In Ayurvedic medicine, ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) is a commonly utilized herb. It is a little shrub that is a member of the Solanaceae family. It may help with various ailments, but its main usage is as a nervine tonic, which calms the nerves. Indian winter cherry or Indian ginseng is other names for ashwagandha.
Because of its many health advantages, ashwagandha is frequently cited in classic textbooks of Chinese, Siddha, Ayurveda, and Unani medicine. The herb known by its ancient Ayurvedic name, ashwagandha, which translates to “odour of the horse,” was named for the way its roots smell like horse poop. Other names for it include Asgandh, Gandhapatri, Palashaparni, and Ashvakandika.
Description
This amazing plant can treat a wide range of illnesses and increase a person’s vigor and lifespan using every component of it. This potent medicine has been used by the holistic science of ayurveda to cure a wide range of health issues, such as infertility, lowered immunity, arthritis, depression, sleeplessness, mental disorders, etc.
Botanical Name:
Withania Somnifera
Family:
Solanaceae
Leaves:
The leaves have an underside that is slightly hairy and an elliptical or egg-shaped form with a pointy tip. They can get as long as 10 cm and are positioned in opposition to one another along the stems. The tint of the leaves ranges from light to medium green.
Flowers:
Little bell-shaped, yellow-green blooms are produced by ashwagandha and are carried in clusters. The flowers are not very spectacular and have five petals.
Roots:
The most valuable component of the ashwagandha plant in terms of medicine is the root. It is a thick, meaty taproot that is usually brown or yellow in color and can reach a length of up to 30 cm. To make ashwagandha powder for use in extracts, teas, and capsules, the root is dried and pulverized.
Stems:
The upright, branching stems of ashwagandha can reach heights of up to 1.5 meters. The woody stems have tiny hairs covering them.
Habitat:
From the northern tropical regions of India to the southern regions, ashwagandha is widely found throughout the country. In addition, it is widely grown for usage as a natural health supplement. It can be found in Yemen, China, and Nepal as well.
Parts Used:
- Roots
- Leaves
Dosage:
Powder- 3-6gm
Chemical Constituents
The properties of ashwagandha include flavonoids, alkaloids, and steroidal lactones. Collectively referred to as withanolides, ashwagandha contains steroidal lactones. It has been found that ashwagandha roots contain over 20 alkaloids and over 30 steroidal lactones. Numerous chemical components have been studied for various biological actions.
Sanskrit Synonyms
Withania somnifera, Winter Cherry, Varahkarni, Asgandha, Indian Ginseng, Ajagandha, Vajigandha
Other Language Names of Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera)
Marathi name – Asandh, Doragunj
Gujarathi name – Aasandha, Ghoda Aakun
Bengali name – Asvagandha
Kannada name – Ashvagandhi
Telugu name – Penneru Gadda/ Dommadolu Gadda
Tamil name – Amukura, Askulang
Sanskrit name – Ashwagandha, Gandhpatri, Vajini, Balada, Kamrupini
Hindi name – Asgandha, Asgandh
Malayalam name – Amukkura
Scientific Classification
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Subkingdom | Tracheobionta |
| Super division | Spermatophyta |
| Division | Magnoliophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Subclass | Rosidae |
| Order | Solanales |
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Genus | Withania |
| Species | Somnifera |
Ayurvedic Properties
Hindi/Sanskrit
- Rasa -Katu,Tikta,Kashaya
- Guna -Laghu,Snighdha
- Virya -Ushna
- Vipaka -Katu
English
- Taste -Pungent, Bitter, Astringent
- Physical Property-Light, Unctuous
- Potency- Hot
- Metabolic Property (After Digestion)-Pungent
Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) Uses
For anxiety and depression:
Anxiolytic activities of ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) may be comparable to those of lorazepam. According to an animal study, ashwagandha and lorazepam may both help reduce anxiety in animal models. Additionally, ashwagandha may have some antidepressant effects. This implies that ashwagandha might help with sadness and anxiety.
