The Ayurveda Experience
July 20, 2017

Ashwagandha is a multipurpose herb well known to strengthen the body physically and ease arthritis symptoms. Both the ancient Ayurvedic manuscripts and modern scientific research consider it the best remedy for Rheumatoid Arthritis (Amavata) and Osteoarthritis (Sandhi-gata Vata).1 

Today, more than 50 million American adults are suffering from arthritis. Common analgesics such as ibuprofen, diclofenac, paracetamol (acetaminophen) are used to aid in reducing symptoms. But these drugs don’t give long lasting relief.
Ashwagandha is a multipurpose herb well known to strengthen the body physically and ease arthritis symptoms. Both the ancient Ayurvedic manuscripts and modern scientific research consider it the best remedy for Rheumatoid Arthritis (Amavata) and Osteoarthritis (Sandhi-gata Vata).1 

In fact, if taken for a long period of time they can have severe side effects including stomach pain, ulceration, heartburn, allergic reactions, liver problem, kidney problems and high blood pressure. Joint replacement to alleviate arthritis has its own complications. Today, over 100 types of arthritis are known in which the most common forms are osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease) and rheumatoid arthritis.

Ashwagandha, due to its proven effectiveness, is a supplement of choice for arthritis.

What does the Ayurvedic classical text say about Ashwagandha?

In Ayurveda, Ashwagandha is considered a rejuvenator (Rasayana) effective in many conditions including  vata-kaphaja disorders (diseases due to an imbalance of Vata and Kapha dosha) as well as inflammation (Shopha).2

Ashwagandha For Arthritis: How It Works

In Ayurveda, arthritis is linked to the gut. Due to irregular food habits, weakened digestive fire (Agni), or disturbed dosha equilibrium, toxins (Ama) are formed in the gut which affects the joints and soft tissues resulting in inflammatory and obstructive processes.3

Ashwagandha has a hot potency (Usna virya) that subsides Vata and Kapha and ignites the digestive fire (agni-deepana). As a result, nutrients reach the tissues (Dhatus) through minute channels called Srotas. It also helps in subsiding Vata dominance in old stage thereby delaying senility (Vayasthapana).4