Did you know?
- About 16.1 million adults aged 18 or older in the United States are now suffering from depressive disorder or equivalent to 6.7% of American adults.
- 60% of those 16.1 million adults are likely to commit suicide with or without a plan and the number is on the rise.
- Depression is often found in women more than men. However, depression in men tends to be more violent than that in women. It usually expresses in form of anger while depression in woman manifests in form of sadness.
What is the cause of Depression?
According to the research, genetics has played an important role in depression in American adults. A family history of depression greatly increases the likelihood of depressive disorder in individuals. Scientists believe that the chemical imbalance in the brain of patients, especially the decrease in Serotonin and Norepinephrine, has caused depression. Many scientists also point out that certain parts of the brain such as nerve cell connection, nerve cell growth, and nerve circuit have tremendous impacts on depression in individuals. Therefore, the treatment of any depressive disorders has heavily focused on the prescription of antidepressant medication on patients.
Unfortunately, there is a possibility of harm from taking excessive doses of antidepressants by patients for a long period of time. The most recognizable side-effect of the overdose of antidepressants is sexual dysfunction in male. Some patients were reported to develop anxiety or nausea.
To avoid such an unpleasant side-effect, lots of depressive disorder patients have turned to an organic herb called Ashwagandha.
What is Ashwagandha?
The usage of Ashwagandha is described in Ayurvedic medicine for more than 3,000 years of ancient India’s medical system. The word “Ashwagandha” has derived from the ancient Sanskrit language which means “the smell of the horse”. It can be implied that this herb will naturally embody the strength of horse to patients. According to the record found in Ayurveda holistic healing method, the sage used this herb to rejuvenate patient after being recovery from severe illness. Even through Ashwagandha was originally from India, it can now be grown in the United States.
The Benefits of Ashwagandha
- Enhance your strength and endurance. According to the research on a clinical test, Ashwagandha helps the body generate red blood cells to deliver more oxygen to the body tissues and also improve blood circulation system.
- Substitute Benzodiazepine medicine to fight against depression without severe side-effect. The overdose of Benzodiazepine often causes memory loss in some patients.
- Act as an adaptogenic herb to cope with stress and anxiety.
- Help prolong the hours of sleep quality.
- Balance Estrogen hormone in menopause women.
- Improve memory and brain functions. Numerous researchers have shown that Ashwagandha help reduce amnesia by safeguarding the brain from oxidative stress which ultimately leads to brain cell degeneration.
- Ashwagandha is also known as an adaptogenic herb to help rejuvenate body and mind of patients who are suffering from the hypothyroid disease.
- Strengthen the immune system.
- Stabilize the Adrenal gland’s functions. The Adrenal gland produces several types of hormone such as Cortisol. The body uses Cortisol hormone to counter stress. Additionally, Cortisol hormone also slows aging naturally.
- Improve sexual performance in both male and female.
- Control blood sugar.
The side-effect of Ashwagandha
Although there is no report about severe side-effect issue of using Ashwagandha in human, few patients may develop the symptom of gastrointestinal problems such as stomach pain, vomiting, or nausea. Therefore, it is advisable to take a relatively small dose of Ashwagandha or with a meal.
