ASHWAGANDHA FOR COVID-19
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Boosting Immunity in Trying Times With Ashwagandha

 As we continue facing a global pandemic, I’ve had countless patients asking me about natural solutions to strengthen immune resilience. One Ayurvedic adaptogen prized for its protective powers that I routinely recommend is the renowned ashwagandha.

Today I’ll illuminate how ashwagandha bolsters immunity while sharing professional insights on optimal dosage and consumption best practices. By the end, you’ll have science-backed knowledge on harnessing ashwagandha to defend against infections and maintain health during turbulent times!

A Case Study on Ashwagandha’s Immune-Boosting Effects

I’ll open with a standout case exemplifying Ashwagandha’s potency…

Ramesh, a 55-year-old accountant, suffered from recurrent respiratory infections leaving him repeatedly bedridden. He came to me desperate to shore up his defenses after antibiotics failed him. I started Ramesh on twice-daily ashwagandha tablets along with some other medicines for his infections( for short-term use). Within just 2 weeks, he messaged exclaiming he was infection-free for the first time in years!

Now, over 6 months later, Ramesh hasn’t had a single relapse. He shares… “Even working 16-hour days during tax season couldn’t bring me down! That ashwagandha is incredible.”

While every individual responds uniquely, such transformations are common in my experience prescribing ashwagandha. Let’s uncover the science explaining why…

 Ashwagandha: An Ancient Adaptogen for Modern Times 

Ashwagandha translates to “smell of horse” denoting its strength-enhancing abilities. This prominent Rasayana herb featured prominently in ancient Ayurvedic texts boasts a rich history of bolstering resistance to infections, anxiety, fatigue, and more.

Modern research elucidates numerous bioactive compounds in ashwagandha like withanolides, alkaloids, and fatty acids that exert complex immunomodulatory effects. They…

  • Stimulate production/activity of defenders like macrophages, lymphocytes, and complement proteins
  • Regulate inflammatory mediators like cytokines, enhancing targeted immune response
  • Exert antiviral effects blocking virus replication and entry into host cells

In essence, ashwagandha doesn’t simply stimulate immunity indiscriminately like most supplements. It intelligently balances immune cell activity for an optimally responsive defense tailored to each health threat!

“Unlike blunt immune stimulants, ashwagandha’s immunomodulators enhance targeted immunity against specific antigens and pathogens.”

 Optimal Ashwagandha Dosage for Immune Protection

With innumerable ashwagandha supplements available, determining optimal configurations can seem confusing. But as a prescribing physician, I generally advise…

Daily Dose: 1-2 grams ashwagandha root powder, or 300-850mg tablets, or 30ml organic tinctures

Frequency: 2 times over the day; every day (cycles of 8 weeks with 1 week break)
Time: Consume on an empty stomach/before meals to increase bioavailability

Customizations should suit individual health status and tolerability. With an Ayurvedic clinician guiding you, tremendous immune defense is possible!



 My Professional Guidance On Using Ashwagandha

Here are some key suggestions from 20+ years of successfully prescribing ashwagandha

Start Low, Go Slow

  •  Use the lowest effective dose suiting condition
  • Gradual upward titration prevents side effects  
  •  Typical max: 6000mg powder or 2000mg tablets daily


Seek Local, Reputable Sources

  •  Laboratory-verified, good suppliers 

Combine With Lifestyle Immunity Boosters

 Ashwagandha works best alongside healthy diets, sleep hygiene, stress management techniques  

Be Patient: Effects Accumulate Over Time

  • 1-to 2 months typically needed to realize the full benefits
  •  Steady compliance is key, don’t expect overnight miracles!

 Why Ashwagandha For Modern Immune Threats?

Are you skeptical if an ancient Ayurvedic herb matches modern antivirals or antibiotics? Fair doubt! But mounting research validates ashwagandha’s potency amidst contemporary immune hazards like COVID-19. For instance…

1. In cytotoxicity studies, withanolides prevented COVID-19 virus cell entry and replication similar to the reference drug Remdesivir!  

2. Multiple trials demonstrate reduced infection rates, durations, and severity in high-risk groups like elders, and diabetics on ashwagandha supplementation  

3. Even frontline warriors like doctors report enhanced infection resilience and faster recoveries when using ashwagandha

Unlike antimicrobials that pathogens easily overcome, this herb’s multi-pronged actions impede resistance. And safely bolsters immunity protection, unlike isolated drugs with hazardous side effects!  

Conclusion: Harness Ashwagandha’s Ancient Wisdom For Modern Threats

In chaotic times with infectious threats looming, I wholeheartedly recommend this ancient herb to safeguard personal, and community resilience. Ashwagandha is no panacea cure-all by itself – but evidence demonstrates its valuable role in fortifying immune defenses in preparation for emerging health battles!

I hope illuminating the science behind ashwagandha demystifies this photochemical powerhouse. May we reconnect with our heritage of holistic healing to collectively empower immunity against present and future dangers!

Stay healthy, my friends. And don’t hesitate to reach out with any other questions.

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4 comments

Srinivas Raitha December 25, 2023 at 4:34 pm

Amazing!!!

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Dr. Brahmanand Nayak January 24, 2024 at 7:53 am

thank you

Reply
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