Thursday, October 10, 2013

Aswagandha: or the smell of a horse

Ashwagandha is one of the most vital herbs in Ayurvedic healing,
has been used since ancient times for a wide variety of conditions, but
is most well known for its restorative benefits.

In Sanskrit ashwagandha
means “the smell of a horse,” indicating that the herb imparts the
vigor and strength of a stallion, and it has traditionally been
prescribed to help people strengthen their immune system after an
illness. In fact, it’s frequently referred to as “Indian ginseng”
because of its rejuvenating properties (although botanically, ginseng
and ashwagandha are unrelated). In addition, ashwagandha is also used to
enhance sexual potency for both men and women.

Belonging to the same family as the tomato, ashwagandha (or Withania
somnifera in Latin) is a plump shrub with oval leaves and yellow
flowers. It bears red fruit about the size of a raisin. The herb is
native to the dry regions of India, northern Africa, and the Middle
East, but today is also grown in more mild climates.

With its beneficial influence on the nervous system it's commonly
prescribed for people who complain of fatigue, difficulty concentrating
and a general sense un-groundedness. Mixed with warm milk and taken
before bed ashwagandha is useful for people with insomnia and anxiety.
Ashwagandha has a reputation in Ayurveda as a rejuvenative in conditions
of nerve and muscle weakness. It is also used for men and women who are
having trouble with fertility.

Scientific Research

Ashwagandha contains many useful medicinal chemicals, including
withanolides, (steroidal lactones), alkaloids, choline, fatty acids,
amino acids, and a variety of sugars. While the leaves and fruit have
valuable therapeutic properties, the root of the ashwagandha plant is
the part most commonly used in Western herbal remedies.
Medical researchers have been studying ashwagandha with great
interest and as of this date have carried out 216 studies of its healing
benefits, summarized below:

confers immune system protection

combats the effects of stress

improves learning, memory, and reaction time

reduces anxiety and depression without causing drowsiness

stabilizes blood sugar

lowers cholesterol

reduces brain-cell degeneration

contains anti-malarial properties

offers anti-inflammatory benefits

Some studies have also found that ashwagandha inhibits the growth of
cancer cells in small animals, but further research is needed to
determine whether the herb prevents the development of tumors in human
beings.

Practical Uses and Precautions

The usual recommended dose is 600 to 1000 mg, twice daily. For people
who suffer from insomnia and anxiety, having a cup of hot milk that
contains a teaspoon of powdered ashwagandha before bedtime is
beneficial. In extremely large doses, ashwagandha has been reported to
induce abortions in animals. Although no similar studies have been
carried out on humans, women should avoid the herb during pregnancy.