Ashwagandha- the Indian ginseng
by Daniel
Weigum
zone3
Ashwagandha - also known as Indian Winter Cherry has the
Botanical name Withania Somnifera -It is a shrub
belonging to Solanace family. It is grown in the western India,
Gujarat, MP, Punjab and in Himalayas.
Ashwagandha gets its name because its roots have the odor of horse.
(Ashwa = horse , gandha = odor). It is called by another name Varaha karni
because its leaves resemble pig’s ear.
Ashwagandha has light (laghu) and sticky (snigdha) properties, bitter
and sweet taste. On digestion the sweet taste dominates. The main part
used is root of this herb.
Medicinal properties of Ashwagandha
The various medicinal properties of ashwagandha is attributed to
compounds known as withanolides which are present in it.
Ashwagandha is used as an adaptogen (as it enhances endurance),
rejuvenating tonic and sedative. Hence many herbalists refer this herb as
Indian ginseng.
Effects on mind: As it balances vata and kapha, it improves memory,
counteracts the effects of stress and calms mind. It has an ability to
relieve stress. It acts as sedative. Stressed patients with insomnia are
benefited by this herb.
This herb can be used in Alzheimer’s disease, memory loss and
insomnia.
Effects on general health : It acts as balya and strengthens the body.
Generally, ashwagandha stimulates the immune system and strengthens it. It
increases body energy level.
Convalescent patients’ gain more energy and can spring back to normal
routine quicker when this herb’s preparations are used after illness.
The immediate relapse of disease is prevented on use of Ashwagandha.
This supports HIV patients by strengthening their immune
system.
Anti-inflammatory properties: It has anti-inflammatory properties and
has been successfully used in adjuvant therapy for arthritis. It reduces
inflammation of joints and eases movements.
Effects on digestive system: Ashwagandha increases appetite . It
normalizes digestion and bowel movements.
Effects on reproductive system: This magic herb increases shukra
dhatu, sperm count and sperm motility. It increases libido and known as
best Vajikara dravya (aphrodisiac)
It is also used as uterine tonic and to enhance female
libido.
Ashwagandha retards ageing process when used as rasayana (rejuvenating
preparation).
It reduces hypertension and also acts as diuretic.
Effects on pregnant woman: Ashwagandha is very effective in conditions
like habitual abortion, threatened abortion. It stabilizes pregnancy and
balances harmones which stabilize pregnancy.
Usefull preparations of Ashwagandha:
1. A paste of ashwagandha leaves when applied on a local inflammation
acts as anti inflammatory.
2. The herbal massage oil which includes this herb is useful in
many conditions like paralysis, epilepsy, sleeplessness etc.
3. The preparation of Ashwagandha which is processed with ghee, sugar
and honey is a very good aphrodisiac and increases semen quantity, sperm
count and motility. It is effectively used in Erectile dysfunction, low
libido and premature ejaculation.
4. Ashwagandha roots when used regularly helps to improve the
conditions like emaciation of children, senile debility, rheumatism, in
all cases of general debility, nervous exhaustion, brain-fag, low of
memory, loss of muscular energy and spermatorrhoea. It increases
body energy and vigor . It helps to rebuild the body system which is
worn out due to chronic diseases like syphilis, rheumatism etc. It also
replenishes the lowered energy of body due to over-work, mental exertion
thus preventing early ageing.
5. Ashwagandha when used regularly, is very useful in emaciated children. It increases body
weight and body energy.
6. Regular use of ashwagandha helps to reduce blood sugar and
cholesterol levels.
7. Fine powder of ashwagandha well mixed with oil is very use full in
many skin conditions.
8. Ashwagandha also acts as galactogogue and thickens the milk when
given to nursing mothers.
This article is copy righted. The author Dr.Krishna.R.S is an Ayurvedic
Physician and web master of http://www.ayurveda-increaselibido.com/
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. Krishna.R.S has been an Ayurvedic Practitioner
since 19 yrs , after getting a graduation degree in ayurveda
in 1986 from University of Mysore, India. He completed his post
graduation diploma about allopathic medicine and surgery from University
of Bangalore, Karnataka, India.His articles about ayurveda and life
sciences have been published in many magzines. http://www.ayurveda-increaselibido.com/ http://www.ayurhelp.com/
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