Page 49 - Lost Book Remedies

The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies

strength in athletes engaging in resistance training and
strenuous exercise when taken for 8-weeks or longer.

Anti-inflammatory: Joint Pain and Arthri-
tis: Patients taking ashwagandha for eight weeks or
longer experience improvement in joint function and a
reduction in joint pain related to rheumatoid arthritis.

Sexual Function and Fertility: Ashwagandha
helps improve sexual function. It boosts testosterone
levels and improves male fertility. When used for a pe-
riod of 3 months, ashwagandha increases sperm count,
sperm volume, and sperm motility. In women, it im-
proves arousal, lubrication, and orgasm.
Cancer: Research shows that ashwagandha has anti- Immune Function: Ashwagandha helps regulate
tumor effects. It reduces cancerous tumors by prevent- immune function by reducing the body’s stress hor-
ing cell growth and killing cancerous cells. Ashwagan- mones, reducing inflammation, increasing the white
dha is useful in treating breast, lung, stomach, ovarian, blood cell count, and increasing immunoglobulin pro-
and colon cancer cells. These benefits are due to its an- duction.
tioxidant abilities and their effects in helping the im-
mune system.
In addition to reducing the growth of cancer cells, it
can also help the body deal with the side effects of con-
ventional anti-cancer drugs in boosting immunity and
improving the quality of life. Ashwagandha stimulates
the production of white blood cells and helps cancer
patients fight infections.
Memory and Brain Cell Degeneration: Re-
search suggests that ashwagandha protects the brain
from the damaging effects of emotional, physical, and
chemical stress. It protects the brain from cell degen-
eration, which may help in treating neurodegenerative
diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease. Harvesting: Pick berries in the fall when red and
fully ripe, then dry them for planting in the spring. For
Ashwagandha contains naturally occurring steroids medicinal use, dig up the roots in the fall and clean
and antioxidants that protect the brain and improve thoroughly. Slice, dry, and powder for future use.
cognitive function. Patients notice an improvement in Leaves are used fresh or can be dried to use in tea.
attention, processing speed, and mental acuity.
Warning: The herb is generally believed to be safe
Stamina, Endurance, and Muscle Perfor- and has an extensive history of use. However, there are
mance: Studies suggest that ashwagandha boosts en- no long-term studies on the safety and long-term use
durance and reduces muscle pain. It calms stress, en- may make it more likely that side effects will be expe-
ergizes the brain, and enhances cardiorespiratory en- rienced. Consult your doctor and watch for side-effects
durance in athletes. It increases muscle mass and when using ashwagandha over the long term.

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