Ashwagandha, one of the most vital herbs in Ayurvedic healing, has been used since ancient times for a wide variety of conditions, but is most well known for its restorative benefits. In Sanskrit ashwagandha means "the smell of a horse," indicating that the herb imparts the vigour and strength of a stallion, and it has traditionally been prescribed to help people strengthen their immune system after an illness. In fact, it's frequently referred to as "Indian ginseng" because of its rejuvenating properties (although botanically, ginseng and ashwagandha are unrelated). In addition, ashwagandha is also used to enhance sexual potency for both men and women.
Belonging to the same family as the tomato, ashwagandha (or Withania somnifera in Latin) is a plump shrub with oval leaves and yellow flowers. It bears red fruit about the size of a raisin. The herb is native to the dry regions of India, northern Africa, and the Middle East, but today is also grown in more mild climates, including in the United States.
Anti-stress Powder
Ashwagandha powder is administered by Ayurvedic doctors to strengthen an exhausted nervous system that is manifesting signs such as emotional instability, agitation or feeling stressed out. The December 2000 issue of Phytomedicine published an experimental study led by Indian doctor S.K. Bhattacharya. It found that ashwagandha root has the ability to reverse damage caused by stress, and make the same stress feel less stressful over time. Ashwagandha may be a leading herb to help individuals in our high-stress society
Sexual Enhancer
Ashwagandha is also used in India to increase sexual potency and sperm production. The name ashwagandha means "the smell of a horse," perhaps because the fresh root smells like horses' urine, or because in folk-lore it is renowned for imparting the sexual stamina of a horse. Research conducted by Indian herbologist P. Paranjpe and published in his book "Indian Medicinal Plants" showed that ashwagandha's rejuvenating effect on the reproductive organs may help increase sperm mobility, increase sperm count and improve poor sexual performance. He also states that an external application of ashwagandha oil may be used for impotence.
Muscle Toner
Ashwagandha is considered a rejuvenating or tonifying herb in Ayurveda. It is given to children who have low body weight, people with debility or those who are convalescing. In 2000, an article published in the Alternative Medicine Review showed the growth-promoting and rejuvenating effect of ashwagandha when the powdered root was given to a group of healthy children in milk for 60 days. The control group got a placebo in milk. At the end of the trial, there was an increase of weight gain and cell growth levels in the ashwagandha group over the control. Due to its muscle-building capabilities, specifically anabolic muscle, athletes may find it useful for increasing muscle weight, tone and athletic performance.
Scientific Research
Ashwagandha contains many useful medicinal chemicals, including withanolides, (steroidal lactones), alkaloids, choline, fatty acids, amino acids, and a variety of sugars. While the leaves and fruit have valuable therapeutic properties, the root of the ashwagandha plant is the part most commonly used in Western herbal remedies.
Medical researchers have been studying ashwagandha with great interest and as of this date have carried out 216 studies of its healing benefits, summarized below:
Confers immune system protection
Combats the effects of stress
Improves learning, memory, and reaction time
Reduces anxiety and depression without causing drowsiness
Stabilizes blood sugar
Lowers cholesterol
Reduces brain-cell degeneration
Contains anti-malarial properties
Offers anti-inflammatory benefits
Some studies have also found that ashwagandha inhibits the growth of cancer cells in small animals, but further research is needed to determine whether the herb prevents the development of tumours in human beings.
Practical Uses
The usual recommended dose is 3-6gms a day. Begin with 1/8 teaspoon, slowly increase to 1/2 teaspoon or more. Add to smoothies, juices, water, etc. For people who suffer from insomnia and anxiety, having a hot drink that contains a teaspoon of powdered ashwagandha before bedtime is beneficial.
Precautions
In extremely large doses, ashwagandha has been reported to induce abortions in animals. Although no similar studies have been carried out on humans, women should avoid the herb during pregnancy.
