Ashwagandha Herbal Information
NAME
Ashwagandha
LATIN NAME
Withania somnifera
ALSO KNOWN AS
Winter cherry
ORIGIN
India and Africa.
PARTS USED
Roots
TRADITIONAL HERBAL USES AND MEDICINAL PROPERTIES OF ASHWAGANDHA
Ashwagandha is the tonic for the 21st centuary lifestyle, it is said to bring "the strength of a stallion". It is known as Indian Ginseng. It is used extensively in Ayurvedic medicine.
Ashwagandha is rejuvenating and strengthening to the nervous system, and it works as a mild depressant to the over agitated nerves whilst nourishing and protecting. So it is excellent for stress induced disorders such as Insomnia, Anxiety, Neurosis.
Ashwagandha is an adaptogen, so it helps the body and mind adapt to stress that cannot be avoided, whilst strengthening and calming the mind and body.
It is an Aphrodisiac and is known to balance male and female sex hormones. It improves sexual performance in men, as well as increasing semen production and male libido. It can bring relief to impotency and treat infertility. Although it is known as a men's tonic it can be taken by women when strength is needed in conditions of debility and during pregnancy.
Ashwagandha is known to slow the aging process and help tissue building, and can be helpful in conditions of emaciation and weak immune system. It is an anti-inflammatory and can be helpful in rheumatism. It also known to be a tonic for the heart and lungs. It has also proved to be excellent in treating Hay fever because of its immune system balancing properties.
FOLKLORE AND HISTORY OF ASHWAGANDHA
This herb is used for 4000 years plus in India. It is a very important herb in Ayurveda, the traditional Indian medicine. It is used for tumors, inflammation (including arthritis), and a wide range of infectious diseases. The shoots and seeds are also used as food and to thicken milk in India.
Traditional uses of Ashwagandha among tribal peoples in Africa include fevers and inflammatory conditions. Ashwagandha is frequently a constituent of Ayurvedic formulas, including a relatively common one known as shilajit
CONSTITUENTS
Alkaloids and withanoloids.
TYPICAL PREPARATIONS AND DOSAGE OF ASHWAGANDHA
Suggested Dosage:
Ashwagandha tincture -
Extraction Ratio 1:3
Alcohol vol. 45%
2-3ml taken 2-3 times per day
Ashwaganda powder-
Take 2 to 10 grams daily (can be split up over day)
or as directed by a Herbal practitioner.
Use mixed with juice or milk.
PRECAUTIONS
Do not take if congested. No significant side effects have been reported with Ashwagandha.The herb has been used safely by children in India. Its safety during pregnancy and lactation are unknown
|
