ASHWAGANDHA

Introduction:

Ashwagandha is a shrub with yellow flowers & red fruits growing wildly in all drier parts of India. Traditionally, the roots are extensively used for its medicinal value. Classified as ‘Rasayana’ in Ayurveda, it has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, calming, immunity boosting, arresting the ageing process, revitalizing the body in debilitated conditions, augmenting body’s ability to resist and promoting ojas. Ojas is the most subtle, refined level of the physical body and is the end result of healthy food which is properly digested. Roots have ‘the smell of a horse’ it’s referred to as ‘Indian ginseng’ because of its rejuvenating properties. Used in powder, extract, ghruta and decoction form.

Uses:

Weight Gain

It improves muscle strength and put on weight, when it is used along with foods like ghee, milk etc.

Rejuvenator: Used as a general health tonic to restore strength in general debility, hence referred as Indian Ginseng. It has powerful antioxidants that is responsible for its anti-stress, and anti-aging effects.

Nursing Mothers: Ashwagandha thickens and increases the nutritive value of the milk when given to nursing mothers.

Increases Immunity

Ashwagandha has profound effects on strengthening body’s defense against infections and diseases, increases red blood cell, white blood cell, and platelets count.

Reduces Anxiety and stress

Ashwagandha helps in treating anxiety, depression, fatigue syndromes and sleep disorders because of its nerve calming effect. It is administered to induce a soothing and calming effect on a person. Highly effective in stopping the formation of stress induced ulcers

Ashwagandha for muscle pain, strength and wound healing:

Its root paste or oil prepared in sesame oil base is useful to relieve pain, inflammation, swellings, abscesses, backache, and one-sided paralysis (hemiplegia). Also useful in skin diseases and in chronic non healing wounds, white patchiness or leukoderma.

Increases Fertility in Men

This herb is good for enhancing the libido in men. 

Fights Diabetes

Ashwagandha has long been used as a remedy for diabetes in Ayurvedic medicine.

Aids in Cancer Treatment

A research study has termed Ashwagandha as an emerging and novel alternative in the field of oncology because of its cancer killing properties, in association with radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

Stimulates the Thyroid Gland

In cases of hypothyroidism, Ashwagandha can be used to stimulate the thyroid gland.

Controls Cholesterol Levels

Ashwagandha, with its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties, is good for cardiovascular health problems. It strengthens the heart muscles and can also controls cholesterol levels and lower blood pressure.

Side Effects

Large doses of Ashwagandha can cause abdominal discomfort and diarrhea and may be abortive.