a child's health. The dosing on a package is suited to a 150 pound person and if a child weighs only 50 pounds they should get only one third of an adult dose. Excessive protein is not used well in the body. It poses a risk to the kidney, liver function and bone health according to the National Institute of Health. It can also trigger and excess of uric acid which can lead to gout or kidney stones. Excessive protein intake is also linked to coronary artery (heart) disease.

      If it is a relatively healthy meal replacement bar, divide your child's weight by 150 pounds and give only a portion of the bar. Another factor to consider is there another purpose of the protein powder or bar? Does it help with muscle building, feeling full, weight loss, post workout recovery, inflammation, stamina or blood sugar control. Typically children's health concerns respond better to a balanced healthful whole food diet first. If having a balanced diet fails to improve the child's health, consider seeing a registered homeopath. They will prescribe safe safe and gentle medicines based on your child's unique needs and it has been around for 300 years. Children respond really well to homeopathic treatment. 

      A study of areas of that world that host large pockets of residents that typically live past 100 years of age, found that they tend to be lacto ovo vegetarians, which means they are primarily vegetarians who consume some milk and eggs. They also tend to work daily despite their age and have good social contacts. These pockets of centenarians were labelled the "Blue Zones" and are people like the Seventh Day Adventists in Loma Linda California and the Barbagia Region of Sardinia Italy. If you are not a vegetarian, try and take your protein sources from white meat, eggs, two legged animals or fish. Everyone should focus on a healthy whole food diet, using mostly legumes as your protein source, whole grains, (brown rice, quinoa, millet, oats etc), fruits, vegetables and choosing healthy fats such as nuts, seeds, olives and olive oil.

      Try making your own smoothies using a more natural food source. Natural protein sources that are useful for shakes are organic yogurt and cottage cheese, nuts and nut butters, tahini paste, hemp, chia, sunflower or flax seeds, coconut milk, quinoa, oats, kale and avocado. As mentioned earlier non genetically modified soy or tofu on occasion would be acceptable, long term use may not be advised. There are many recipes for homemade bars that contain fruit, nuts, seeds and whole grains that are delicious and are a safe snack without the added vitamins, amino acids, herbs, additives and excessive protein. Quick snacks can be as simple as sliced apple with nut butter, a boiled egg and carrot sticks, celery sticks with cheese and mixed nuts and fruit.

Homeopathic Remedies at Home

Upcoming Free Talk

Homeopathic Medicines for Arthritis. Heather Caruso, registered homeopath with 20 years experience will teach you what remedies work best and how to use homeopathic remedies for the symptoms of arthritis. She will talk about various major forms of arthritis such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid and gouty arthritis and as well some mention of carpal tunnel syndrome, degerative disc disease, ankylosing spondylitis, polymyalgia rheumatic and psoriatic arthritis. September 23rd, 10am until 11:30am, Register now space is limited. 

Upcoming Holiday Hours

Please note the office will be closed for the last two weeks of office. Should you have any orders please let us know one week ahead of time. The clinic will be closed from August 21st to re-open on September 5th.

Please follow us on Facebook, Click Here

  Got an Acute Health Issue? Book a Quick Homeopathic Tune Up Today!
       If you have a single issue like a cold, flu, headache, earache, injury or any other acute problem, book an acute visit to treat those symptoms homeopathically. A twenty minute session, is only $40.00 and best of all it is tailored to your unique symptom picture. Visits can be in person, via phone or skype. Book online or call the office 519 827 9237 during business hours.

Regular Hours

Our hours are Tuesday, Thursday and Fridays from 9am until 5pm and Monday from 9am until 8pm and Wednesdays from 12pm until 8pm.