Ashwagandha, also known as Withania somnifera, is a medicinal plant native to India and North Africa. It is a perennial plant that grows to about 2-4 feet in height and has yellow flowers and small, red-orange fruit.
ACTIONS & USES:
In Ayurveda, Ashwagandha is used to treat a variety of conditions, including:
- Modulates immunity: Ashwagandha is an effective drug to modulate immunity. It is thus widely used in treating auto-immune disorders, like – rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, lupus, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, alopecia areata, ulcerative colitis, etc.
- Degenerative diseases: Ashwagandha has been reported to reinforce the regeneration and rejuvenation of degenerating cells. It is thus widely used in ayurveda for treating various degenerative diseases, like – osteoarthritis, nerve degeneration, osteoporosis, retinopathy, brain degeneration (Alzheimer’s), etc.
- Male Infertility & Low Libido: Ashwagandha improves the production and activity of the male hormone testosterone. It is thus used in treating infertility in males resulting from low sperm count. In addition, it is used to treat low libido (Erectile dysfunction) in males.
- Stress and anxiety: Ashwagandha is believed to have a calming effect on the mind and may be used to reduce anxiety and stress. In addition, due to its sedative properties and it may be used to improve sleep.
- Cancer: Ashwagandha has been reported to possess anti-cancer activity. It can thus be used as a supportive drug in anti-cancer therapy.
- Inflammation: Ashwagandha is believed to alleviate inflammation. It can be used to treat various diseases having underlying inflammation, like – arthritis, psoriasis, allergic disorders, bacterial infections, etc.
- Cognitive disorders: Some studies have suggested that ashwagandha may improve memory and cognitive function. It can therefore be used in poor memory.
HOW TO USE IT?
Ashwagandha could be used as –
- Ashwagandha root powder – 3-6 gms, 2-3 times a day;
- Ashwagandharishtam – 15-30 ml, in an equal quantity of water, twice a day, after meals;
- Ashwagandha ghan (extract) tablet – 1-2 tablets, 3-6 times a day;
- Cartogen tablet – 1-2 tablets, 3 times a day, especially in degenerative disorders.
- Imunie tablet – 1-2 tablets, 3 times a day, especially for immune disorders.
- Imunie Gold tablet – 1-2 tablets, 3 times a day, especially in severe immune disorders.
- Higro tablet – 1-2 tablets, 3 times a day, especially in poor growth in teenagers.
PRECAUTIONS
Kindly note that while Ashwagandha has been traditionally used in the above-mentioned conditions, it is always advisable to use it after consulting a qualified healthcare professional.