Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is a very popular herb in Ayurvedic treatment of several diseases. It is well known by the name , Indian ginseng, Indian wintercherry or poison gooseberry.
Along with its role in diseases, it is a powerful remedy for boosting immunity.
This herb is a potent adaptogen i.e.it is a non-toxic herb that helps in normalize all bodily functions.
It’s botanical name is Withania somnifera.The word ‘somnifera’ means “sleep inducive” which means that this drug is a potent sedative and helps to treat conditions like insomnia and other sleep disorders
Effects on Doshas-
Ashwagandha characterizes with three different rasas(taste) named –
• Tikta (Bitter)
• Katu (Pungent)
• Madhura (Sweet)
It is blessed with gunas namely-
• Laghu (light)
• Snigdha (oily)
Added on, it has Ushna virya (hot potency) and Madhura Vipaka (pungent metabolic property).It aggravates the pitta doshas (digestion) and pacifies vata (air) and Kapha (earth and water) doshas.
Each and every part of this magical pleat is used for treating several health conditions and promoting the vitality and longevity of an individual.
Benefits of various parts of the herb –
• Leaves –
The analgesic and antioxidant properties of its leaves are used for treating a viral infection, cough and cold, fever and chronic pain.
• Flower and seeds –
Ashwagandha flower and seeds
Its flowers have potent diuretic and aphrodisiac properties which is used for improving fertility and treating kidney problems such as kidney stones.
On the other hand, seeds have antihelminthic properties.
• Roots –
The roots are most widely used part of this herb. The root has potent aphrodisiac, anti-depressant, antihelminthic, diuretic, antioxidant, antidiabetic properties.
Health benefits of its various formulations-
• Ashwagandha Churna –
It is a powdered formulation of mainly the roots of the plant used for increasing the libido in males and treating various infertility issues.
☆ For male reproductive system –
▪︎Oligospermia (low sperm count)
▪︎Hypospermia ( low volume of semen)
▪︎Asthenozoospermia (Sperm motility)
▪︎Teratospermia (Abnormal sperm shape)
▪︎Enhances spermatogenesis (sperm production)
▪︎Erectile dysfunction
▪︎ Premature ejaculation
▪︎Improves the production of male hormones like testosterone and luteinizing hormone.
☆ For female reproductive system –
▪︎Endometriosis
▪︎Enhances egg maturation
▪︎Uterine tonic
▪︎Strengthens female reproductive organs
▪︎Maintains female hormone levels within the blood
Dosage –
It is usually taken 3 grams, 2 to 3 times aday for adults. It should be consumed with warm milk before meal in the morning and at night before going to sleep.
• Ashwagandha Arishtam –
This is a liquid preparation of this herb for general debility and improving the immunity. Other than improving reproductive health for both men and women, it is also used for neural problems like depression, dementia etc.
The goodness of the various herbal ingredients along with this make this preparation a potent remedy for a lots of other ailments.
☆ Benefits of Ashwagandha Arishtam
▪︎Prevents anxiety and depression
▪︎Treats insomnia
▪︎Improves immunity
▪︎Boosts bone health
Dosage –
Its general dosage is 20 ml i.e. 4 tsp twice a day with equal quantity of water.
Other uses of Ashwagandha-
• Manage diabetes
• Good for heart
• Anti-ageing effect
• Beneficial in pain and inflammation
• Normalises thyroid hormone levels
• Improves cognitive functioning like memory capacity, focus, alertness,calmness of an individual
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