Unveiling the 16 Health Advantages of Ashwagandha

5. Anti-Inflammatory

Analgesics offer temporary relief from the pain caused by arthritis, but they can also cause severe side effects such as allergic reactions, stomach pain, high blood pressure, and heartburn. Animal studies suggest ashwagandha could be better at reducing inflammation than hydrocortisone. Human patients with rheumatoid arthritis have found its use can reduce pain and swelling.

The herb's anti-inflammatory properties come from the saponins, alkaloids, and steroidal lactones it contains. These compounds may reduce the severity of pain and improve stiffness and overall function of joints and muscles.

However, people with autoimmune conditions, including arthritis, should not take ashwagandha unless under the care of a physician. More research is needed in this area as most of the studies are small in size and short in duration.