Ashwagandha for Kids: Safe and Effective Uses
Ashwagandha or Withania Somnifera is a truly unusual plant with many beneficial properties. Its name is derived from the words "ashwa" and "gandha" which translates to "horse smell" referring to both its tart odor and its empowering properties. It is one of the key plants in Ayurvedic medicine and has been used for over 3000 years.
Despite its widespread use among adults, many parents wonder how safe and effective ashwagandha for kids is. Well, let's find out!
What is Ashwagandha?
First of all, let's see what this plant is, what it looks like, where it grows, and what properties it has.
Distinctive features
Ashwagandha is a dwarf bush, which has at its center one stalk with side shoots of feathery growth of green leaves. Its flowers are minute greenish-yellow in color whereas its berries are red and small like raisins. Ashwagandha’s aroma has a sharp taste with a bitterness to it. It can also be described as horse-like, or horsey.
Geographical spread
Ashwagandha grows in many countries, including India, Nepal, China, Yemen, and some parts of Africa. this herb prefers dry regions with mild climates. It grows well in sandy soils and in open, sunny areas where rainfall is low. India is a major producer of ashwagandha, especially in dry climate areas such as Rajasthan and Punjab. In recent years, interest in ashwagandha has been growing and it is beginning to be cultivated in parts of North America and Europe. However, successful cultivation in these regions requires specific conditions and care, as the plant is adapted to drier and hotter climates.
Overall, ashwagandha is a fairly resilient plant, able to survive in low moisture and nutrient conditions in the soil.
Medical use
Ashwagandha has proven to be an excellent stress reliever. It is widely used to improve concentration, reduce fatigue, and fight sleep issues. It is also believed to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anxiolytic, and anti-stress properties.
Despite its long history of use in traditional medicine, many of its purported benefits still require more in-depth scientific research. However, there are studies supporting its effectiveness in improving stress levels and anxiolytic effects. You should also keep in mind, that it is not recommended for pregnancy and certain health problems. Also, consider both the pros and cons of ashwagandha for an adult health.
Ashwagandha for Kids
Now that we know a little more about this plant let's take a look at how ashwagandha affects children. Here are some potential benefits of ashwagandha for kids based on preliminary research:
- Reducing stress and anxiety: Being an adaptogen, it is used to fight stress and anxiety in children when they find themselves stretched to the limits of their mental and physical capabilities. It can serve a sedative role to the nervous system, which may benefit children who usually are in danger of stress and overstrain.
- Improving cognitive function: Research reports indicate that ashwagandha supplements have an ability to enhance memory and concentration of the children It may also enhance learning and enable mind plasticity which is critical at the schooling age.
- Immune System Support: Since ashwagandha is considered to enhance the immune system, this aspect of using this herb can be especially important for children visiting educational institutions. As an antioxidant, it can protect cells from degradation and help repair their structures which enhances overall health.
Some studies show improvement in children with scattered attention and sleep problem.
Since most of the studies have been conducted on adults, you should be very careful about the dosage. If you use tinctures, never consume one with alcohol. Start with one drop a day and monitor the child closely. The tincture can be conveniently added to food or drink, which is much easier than giving your child a capsule, which not all children like to swallow. Ask about kids' experience and their personal feelings. Do not jump to conclusions, it usually takes up to a month for the results to become noticeable. Be patient and do not increase the dose too quickly. Always consult a specialist before starting to take ashwagandha, especially if the child has health issues. Be careful and cautious and then ashwagandha for kids will bring the desired results.
Possible side effects should also be kept in mind. As a rule, they are quite rare and occur when the dosage is exceeded, the most frequent being stomach upset and drowsiness. Allergies can also sometimes occur in both children and adults.
Talking about the benefits of ashwagandha for children it is also worth mentioning that it can be very useful for parents as well. It is no secret that taking care of a child is often related to a lot of stress for a young mom or dad, ashwagandha can help you cope with parenting duties better. Feeling less tired and stressed you will be able to give your children more of the attention they so desperately need.
Conclusion
To summarize, it should be said that Withania Somnifera does have many beneficial properties. Some of them are scientifically proven, while others are still being studied by scientists. Millions of people around the world take it every day to improve their health. You miight become one of them or look for other herbs with similar properties on our site, believe me, you will be surprised how many we have. Experience the power of nature and the benefits it can provide us. Take a look at natural herbs in secrets.shop in tinctures and capsules specially designed by the professionals at Secrets Of The Tribe! Best wishes!