Winter cherry or Withnia Somnifera on its scientific name is an herb widely used in the Ayurvedic system of medicine, mostly for treating conditions that affect the joints, like arthritis, joint pain and swelling or gout.
The small-sized shrub originates in India, being considered the “ginseng” of Indian medicine thanks to its energy-boosting effects [3]. The herb is an adaptogen, meaning that it can improve physical energy and resistance to emotional and physical stress. At the same time, the plant increases immunity, decreasing the risk of infections and contributing to an enhanced vitality. In males, winter cherry is used for increasing potency and restoring libido.
According to the Ayurvedic system, winter cherry may help regulate blood sugar levels and suppress cravings for sweets, may relieve pain in arthritis, speed up the recovery from chronic ailments, and act as a relaxant for the muscles thanks to its mild sedative effect on the central nervous system. Another common application of this plant is in depression, anxiety and mental fatigue; also, the herb can be used as diuretic.
As you can see, this plant provides a variety of health benefits. However, for the purpose of this article, we’ll only focus on the influence of winter cherry supplements on joints, and we’ll try to see whether there are studies to support the effectiveness of this plant in treating joint conditions.
Winter cherry, gout and joint pain
Research has demonstrated that winter cherry (ashwagandha in India) contains anti-inflammatory ingredients, its activity being comparable to that of hydrocortisone [1]. This is what makes the plant effective in relieving symptoms of arthritis, joint pain and manifestations of gout.
Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the body’s immune system attacks the membrane that protects the components of joints and acts like a lining. This membrane, called synovial membrane, can become inflamed and get thinner and less effective in protecting the joint.
When this happens, swelling, pain and discomfort occur, and the range of motion and flexibility of joints decreases. Left untreated, the inflammatory process can lead to the destruction of the cartilage and bones within the joint. Arthritis manifests through tender and swollen joints, redness and warmth, stiffness especially in the morning and firm bumps under the skin.
Winter cherry has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, stimulating the activation of immune system cells, so it can prevent inflammation from damaging the synovial membrane and joint, relieving the pain and swelling [2]. The plant is safe and non-toxic, and is available in the form of oral supplements.
Gout, another condition that can be treated with ashwagandha, appears when urate crystals accumulate inside the joints, causing the inflammation and intense pain. These crystals form when there’s too much uric acid in the bloodstream, and the concentration of uric acid increases when one’s diet is too rich in certain foods like steak, seafood or organ meats.
Fruits rich in sugar, beer and sweetened drinks also favor the formation of urate crystals, the body producing uric acid when it breaks down purines. In a healthy organism, the uric acid is dissolved in the blood and is removed from the body through urine, but if the concentration of this compound is too high, the kidneys don’t manage to excrete the entire amount, so uric acid can build up and form crystals.
The accumulation of these crystals causes pain, inflammation and swelling of the joints. These symptoms can be relieved or prevented with the help of winter cherry, the powerful natural remedy reducing the inflammation and allowing joints to heal. It’s therefore worth giving this plant a try if you’re suffering from joint pain, swelling and stiffness and are looking for a safe and natural treatment.
References:
- http://www.naturalhealthresearch.org/ashwagandha/
- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10956379
- http://en.mr-ginseng.com/ashwagandha/
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