Ashwagandha

 

 

Botanical name: Withania somnifera (Solanaceae)

Parts used: leaves, root, berries

Energetics: warming, drying

Taste: warming, sweet, bitter, dry, pungent

Actions: Adaptogenic, tonic, mild sedative, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, immunomodulator, thermogenic, antitussive, alterative

Constituents: Alkaloids, steroidal lactones (withanolides), iron

 

Medicinal Preparations:

Tincture: 2 TBL 2-4 x's a day

Tonic: 3-6 grams daily of powder

Tea: decoction 1 tsp 2 x's day 

Ounces: 2 cups  Times a day: daily 

Description:

Ashwagandha is commonly used in Ayurveda and coined the "Indian ginseng" due to it being used in much the same way that ginseng is used in Chinese medicine; given to improve vitality, and also to aid in recovery after a chronic illness/condition. In Western medicine ashwagandha has been helpful in relieving stress, anxiety, sleep deprivation and fatigue with clinical research supporting these claims.

Medicinal uses:

Clinical research has shown the withanolides, are similar to our steroid hormones and noted people taking it had lower stress levels, lower cortisol and blood pressure levels and an increased sense of well-being. 

Ashwagandha is often given for a wide range of conditions including arthritis, anxiety, insomnia, nervous disorders, respiratory disorders. Ashwagandha's calming adaptogens makes this herb beneficial for those prone to anxiety or nervousness.

Taking ashwagandha can help improve concentration and less fatigue and has been proven in trials to reduce anxiety and tension. 

Ashwagandha has also been linked to helping improve semen quality in males with fertility issues. 

Ashwagandha is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine to prevent and treat cognitive disorders such as senile dementia and Alzheimer's and neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's and Huntington's. With studies showing ashwagandha's ability to slow, stop, and could even reverse cognitive impairments due to a neurodegenerative diseases. As a tonic, ashwagandha can be beneficial as a whole to the brain and nervous system, it can help improve both memory and cognition in acute and chronic conditions. 

Contraindications:

Generally safe when taken in small doses, large doses have been known to give GI upset such as diarrhea & vomiting. 

Pregnant women consult your healthcare provider before using ashwagandha as it can have abortifacient properties in large doses.