If you also use Ayurveda medicines then you must have consumed Ashwagandha. Ashwagandha, considered the ‘king of herbs’, is in the news these days.
Taking a big decision, the Food Regulator of India (FSSAI) and the Ministry of AYUSH have banned the use of Ashwagandha leaves in health supplements and medicines. Now companies will be able to use only Ashwagandha roots in their products. Research has shown that its consumption can cause problems related to liver and nerves. This step taken by the government is very important for those people who consume Ashwagandha supplements to relieve stress and fatigue.
From thousands of years old Ayurvedic texts to modern science, only the root part of Ashwagandha has been considered safe. According to the Ministry of AYUSH, eating Ashwagandha leaves has never been advised in Ayurveda. The leaves are used for external use. The government clearly says that there is no concrete evidence available regarding the benefits of consuming Ashwagandha leaves and their safety. People have had faith in its roots for centuries and there is also research on it.
Liver and health at risk!
The main reason for banning Ashwagandha leaves is related to its safety. Research has found that the leaves contain certain elements like ‘Withaferin-A’ in large quantities, which can prove toxic to the body. Consuming them has a bad effect on the liver. Due to this, there is a risk of stomach diseases and nerve related problems. Consuming leaves can also worsen thyroid levels. Keeping such concerns in mind, European countries Poland and Hungary have also banned the consumption of leaves.
Government’s hunter on the cunningness of companies
The demand for Ashwagandha supplement has increased rapidly in the market. In such a situation, in order to earn profit, many companies are grinding and mixing the leaves along with the roots. This means that these Ashwagandha supplements are causing harm instead of benefits. Ashwagandha leaves are 100 times cheaper than the roots. In such a situation, the costing of companies reduces significantly. Strict orders have been given by the government that the manufacturers will have to clearly write on the packets which part of the plant they have used. Action will be taken against companies violating the rules.