ASHWAGANDHA, Winter Cherry, Withania somnifera - Solanaceae
Ashwagandha : that which has the smell of a horse, as it gives the vitality and sexual energy of a horse
ASHWAGANDHA is the main Ayurvedic rejuvenative for the male.
Part used : Root
Energetics :
- Rasa (taste) : bitter, astringent, sweet/
- Virya (energy) : heating
- Vipaka (post-digestive effect) :sweet
Doshas : VK- P and Ama + (in excess)
Tissues : muscle, fat, bone, marrow and nerve, reproductive
Systems : reproductive, nervous, respiratory
Actions : tonic, rejuvenative, aphrodisiac, nervine, sedative, astringent
Indications : general debility, sexual debility, nerve exhaustion, convalesence, problems of old age, emaciation of children, loss of memory, loss of muscular energy, spermatorrhea, overwork, tissue deficiency, insomnia, paralysis, multiple sclerosis, weak eyes, rheumatism, skin afflictions, cough, difficult breathing, anemia, fatigue, infertility, glandular swelling
Precautions : high Ama, severe congestion
Preparation : decoction, milk decoction, powder (250 mg to 1 g), paste, medicated ghee, medicated oil
ASHWAGANDHA holds a place in the Ayurvedic pharmacology similar to ginseng in Chinese medicine, yet it is far less expensive.
It is the best rejuvenative herb, particularly for the muscles, marrow and semen and for Vata constitution. It is used in all conditions of weakness and tissue deficiency in children, the elderly, those debilitated by chronic diseases, those suffering from overwork, lack of sleep or nervous exhaustion.
For such regenerative purposes, it can be taken as a milk decoction to which may be added raw sugar, honey, pippai and basmati rice.
As such, it inhibits aging and catalyzes the anabolic processes of the body.
Sattvic in quality, it is one of the best herbs for the mind upon which it is nurturing and clarifying. It is calming and promotes deep, dreamless sleep.
Ashwagandha is a good food for weak pregnant women; it helps to stabilize the fetus.
It also regenerates the hormonal system, promotes healing of tissues, and can be used externally on wounds, sores, etc.
Relieves Stress, Strain & Fatigue.
Ashwagandha, an adaptogenic herb, is best known as a health tonic and restorative agent. It s helpful in conditions of general debility, exhaustion, stress-induced fatigue and insomnia. Ashwagandha reduces anxiety and stress levels, increases vitality and vigour. It improves both physical and mental performance;
Studies have shown ashwagandha to be effective in stimulating the immune system. It also appears to inhibit swelling and aid memory.
Dosage :
Five grams of the powder can be taken twice a day in warm milk or water, sweetened with raw sugar.
Composition :
Each 100mg contains :
withania somnifera 21.78mg
zingiber officinale 10.89mg
piper longum 5.44mg
piper nigrum 2.72mg
cinnamomum zeylanicum 0.54mg
elettaria cardamomum0.54mg
cinnamomum tamala0.54mg
mesua ferrea0.54mg
syszgium aromaticum0.54mg
celrodendron serratum0.54mg
taxus baccata0.54mg
curcuma zedoaria0.54mg
cumminum cymimum0.54mg
murraya koenigii0.54mg
nardostachys jatamansi0.54mg
piper cubeba0.54mg
cyperus rotendus0.54mg
pluchea lanceolata0.54mg
picrorhiza kurroa0.54mg
leptadenia reticulata0.54mg
saussurea lappa0.54mg
saccharum officinarum base0.54mg
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