Ashwagandha- the Indian ginseng
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
