Ashwagandha- the Indian ginseng
Health articles > Ashwagandha- the
Indian ginseng
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 hormones which
stabilize pregnancy.
Usefull 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 motility. 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 the
milk when
given to nursing mothers.
This article is copyrighted.Dr.Krishna.R.S has been an Ayurvedic
Practitioner since 19 yrs , after getting a graduation degree in
ayurveda.His articles about ayurveda and life sciences have been
published in many magzines..http://www.ayurveda-increaselibido.com
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