Potential use of ashwagandha for arthritis:
Potential anti-arthritic benefits of ashwagandha may be extensively acknowledged and documented. Because ashwagandha calms the nerve system, it may be able to reduce pain. Patients in an experiment were given an ashwagandha-containing formula. This combination of herbs shows promise in lessening the intensity of pain and impairment.
Potential use of ashwagandha for stress:
Mental stress has a negative impact on cardiovascular health and the circulatory system. The body’s antioxidant defense mechanism is also impacted by stress. Ashwagandha may facilitate the body’s adjustment to stress. It might also be helpful for improving mental and physical health.
Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) Benefits
Lowers Blood Sugar and Fat:
Ashwagandha has been shown to be beneficial in lowering blood glucose and triglycerides.
Female Reproductive System:
In addition to increasing male fertility, it is a potent uterine tonic and aids in the treatment of endometriosis, or inflammation of the lining of the uterus. It keeps blood hormone levels stable, supports the development of female reproductive organs, and speeds up the process by which eggs mature into follicles. When someone is trying to conceive, regular usage of this formulation or consumption of foods that increase fertility may be highly beneficial.
Relieves Stress and Anxiety:
ashwagandha’s most well-known advantage is its capacity to lower stress. This benefit is demonstrated by the numerous researches that show ashwagandha can considerably lower individuals’ tension and anxiety levels.
Enhances Libido:
Being a natural aphrodisiac, it lowers anxiety and tension in the mind and raises desire by stimulating hormones. In men, it also boosts virility and stamina.
Supports Heart Health:
Ashwagandha has been demonstrated in at least two trials to raise VO2 max levels, or the highest amount of oxygen your body can absorb when you physically exert yourself Cardiorespiratory endurance, or the capacity of the heart and lungs to supply oxygen to the muscles during physical exertion, is measured using these levels. Higher VO2 max values, therefore, may be indicative of a heart that is in good health and functioning well in those conditions.
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Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) Side Effects
Digestive upset:
This is the most typical ashwagandha adverse effect, along with vomiting, diarrhea, heartburn, and stomach pain.
Drowsiness:
It is advisable to avoid taking ashwagandha right before operating machinery or driving because it may have sedative effects.
Autoimmune diseases:
Some people are worried that ashwagandha could make autoimmune diseases like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis worse.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding:
Women who are nursing or pregnant should avoid taking ashwagandha. It’s preferable to stay away from it completely.
Conclusion
Because of its enormous health advantages, this mystical cure has been referred to as the “Queen of Herbs” in numerous ayurvedic textbooks since the beginning of time. Stress and anxiety can be normalized with the aid of this amazing medical herb, which is categorized as an adaptogen. Strongly aphrodisiac, it raises libido, addresses a number of infertility problems, and enhances men’s and women’s reproductive health. It also guarantees improved heart health and boosts immunity and general endurance.
FAQS
Is taking ashwagandha every day safe?
Although ashwagandha is generally safe to take on a daily basis, it is advisable to speak with a healthcare provider for specific guidance on dosage and any interactions.
What are the adverse effects of ashwagandha?
While serious reactions are rare, ashwagandha may cause moderate side effects like tiredness or intestinal pain. It’s best to speak with a healthcare provider for specific advice on how to use it.
How is winter cherry ashwagandha used?
Withania somnifera, sometimes referred to as ashwagandha, is a tropical winter cherry belonging to the Solanaceae family. It is used to cure a wide range of ailments, including as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, rheumatic diseases, stress, and asthma.
What unique advantages does ashwagandha offer?
It enhances the reproductive system’s functionality, supporting a balanced sexual and reproductive life. Being a strong adaptogen, it makes the body more resilient to stress. Ashwagandha enhances cell-mediated immunity, which strengthens the body’s resistance to illness.