Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha   ØRejuvenates the body                      ØUseful in emaciation and under nutritive conditions   ØUseful in management of white discoloration of the skin   ØImproves quality and quantity of semen   ØIncreases strength   ØUseful in management of edematous conditions       Common Name: Winter cherry (Eng.)   Sanskrit Name: Ashwagandha- Means 'the smell of a horse' as its fresh root smells like a horse's urine, and also perhaps because it is renowned for imparting the sexual stamina of a horse. Varahakarni   Lt. Name: Withania somnifera (somnifera means "sleep-bearing" in Latin, indicating it was considered a sedative, but it has been also used for sexual vitality and as an adaptogen)- Solanaceae   Bio energetics: Rasa (Taste)- Tikta (Bitter); Katu (Pungent); Madhura (Sweet) Guna (Characteristics)- Laghu (Light); Snigdha (Unctuous) Veerya (Potency)- Ushna (Warm) Vipaka (Post digestion effect)- Madhura (Sweet)   Effect on Tridoshas (Three bio humors): Ashwagandha pacifies Kapha and Vata Doshas i.e. it is useful in management of all diseases originating from aggravated Kapha and Vata.   Biochemistry of Withania somnifera: The biochemical composition of Withania somnifera has been widely studied and researched. Some 35 compounds had been analyzed in the laboratory. Alkaloids: About 13 alkaloids are known as Isopelletierine, Anaferine, Cuseohygrine, Anahygrine, Tropine etc. Somniferin: It is a bitter alkaloid with some hypnotic activity. Steroidal Lactones: Withanolides, Withanoferins. Saponins: These are with an additional acyl group (Sitoindoside VII and VIII. Withanolides With Carbon At 27th Position: Sitoindoside IX and X. Iron. Others: resin, fat, coloring matters, a reducing sugar, phytosterol, Ipuranol and a mixture of saturated and unsaturated acids. Actions according to Ayurveda: Vajikara- Ashwagandha increases sexual desire Rasayani- Ashwagandha rejuvenates the body Balya- Ashwagandha increases strength Ati shukrala- Ashwagandha improves quality and quantity of semen Shwitrapaha- Ashwagandha is useful in management of white discoloration of the skin Shothahara- Ashwagandha is useful in management of edematous conditions Kshayapaha- Ashwagandha is useful in emaciation and under nutritive conditions   Medicinal value: Ashwagandha is considered an adaptogen which is a nontoxic herb that works on a nonspecific basis to normalize physiological function, working on the HPA axis and the neuroendocrine system. Research supports the use of Ashwagandha for arthritis. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study, 42 patients with osteoarthritis received a formula containing Ashwagandha or placebo for three months. Patients were evaluated for one month, prior to treatment, during which time all previous drugs were withdrawn. During both the pre-treatment and treatment phase, pain and disability scores were evaluated weekly. The herb Ashwagandha significantly reduced the severity of pain and disability scores for arthritis. Research on Ashwagandha has concluded that extracts of the plant has a direct spermatogenic influence on the seminiferous tubules of immature rats presumably by exerting a testosterone-like effect. It could also be a potential source of hypoglycemic, diuretic and hypocholesterolemic agents. 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 tumors in human beings. Useful part: Roots   Doses: Powder- 3-6 gm   Some useful combinations of Ashwagandha: Ashwagandharishta; Ashwagandha rasayana; Ashwagandhadi churna; Ashwagandha ghruta   Useful preparations of Ashwagandha: A paste of Ashwagandha leaves when applied on a local inflammation acts as anti-inflammatory. The herbal massage oil which includes this herb is useful in many conditions like paralysis, epilepsy, sleeplessness etc. The preparation of Ashwagandha which is processed with ghee, sugar and honey is a very good aphrodisiac and increases semen quantity, sperm count and mobility. It is effectively used in Erectile dysfunction, low libido and premature ejaculation. 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. Ashwagandha when used regularly, is very useful in emaciated children. It increases body weight and body energy. Regular use of Ashwagandha helps to reduce blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Fine powder of Ashwagandha well mixed with oil is very use full in many skin conditions. Ashwagandha also acts as galactogogue and thickens and increases the nutritive value of the milk when given to nursing mothers.