Evidence supporting the use of: Ashwagandha
For the health condition: Peripheral Neuropathy

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a prominent herb in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, where it is widely used as a "rasayana" or rejuvenator. While ashwagandha is primarily known for its adaptogenic and anti-inflammatory properties, its direct use for treating or supporting peripheral neuropathy is not strongly rooted in either traditional practice or modern clinical research. Some traditional Ayurvedic formulations for nerve health may contain ashwagandha, often combined with other herbs like Guduchi or Bala, based on its general nerve-strengthening and anti-inflammatory reputation. However, there is limited direct historical documentation specifically recommending ashwagandha for peripheral neuropathy.

On the scientific front, preclinical studies (in animals and cell cultures) have shown that ashwagandha extracts can exhibit neuroprotective effects, reduce oxidative stress, and modulate inflammatory pathways, which in theory could be beneficial for neuropathic conditions. However, there are no robust human clinical trials directly examining ashwagandha as a monotherapy for peripheral neuropathy. Thus, while its use is sometimes justified in traditional systems for general nerve health and vitality, the evidence specifically supporting its efficacy in peripheral neuropathy is weak and largely extrapolated from broader claims regarding nerve function and inflammation. More research is needed to validate its effectiveness for this specific condition.

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Other health conditions supported by ashwagandha

Addictions (drugs)
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Adrenal Fatigue
Afterbirth Pain
Aging (prevention)
Alcoholism
Allergies (respiratory)
Alzheimer's Disease
Amenorrhea
Anemia
Angina
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Appetite (deficient)
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Arthritis
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Attention Deficit Disorder
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Backache
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Cancer (natural therapy for)
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Cholesterol (high)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
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Concentration (poor)
Depression
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Emotional Sensitivity
Endurance (lack of)
Energy (lack of)
Epilepsy
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Exercise
Fatigue
Fear (excessive)
Fibromyalgia Syndrome
Goiter
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Headache (general)
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Hysteria
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Lyme Disease
Memory and Brain Function
Menopause
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Menstruation (scant)
Mental Illness
Migraine
Miscarriage (prevention)
Mood Swings
Muscle Tone (lack of)
Nervous Exhaustion
Nervousness
Neurosis
Nightmares
Nocturnal Emission
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Osteoporosis
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Parkinson's Disease
Peripheral Neuropathy
Pets (supplements for)
PMS (general)
PMS Type C
PMS Type D
Post Partum Depression
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Premature Ejaculation
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Sex Drive (low)
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Stress
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Tuberculosis
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Worry
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