Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is also called the Indian Winter Cherry or Indian Ginseng, and it is widely used in Ayurveda medicine. The herb is a stout shrub that has a height of 170 centimeters. The erect branched-out plants seem to project a berry-like form bestowed with greenish or yellow flowers and red fruits. Grown in multiple parts of India such as Haryana, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, the Indian winter cherry is also cultivated in Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Health benefits of ashwagandha are plentiful but most of them revolve around stress-related complications such as arthritis, diabetes, general debility and hypertension. The herb is considered an adaptogen that helps the immune system fight any foreign invasions in the body. Many say that the plant is useful for upper respiratory tract infections and as relief in asthmatic conditions. It increases white blood cell count and prepares the body to produce antigens to fight off infections and allergies. The herb revitalizes the body by decreasing fatigue that is caused by weak body strength, which is largely due to the accumulation of negative energies in the body.
The herb can be used as a liver tonic and anti-inflammatory agent that can treat asthma, insomnia, senile dementia and ulcers. Because of its anti-inflammatory substance, it can reduce swelling and can restore blood supply at the same time. Incorporating such herbs into an Ayurvedic diet can prevent or decrease the risk of tumors in humans. It can also work as a rasayan that helps prevent early aging and can rejuvenate the entire body. The plant has excellent healing properties that can be widely used to heal wounds and injuries and can also increase the production of bone marrow.
The plant has vata-suppressant properties that help relieve stress and at the same time help nurture the nervous system. It helps the brain function better to be able to have greater ability to work. It highly improves mental concentration and mental ability to be able to gain and retain power. The plant has good penetrating powers that can be used to promote mental satisfaction and calmness and is significantly used against anxiety, cognitive and neurological disorder, inflammation and Parkinson’s disease.

Many would be happy to know that the plant is also known to restore male libido, cure impotence and can increase sperm quality and count. It is widely used in southern Asia as a powerful aphrodisiac. The plant enhances sexual powers and can promote long-lasting endurance. Aside from health benefits, the plant is used to thicken milk in India.
Many say to not take ashwagandha if the patient is suffering from congestion, is pregnant, or is breastfeeding since no formal studies have been performed to witness any possible side effects that might come out in such cases. Patients with hyperthyroidism should also not take the herb as studies suggest that it may raise thyroid hormone levels.
All in all, ashwagandha or winter cherry is an herb that improves physical energy and abilities, increases immunity to fight against colds and infections and can be used to increase sexual capacity and fertility. The plant is generally safe and should be consumed with the recommended dosages.

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